Corus welcomes the UK Government's recent announcement launching a national security strategy

16 Nov 2007

The challenge now facing the UK is one of disseminating the existing knowledge of blast protection techniques from an inner circle of experts to a wider audience of design professionals. This requires leadership from those organisations with expertise, as well as best practice sharing, to ensure our strategic infrastructure is effectively protected.

Incidents around the world have shown that terrorists will attack those targets they perceive as being vulnerable – stations, ports, airports, stadiums, arenas, shopping centres and any other venue that draws people. These are all crowded places with comparatively limited protective security and they afford the potential for mass casualties to be inflicted and mass panic created. However, measures are currently available to reduce the risk and mitigate the effects of a vehicle borne explosive attack, and also to provide blast protection for key buildings.

Through it’s Bi-Steel business, Corus has been operating in the security field for over 15 years, and our security solutions can, and already are, helping to achieve the Prime Minister’s goals of creating a safer country. Corus has worked in partnership with HM Government to develop and thoroughly test a range of protective security solutions made from Corus’ unique patented steel/concrete composite material – Bi-Steel. Bi-Steel’s blast resistant capabilities are being used to provide protective security for entire structures or safe areas within security-sensitive buildings in the city of London and across the country. Bi-Steel robust anti-attack vehicle barriers can be seen protecting the Palace of Westminster, New Scotland Yard, Stansted Airport and other locations of strategic infrastructure.

Blast protection for buildings

The onus is now on designers, architects and engineers to go beyond conventional protection techniques and provide structural security solutions at the conceptual design stage of a building. Although many are not experienced in providing ‘security by design’, information and advice is available from industry experts, like Corus’ Bi-Steel team. We are keen to facilitate a knowledge exchange, sharing best practice on incorporating blast resistant materials and design within new structures as well as retro-fitting security measures on existing buildings. These protection measures can be delivered discreetly, clad in a variety of finishes including traditional stone or brick, to blend with the surrounding environment.

Perimeter protection

Robust physical barriers are required to maintain stand-off from key buildings. These barriers must stand strong against a VBIED (vehicle borne improvised explosive device), maintain their integrity against tandem attacks and must avoid adding to secondary damage through fragmentation and the creation of dangerous projectiles. However, these security measures should be delivered in sympathy with the surrounding environment and must not restrict freedom of movement.

Next steps

In his statement, the Prime Minister commented that "while no major failures in our protective security have been identified" the time has come to embrace an updated security strategy and improve resilience to terrorist attack through both better physical protection and greater vigilance.

"The Prime Minister has offered a challenge to the professionals working in design and construction to embrace the philosophy of ‘security by design’. I am sure the industry can respond to this challenge, but we must act together and quickly. Knowledge exchange and sharing of best practice is the foundation of our collective response and Corus Bi-Steel is very willing to participate in meeting this challenge," Dr Jurek Tolloczko, General Manager, Corus Bi-Steel.

About Bi-Steel

Bi-Steel is a Corus patented, steel/concrete composite material that offers unrivalled protection against explosive blast. It is made of two steel plates connected together by friction welded bars to form panels, which are then filled with ready-mixed concrete. The unique anti-blast and impact resistant qualities of Bi-Steel make it ideal for use in blast protective structures as well as high performance anti-attack vehicle barriers. The range has been extensively blast and vehicle impact tested and meets the requirements of the relevant agencies operating within the UK defence and security sectors.

To arrange an interview with Dr Jurek Tolloczko or for further details call:

Allyson Forbes, Camargue, PR for Bi-Steel on 01242 577 277