Investigation of Empty Wooden Ammunition Boxes for Protective Construction.

摘要

Empty ammunition boxes can serve as elements for construction of beams and bunkers to protect troops in the field. Various beam load tests have shown that it is possible to construct beams capable of safely carrying 2feet of soil. Two specific designs are presented for beams which can span 7and 10feet carrying 2feet of soil with a safety factor of 2. The problem of wood deterioration and loss of beam strength has been investigated and found not to be very significant. Beams placed side by side can serve as foxhole covers. Soil stability data are presented to determine minimum bearing areas required. Bunker construction plans have been developed and evaluated. Tests show the bunkers can be fabricated and will safely support the overhead load produced by 2feet of soil protection. Blast and fragmentation tests indicate that the amount of protection given by a bunker is adequate against a 155-mm artillery round. (Author)