This paper presents a review of research into the performance of blast walls in providing protection against the damaging effects of a blast wave generated by the detonation of a quantity of high explosive. Explosive sources might be military weapons such as aerially-delivered bombs or, more likely in the context of the current world situation, improvised explosive devices such as might be deployed by terrorist organisations. The paper reviews studies concerned with how blast walls achieve structural protection with particular reference to the importance of the blast wall's location relative to the threat and the asset that is to be protected. The question of what damage a blast wall might sustain, while still retaining its protective capabilities, is also discussed. The paper presents examples of both ‘permanent’ and ‘temporary’ blast wall designs and constructions used by both military and civilian organisations.
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