UMaine engineers to unveil blast-resistant wood building technology

New technology, developed at the University of Maine, has led to the construction of a prototype blast-resistant wood building at the university's Advanced Engineered Wood Composites (AEWC) Center. Sen. Susan Collins and U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud will be at the center on Tuesday Feb. 19 at 10 a.m. to unveil the building for the first time.

UMaine engineers, including undergraduate and graduate students, have constructed the building inside the AEWC facility. AEWC technology, including a design methodology and coating treatments applied to the construction material, gives the building properties that will allow it to withstand blasts and severe weather. This construction has potential applications for military troop deployments, homeland security and hurricane-resistant construction.

This project follows the AEWC development of ballistic tent panels for the U.S. Army. The prototype version of those panels, which go inside tents and protect soldiers living in combat situations from nearby blasts, was presented to the Army last year. That technology was recognized for the American Composites Manufacturing Association as the "Best of the Best," signifying its status as the top composites technology innovation in the world in 2007.

Sen. Olympia Snowe and Rep. Tom Allen will send representatives to help celebrate that award at the Feb. 19 UMaine event.

Prof. Habib Dagher, AEWC director, will host Tuesday's event, which will include UMaine President Robert Kennedy and Reed Mosher from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Source: University of Maine