Abstract
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High performance cable catcher systems are an effective means of protecting office building
windows and façades from effects of explosive blast. This paper presents experimental results for
the response a simple cable catcher system subject to impact loads delivered using a drop-hammer
testing facility. The objectives of this experimental programme were to investigate the loaddeformation
behaviour of steel strand cables and to evaluate the dynamic performance of cable
catcher systems in reference to their ability to absorb blast energy. Two steel cable arrangements
(compacted and normal spiral strand) have been tensile tested in order to provide load-deformation
curves as well as experimental values for the breaking load and Modulus of Elasticity. The cable
catcher systems with rigid attachments as well as using simple energy absorbing connections were
tested under impact loading. It was found that different cable arrangements have different failure
modes while properties such as the cable breaking load and Modulus of Elasticity are vital in
determining the capacity and behaviour of cable catcher systems under loading. Through impact
testing, it was found that simple energy absorbing devices are highly effective in reducing the
tensile force experienced by the cables. These devices limit the force in the cables to below
breaking load and also provide a longer impact time which reduces the likelihood of the cables
failing, but also slicing the failed glass panel upon impact.