Impact

Abstract

People have the perception that brick, concrete and stone walls are impenetrable. This perception comes from historic buildings constructed with solid masonry walls 30cm (12 inches) in thickness. World War II bunkers were constructed with concrete walls measured in feet and not inches. Today’s modern construction rarely uses this type of wall assembly. Concrete structures have become much thinner with innovative ultrahigh performing concrete and fiber reinforcement systems, sometimes less than 2.5cm (1 inch) thick. Masonry construction has moved to non-load-bearing veneer walls comprising a 9.21cm (3 5/8 inch) wythe with stone cladding panels typically 3.18cm (1 1/4 inch) in thickness, or sometimes thinner. Designers have to anticipate how building materials are going to be used and misused. Careful consideration must be made toward maintaining material finishes. Everything, from luggage to shovels, will dull sharp edges.