Modeling and Design Tool for Bio-Based Construction Products

The overall objective of the proposed effort is to develop a user-friendly fast-running software tool that assesses the blast / ballistic performance of various bio-based construction products and compares their blast/ballistic performance, fabrication and installation cost, energy efficiency, and logistics complications with that of other conventional construction materials.  Specific objectives for the Phase I effort include: (1) to combine analytical methodologies previously developed by Karagozian & Case, the Georgia Institute of Technology, and the Forest Products Laboratory to assess the blast and ballistic response of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) in a single prototype software tool, (2) to collate literature related to blast and ballistic impact that can be used for validation, and (3) to develop a software framework that is extensible, flexible, and capable of addressing energy efficiency, cost, and logistic considerations for CLT, other bio-based construction products, and conventional construction materials during a follow-on Phase II effort.