A RISK-ORIENTED APPROACH TO PROTECTION FROM NUCLEAR WEAPONS
A rational approach is presented for providing protection from nuclear weapons in keeping with either a policy wherein the cost of protection is borne by the individual property owner or one wherein it is borne by tax-derived funds. All prompt eIfects, except the scattering of prompt radiation through entrances, are given in terms of overpressure from a l0-megaton burst by providing at each overpressure sufficient cover to reduce prompt radiation to an acceptable level inside. A low radiation level inside is recommended for new construction because its additional cost is insignificant. Scattering through entrances can be reduced to acceptable levels through proper baffling and entrance door design. The thesis is that each shelter owner must find a combination of cost and risk acceptable to him. A procedure is described for estimating risk from both fall- out and blast, the latter in terms of probability of each level of blast pressure in terms of distance from likely aiming points within a target area. While oriented toward the individual, the procedures are equally applicable for shelters in commercial, industrial, and public buildings. A concept of shelters and equipment in more than one price range is introduced to permit levels of comfort and convenience to fit the wishes of the owner without any significant sacrifice of basic protection. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Sandia Corp., Albuquerque, N. Mex.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AT(29-1)-789
- NSA Number:
- NSA-16-033314
- OSTI ID:
- 4765554
- Report Number(s):
- SC-4689(RR)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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