October 2002

Process Industry Practices

Architectural

PIP ARS08390
Blast Resistant Doors and Frames

PURPOSE AND USE OF PROCESS INDUSTRY PRACTICES

In an effort to minimize the cost of process industry facilities, this Practice has
been prepared from the technical requirements in the existing standards of major
industrial users, contractors, or standards organizations. By harmonizing these
technical requirements into a single set of Practices, administrative, application, and
engineering costs to both the purchaser and the manufacturer should be reduced. While
this Practice is expected to incorporate the majority of requirements of most users,
individual applications may involve requirements that will be appended to and take
precedence over this Practice. Determinations concerning fitness for purpose and
particular matters or application of the Practice to particular project or engineering
situations should not be made solely on information contained in these materials. The
use of trade names from time to time should not be viewed as an expression of
preference but rather recognized as normal usage in the trade. Other brands having the
same specifications are equally correct and may be substituted for those named. All
Practices or guidelines are intended to be consistent with applicable laws and
regulations including OSHA requirements. To the extent these Practices or guidelines
should conflict with OSHA or other applicable laws or regulations, such laws or
regulations must be followed. Consult an appropriate professional before applying or
acting on any material contained in or suggested by the Practice.

This Practice is subject to revision at any time by the responsible Function Team and
will be reviewed every 5 years. This Practice will be revised, reaffirmed, or withdrawn.
Information on whether this Practice has been revised may be found at www.pip.org.

Process Industry Practices (PIP), Construction Industry Institute, The

University of Texas at Austin, 3925 West Braker Lane (R4500), Austin,
Texas 78759. PIP member companies and subscribers may copy this Practice
for their internal use. Changes, overlays, addenda, or modifications of any
kind are not permitted within any PIP Practice without the express written
authorization of PIP.

PIP will not consider requests for interpretations (inquiries) for this Practice.

Not printed with State funds

October 2002

Process Industry Practices

Architectural

PIP ARS08390
Blast Resistant Doors and Frames
Table of Contents
1. Introduction .................................. 2
1.1 Purpose ............................................. 2
1.2 Scope................................................. 2

2. References ................................... 2
2.1 Process Industry Practices ................ 2
2.2 Industry Guides and Standards ......... 2
2.3 Government Regulations ................... 3

3. Definitions .................................... 3
4. General ........................................ 4
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4

Quality Assurance.............................. 4
Submittals .......................................... 4
Delivery, Storage, and Handling ........ 5
Warranty ............................................ 5

5. Requirements ............................... 6
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6

Design................................................ 6
Manufacturer...................................... 6
Materials ............................................ 7
Accessories ....................................... 7
Fabrication ......................................... 8
Shop Coating ..................................... 8

6. Execution...................................... 8
6.1 Installation.......................................... 8
6.2 Field Painting ..................................... 9

Process Industry Practices

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PIP ARS08390
Blast Resistant Doors and Frames

1.

October 2002

Introduction
1.1

Purpose
This Practice provides the manufacturer and the contracted installer of blast resistant
doors and frames with a specification for designing, manufacturing, and installing
blast resistant doors and frames to be used in process industry facilities.

1.2

Scope
This Practice describes the requirements for all material, fabrication, finishes,
delivery, and installation of blast resistant doors and frames. This Practice does not
include requirements for finish painting.
Any conflicts or inconsistencies between this Practice, the design drawings, or
contract documents shall be brought to the attention of owner for resolution.

2.

References
Applicable requirements of the latest edition of the following guides, standards, and
regulations in effect on the date of contract award shall be considered an integral part of this
Practice, except as otherwise noted. Short titles will be used herein when appropriate.
2.1

Process Industry Practices (PIP)

PIP STC01018 - Blast Resistant Building Design Criteria

2.2

Industry Guides and Standards

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
ASTM D1056 - Standard Specification for Flexible Cellular Materials
Sponge or Expanded Rubber
ASTM E330 - Standard Test Method for Structural Performance of Exterior
Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
ANSI A156.4 - Door Controls - Closers
ANSI A156.18 - Hardware - Materials and Finishes
ANSI A156.21 - Thresholds
American Welding Society (AWS)
AWS D1.1 - Structural Welding Code - Steel
AWS D1.2 - Structural Welding Code - Aluminum
AWS D1.3 - Structural Welding Code - Sheet Steel

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

NFPA 80 - Standard for Fire Doors, Fire Windows, and Smoke Control Door
Assemblies

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Process Industry Practices

PIP ARS08390
Blast Resistant Doors and Frames

October 2002

NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code

NFPA 252 - Standard Methods of Fire Tests of Door Assemblies
Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
UL 10C - Positive Pressure Fire Tests of Door Assemblies
2.3

Government Regulations
U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
State and/or local building codes
U.S. Department of Justice Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG)
ADAAG 4.1.6(3)(d) - Doors
ADAAG 4.13.5 - Clear Width
ADAAG 4.13.6 - Maneuvering Clearances at Doors

3.

Definitions
astragal: The seal between the central joint and two swinging doors and/or transom panels
blast loads: The transient dynamic loads from the blast effects of an explosion, usually stated
in terms of peak pressure and impulse or duration
contractor: The party responsible for furnishing and/or installing the steel doors and frames
contract documents: Any and all documents, including design drawings, that the owner has
transmitted or otherwise communicated, whether by incorporation or by reference, and made
part of the legal contract agreement or purchase order agreement between the owner and the
contractor
exit door: Exterior door that separates interior spaces of a building or structure by fireresistance-rated construction and by opening protectants as required to provide a protected
path of egress travel between the exit access and the exit discharge
manufacturer: The party who fabricates the doors and frames in accordance with contract
documents and who provides shop drawings
owner: The owner of the building or the owners authorized agent
qualified registered professional engineer: A person professionally qualified and duly
licensed to perform engineering services
Rebound: The deformation in the direction opposing the initial blast pressure. This occurs
after a component has reached a peak deformation and returns in the direction of its initial
position.

Process Industry Practices

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PIP ARS08390
Blast Resistant Doors and Frames

4.

October 2002

General
4.1

4.2

Quality Assurance
4.1.1

The manufacturer shall provide and the contractor shall install doors and
frames as specified herein.

4.1.2

The manufacturer shall control the quality of items and services to meet the
requirements of this Practice, applicable codes, and standards. The
manufacturer shall provide evidence of a quality assurance (QA)
system/program.

Submittals
4.2.1

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The manufacturer shall provide the contractor with the following:

Product data, including manufacturers product specifications,

standard details, certified product test results from independent testing
firm, door weight, force required to open door before blast load,
evidence that the door will be operable in accordance with paragraph
5.1.1.1 after blast load, and installation instructions

The manufacturers QA plan

Detailed shop drawings and data, including dimensioned plans and

elevation, details of sections, connections and anchorage, and parts list

Design calculations, based on specified loads, stamped by a qualified

registered professional engineer to verify that the door, frame, and
hardware can withstand the design pressure loading and still be
operable by person both inside and outside building. Calculations for
hardware and operating mechanisms are required if these items affect
blast capacities of the doors (i.e., hinges, latches, pins, doorstops, etc.).
The calculations may be in either imperial or SI units but shall be
consistent. The calculations and all text shall be in English. Certified
dynamic test results from an independent testing firm, showing door
and frame assembly meeting performance requirements, may be
substituted for calculations.

Welding procedures and welders qualifications

Fire-rated door assemblies. For door assemblies required to be fire

rated as indicated in the contract documents, the manufacturer shall
submit certification that each door and frame assembly has been
constructed to conform to design, materials, and construction
equivalent to requirements for labeled construction given in NFPA 80,
NFPA 252, and UL 10C.

A letter of conformance stating that the doors furnished have been

tested in accordance with ASTM E330

Instructions for installation and maintenance

Process Industry Practices

PIP ARS08390
Blast Resistant Doors and Frames

October 2002

4.2.2
4.3

4.4

Operation, service, and replacement parts manuals. These manuals

shall contain complete installation, disassembly, operating, and
maintenance instructions. Instructions shall also be provided for
maintaining the blast resistant function of door. A complete parts list
shall be included and must consist of the make and model of
components from the various manufacturers of the system as supplied.
These manuals shall be in English.

Documents mentioned in the preceding list shall be submitted to the

contractor according to schedule in contract documents.

Delivery, Storage, and Handling

4.3.1

The manufacturer shall assume full responsibility for shipping the required
number of units of size, thickness, and hand shown on the design drawings.

4.3.2

The manufacturer shall deliver doors and frames wrapped in cardboard or

crated to provide protection during transit and job site storage.

4.3.3

The contractor shall inspect doors and frames upon delivery for damage.
Damage may be repaired if refinished items are equal in all respects to new
work and are acceptable to owner and manufacturer; otherwise, damaged
items shall be removed and replaced as directed.

4.3.4

Doors, frames, and accessories shall be clearly marked with door number to
identify the openings in which they are to be installed. Means shall be
provided for necessary protection against deterioration or damage to
products that will be held in field storage. Doors shall be stored in upright
position if possible and in a protected area.

Warranty
4.4.1

The door, including all materials furnished in accordance with this Practice,
shall be guaranteed by the manufacturers and contractor against defective
material, poor workmanship, improper design, or failure from normal usage
for a period of 1 year from the date of installation or 15 months from the
original ship date, whichever comes first.

4.4.2

Any materials that fail, deteriorate unduly, or show defects during the period
of the guarantees shall be replaced at the contractors expense unless the
door was purchased directly from the manufacturer, in which case it is at the
manufacturers expense.

Process Industry Practices

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PIP ARS08390
Blast Resistant Doors and Frames

5.

October 2002

Requirements
5.1

Design
5.1.1

Blast resistant doors shall be designed for the dynamic loads provided in the
PIP STC01018 Appendix A Data Sheet. The performance category for the
blast resistant doors shall be as specified in the PIP STC01018 Appendix A
Data Sheet, Section A-3, Blast Door Requirements. The response limits
and other requirements shall be as given in PIP STC01018, Table 9.
5.1.1.1 After an explosion, the doors are to be manually operable from the
inside and outside to allow egress from the building. Unless
otherwise specified in the contract documents, all doors are to open
to the outside.
5.1.1.2 Each door system shall consist of a door, frame, hinges, latches,
pins, and associated hardware. The doorframes shall be attached to
subframes that are embedded into the surrounding concrete walls or
attached to other structural wall material.
5.1.1.3 The subframes shall be installed by the contractor in accordance
with the drawings furnished by the door manufacturer. The intent of
providing separate subframes and frames is to allow construction of
the building to proceed during fabrication of the blast doors. The
connection of the subframe to the frame shall maintain structural
integrity throughout all response to the applied load. Design of this
connection is the responsibility of the door manufacturer. The
installation and maintenance of the structural integrity of the
subframe installation during construction is the responsibility of the
contractor/installer.
5.1.1.4 Dynamic elastic-plastic design techniques shall be used. Static,
elastic analysis is not acceptable. The entire pressure-time history
must be included in the response calculations.
5.1.1.5 Increases in material strengths that are due to strain rate effects shall
be considered.
5.1.1.6 The door system shall be designed to resist rebound. Maximum
rebound forces shall be identified and factored into the system
design by the door manufacturer.
5.1.1.7 The door system shall be designed to withstand the applied blast
loading one time only. It is not necessary to design the door to be
reusable for a second explosion load; however, the doors shall
remain operational following dynamic response to the blast load.

5.2

Manufacturer
5.2.1

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Subject to compliance with requirements for blast resistant doors, all

components shall be designed and furnished by one (1) manufacturer and
shall be factory assembled, completely operable, and shipped as a unit.

Process Industry Practices

PIP ARS08390
Blast Resistant Doors and Frames

October 2002

Subframe designs and details shall be forwarded in sufficient time for field
fabrication and installation in the building.
5.3

5.4

Materials
5.3.1

Blast resistant doors and frames shall be constructed from steel or aluminum
sheet or plate shapes or from structural bars and shapes and reinforced to
withstand the design requirements of this Practice. Any use of alternate
materials and joining methods for the doors and frames shall be approved by
the owner. Doors shall be flush type and of the size shown on the design
drawing. Blast resistant doors and removable transom panels (when
required) shall have an astragal designed to withstand the applicable blast
loading. The astragal shall be welded to a removable panel. The removable
panel shall match the door in appearance and function and shall leave the
opening clearthe full height and width of perimeter framewhen
removed.

5.3.2

Frames shall be equipped with adjustable gaskets around the perimeter at

heads and jambs for perimeter sealing of doors. Bottoms of doors shall be
equipped with gaskets for sealing at sills. Gasketing shall conform to
ASTM D1056, Grade 2C1, neoprene or an approved equivalent. Removable
transom panels shall be similarly gasketed.

5.3.3

Blast resistant doors and removable transoms shall be filled with thermal
insulation unless otherwise specified on contract documents.

5.3.4

Each blast resistant door shall be equipped with the hardware capable of
withstanding the specified loads. Designations used in the contract document
to indicate hardware finishes are those listed in ANSI A156.18. The finish of
every hardware unit, including fasteners, shall be matched at each door to
the greatest extent possible.

5.3.5

Unless otherwise required by contract documents, the UL 10C label, which

shows degree of fire protection indicated by opening class, shall be affixed
and visible on all fire-rated doors and frames as evidence of compliance with
procedures of label agency.

Accessories
5.4.1

Hinges shall be heavy-duty, low-friction, full-mortise ball bearing, with

high-quality corrosion resistant finish.

5.4.2

The use of rebound pins that are moved into the subframe by hardware and
supported by pin blocks mounted on the doorplate is acceptable. The
rebound pins can serve as the only hardware latching the door into the frame
when the door is closed. Alternate systems that meet performance
requirements are acceptable and shall be clearly defined in all submittals.
Door pins shall be tapered, self-aligning, and slam-latching.

5.4.3

Manually operated latch bolts, head, and sill, shall be provided for double
door inactive leaf.

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PIP ARS08390
Blast Resistant Doors and Frames

October 2002

5.4.4

When specified for security, security astragal with integral gasket for double
doors shall be provided.

5.4.5

A hydraulic door closer shall be provided on all single doors and on the
active leaf of double doors, in accordance with ANSI A156.4. The closer
shall be of rack and pinion design with adjustable spring and high-impact
noncorrosive cover.

5.4.6

One threshold per door shall be provided, in accordance with ANSI A156.21,
for the total width of the door opening and in a finish selected by the owner.

5.4.7

To open an unlocked door from the outside, a single, exterior door handle
shall operate all pins and latching devices to allow opening of the door. The
hardware shall not be configured to require more than a single operation to
open the door from the outside.

5.4.8

To open an exit door from the inside, a panic bar mechanism is required, in
compliance with NFPA 101. When operated, the panic bar shall release all
latching devices and allow opening of the door. A second operation shall not
be required.

5.4.9

Manually operated exit doors shall meet the requirements of ADA where
specified in contract documents and of local building codes for the
maximum opening force.

5.4.10 Power-operated doors shall be operable with push buttons located on both
sides of door and manually operable during power failure.
5.4.11 Power-operated doors shall be equipped with safety devices, such as motion
detectors and presence sensors, and with provisions to avoid entrapment of
personnel. The power operator must provide operation following a blast
incident of design magnitude.

5.6

5.5

Fabrication

5.5.1

Finished work shall be neat in appearance and free from defects. Surfaces
shall be smooth and free from warps and buckles.

5.5.2

All welding shall comply with the applicable portions of AWS D1.1,
AWS D1.2, and AWS D1.3.

Shop Coating
5.6.1

6.

All surfaces to be primed shall be cleaned and primed. Shop primer shall be
manufacturers standard or better as requested by owner.

Execution
6.1

Installation
6.1.1

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Doors shall be installed by a qualified contractor/installer in accordance with

manufacturers instructions and approved shop drawings. Doors shall be
installed true and square in frames, shall operate freely and easily, and shall

Process Industry Practices

PIP ARS08390
Blast Resistant Doors and Frames

October 2002

be aligned and balanced. Mechanism shall be thoroughly lubricated, and the

entire installation shall be left in good operating condition.
6.1.2

6.2

Upon installation of the doors, the manufacturer and/or contractor shall

demonstrate proper operation of the doors, including functioning of all
safety equipment and performance of routine maintenance requirements.

Field Painting
6.2.1

The surface of doors, frames, and miscellaneous ferrous metal items shall be
thoroughly clean of rust, grease, and other impurities.

6.2.2

The contractor shall provide finish painting in accordance with architectural

specifications for painting buildings.

Process Industry Practices

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