STADIUM DEVELOPMENT NEWS
DESIGNING SPORTS STADIA TO RESIST EXPLOSIVE BLAST
Dr Jurek Tolloczko, General Manager of Corus Bi-Steel,
highlights key security considerations for the design of
football stadiums and other sporting arena.
materials, design methodologies and
S
ecurity for today - The
current threat level from
layouts in appropriate locations in order
terrorist attack in the UK
to reduce the consequences of a VBIED
remains at 'severe' - highlighting
attack to ALARP (As Low As
that the possibility of an attack is a
Reasonably Practicable) by increasing
constant reality.
the resilience of the facility and
Published earlier this year, the
surrounding environment to AHARP
National Security Strategy, provides a
(As High As Reasonably Practicable).
comprehensive framework that Britain
This is achieved by providing resistance
Stadia need protection.
will adopt to meet the security
to explosive delivery devices to reduce
challenges of today's world. Amongst a
the impact of an explosive blast, whilst firstly be clearly defined. The issue here the point of entry). There are three main
number of measures, the Strategy
maintaining the function and aesthetic is that this is open to interpretation, with a ways to mitigate the consequences of a
emphasizes the need to physically
qualities of the environment, within variety of definitions, anywhere from the VBIED attack below ground, all of
protect buildings, crowded places and
reasonable cost constraints. edge of the pitch, to the front of the which require consideration in order to
the people who frequent from terrorist
Prevention is always better than cure, stadium, to the grounds' furthest appropriately secure this key area.
bomb attack. Enhancing protection of
and the inclusion of the appropriate blast boundary (such as the main road outside). Firstly, a robust entrance barrier to
critical national infrastructure including
protection security at the conceptual A 'security zone grid' overlay should prevent unauthorised vehicle access -
ports, airports and rail stations, as well
design stage will ensure protection for the be applied to each site that considers which could feature a road blocker,
as other places where people gather
building and those who use it. There are the following key security zones: rising bollard, or other form of
together in numbers (such as sports
several ways this can be achieved. For • Zone 1 - Below ground protective gate system. The design
stadia), is also high on the agenda.
instance, carrying out comprehensive risk • Zone 2 - Inside the building criteria for this should focus on:
In the sporting arena, this can be
assessments that evaluate the potential • Zone 3 - Building façade • The threat scenario - considering
achieved by working with security
threat will allow security to be considered • Zone 4 - Near field pavement maximum vehicle size, maximum
professionals, planners and the architects
early on. Intelligence gathering and the • Zone 5 - Far field possible approach speed and
of sports stadia to 'design in' safe areas and
comprehensive layout and planning of a Below ground explosive weight capacity?
blast-resistant materials that enhance
site is a major benefit in attempting to The importance of protecting this • The available space - height/width
physical protection, as well as
deflect an attack. Measures can also be key area is often underestimated. restrictions for access?
strengthening perimeters against explosive
taken to disguise the most vulnerable Although not visible from the outside, • The foundation and below ground
blast. This approach is particularly relevant
areas of a building so these do not attract this vicinity can conceal a hive of services - details and locations?
to protect against the effects of a Vehicle
the full force of an attack. activity, including access roads, 'goods • Structural resilience of the
Borne Improvised Explosive Device
The latest countermeasures include a in and out' and even underground car building - this will set the
(VBIED) attack, a method increasingly
greater consideration of building parks. A below ground explosive blast, maximum inherent threat
used by terrorist organisations.
orientation and layout as well as particularly if in close proximity to a resistance?
Security by design
landscaping. Security, design and key structural element, can have a • Usability issues - including access
The purpose of a 'security by design'
construction professionals have a major impact on a building - leaving it frequency and required turning
approach is to use blast resistant
responsibility to ensure they understand vulnerable to partial or even complete circles?
how such factors can influence the level collapse. Attack modes can range from Secondly, internal blast zones/
of protection provided and to fully aggressive (forcing entry), or Trojan perimeters - identify key areas and
consider appropriate security measures at (where the VBIED is disguised within a incorporate appropriate blast
the initial design stage for new structures. vehicle that has legitimate access), protection measures. Areas requiring
Securing the perimeter through to casual (taking advantage of additional protection include those
In order to secure the perimeter of a potential security lapses, such as failure with close proximity to key structural
sports stadium/arena, that perimeter must to check appropriate identification at elements and operationally critical
facilities, such as 'service ducting,
command and control, and areas where
large volumes of people may gather.
Thirdly, protective building core/area
to secure escape routes and provide
temporary refuge - a blast protected
escape route is essential to enable a rapid
and safe exit for spectators and
employees in the event of an explosive
attack. If one or more of the building's
structural cores is constructed from a
blast resistant material, these measures
Bi-Steel bollard systems require minimal
foundations which enables rapid
Bi-Steel Pedestrian Portals allow quick and easy access for pedestrians whilst will also ensure the building's structural
installation with minimum disruption.
maintaining protection against VBIED attack
integrity following an explosive blast.
20 | FOOTBALL & SPORTS ARENA | September/October 2008
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