Bomb Blast Window Film from Sureguard Window Films

Different glass types break and "perform" in differing ways when subjected to explosive force. The three most common glass types used for external glazing in buildings are annealed (or float) glass; toughened glass and laminated glass.

Annealed Glass.
The breakage pattern will be in the form of several cobweb patterns creating shards of glass. After leaving the frame these shards of glass will turn with the pointed end leading. Depending on the force of the explosion these shards will travel a great distance embedding themselves into anything that lies in their path.

Toughened glass.
Breaks into thousands of tiny pieces and after leaving the frame will shoot across the room like small bullets causing small lacerations and embedding themselves into obstructions. The potential injuries will be less than annealed glass as there are no sharp points reducing the penetration.

Laminated glass.
Will hold together better due to the PVB interlayer, which bonds 2 panes of glass together. If the force is sufficient there is the possibility of the glass delaminating from the PVB, however the mass of the whole pane will reduce the distance travelled thereby reducing the force of impact. Laminated glass also suffers from spalling which is where the outer layer of the glass breaking away into tiny slithers. These slithers are not a fatal threat however they can cause serious eye damage.

In all the above cases the breakage patterns and the risk of injury depends on the force of the explosion. Toughened glass is stronger than normal glass so can withstand greater pressures however once stress points are reached it will be removed from the frame thereby offering no protection. Laminated glass will break easier but could contain itself within the frame if the explosive cycle is not long in duration or high in force.