Research & Service

Beason Brackin has been heavily involved in the research and development of numerous public-interest standards and guidelines. These activities have focused primarily in the arena of ASTM International and have led to the publication of several journal articles and standards. Specifically, the principals have led the development of five widely accepted standards and are currently working on several more. Beason Brackin continues to be involved in leading the development of new and on-going standards and guidelines.

Most notably in the area of glass, research performed by Dr. W. Lynn Beason, founding Senior Principal, in the late 1970’s led to the Beason “Glass Failure Prediction Model” which serves as the basis for all window glass design in the United States. Dr. Beason was the Committee Chairman and lead author for the original development of ASTM E1300 “Standard Practice for Determining Load Resistance of Glass in Building”

In the area of safety and security, research performed by Dr. Michael S. Brackin, founding Principal, led to the development of ASTM F3016 “ Standard Test Method for Surrogate Testing of Vehicle Impact Protective Devices at Low Speeds”, a standard test method aimed at protecting pedestrians and storefront patrons from errant vehicle intrusions. Dr. Brackin is the current Committee Chairman and lead author for the original development of ASTM F3016.

The Beason Brackin team has either led or held a significant role in the development and continuation of the following standards:

Glass:

• ASTM E997 “Standard Test Method for Evaluating Glass Breakage Probability Under the Influence of Uniform Static Loads by Proof Load Testing”
• ASTM E998 “Standard Test Method for Structural Performance of Glass in Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors Under the Influence of Uniform Static Loads by Nondestructive Method”
• ASTM E1300 “Standard Practice for Determining Load Resistance of Glass in Building”
• ASTM E2431 “Standard Practice for Determining the Resistance of Single Glazed Annealed Architectural Flat Glass to Thermal Loadings”

Roadside Safety:

• ASTM F3016 “Standard Test Method for Surrogate Testing of Vehicle Impact Protective Devices at Low Speeds”

Physical Security:

• ASTM F2656 “Standard Test Method for Crash Testing of Vehicle Security Barriers”