Date of Award

3-21-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Engineering Management

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Alfred E. Thal, Jr., PhD

Abstract

This research investigated passive overhead protective measures for existing facilities in an urban environment that are vulnerable to enemy munitions fire. A new modular structural system was designed utilizing commercially available construction material consisting of structural tubing, scaffolding clamps, base plates, and simple roofing components. Structural analysis software was used to model nine modular structures to understand the relationship between the load bearing capacity of the structural members and overall dimensions of the system. Environmental variables for the models were set to the Parwan Province in Afghanistan; this region presents worst-case scenarios both for environmental factors and threat of enemy fire. American Institute of Steel Construction, Unified Facilities Criteria, and American Society of Civil Engineer codes were used as design standards for the analysis. For the final design, the members were sized according to the maximum axial, shear, and flexural forces exposed to a single member. Preliminary findings show that commercially available materials can be used to quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively install overhead protection in austere hostile environments. An economic analysis was conducted to determine if the size of members should be adjusted throughout the design to improve cost effectiveness. However, due to low marginal benefits, the structural tubing should be kept consistent throughout the design to simplify the construction process.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENV-MS-19-M-198

DTIC Accession Number

AD1077263

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