Bi-Steel helps protect war-zone embassy

21 Jan 2008

The first ever installation of Bi-Steel as a protective blast resistant wall around the compound of an embassy in the middle-east, has just been completed, offering enhanced protection and security for embassy staff and visitors alike in this strife-prone region.  Bi-Steel is currently protecting many security-sensitive sites around the UK but this is the first time it has been chosen to protect an embassy, where, arguably, the highest levels of security are required.

The four metre high wall is being built around the perimeter of the embassy providing an effective barrier to a car-borne explosive attack. Although the wall offers maximum levels of protection it is not overtly identifiable as a defensive structure from the exterior.

Bi-Steel was selected based on its proven blast resistance qualities, and the fact that its modular design facilitated fast and easy erection on site, eliminating the need to involver any specialist sub-contractors to be involved. The unique design of the system means that the panels can be simply bolted together on site – no welding is required.  Once erected, the panels are filled with ready-mixed concrete to provide maximum structural integrity.

Corus managed the manufacture and fabrication of the panels in the UK and organised shipment to the embassy site – at which point the client’s local sub-contractor assumed responsibility for the erection.

Bi-Steel blast protective walls can be custom-manufactured to clients’ individual specifications in heights from one to approximately ten metres. They can also be configured to meet the requirements of the site in terms of shape and form and can be clad in a variety of finishes to blend with surrounding structures.