Intro : 
When it comes to military readiness, realism in training can’t be optional — it’s essential. That’s why more and more defense training ranges are switching from traditional materials like SACON to ballistic concrete. But what is ballistic concrete, and why is it critical for live fire training?

What Is Ballistic Concrete?
Ballistic concrete is a specialized formulation of reinforced concrete designed to absorb, contain, and mitigate the impact of live ammunition and explosions. Unlike standard mixes, it incorporates additives and aggregates to improve energy dissipation, prevent ricochet, and reduce spalling.

Why It’s Better Than SACON : 
SACON (Shock Absorbing Concrete) was an early effort at creating safe training environments. While effective for some uses, it falls short in durability and long-term cost-efficiency. Amidon’s ballistic concrete offers:

• UL 752 ballistic resistance (Level 8 and higher)

• Greater shock absorption for breaching and explosions

• Long-term weather durability and crack resistance

• Lower maintenance costs over time

Applications in Live Fire Training : 
Ballistic concrete is now the preferred material for:

• Shoot house walls and breach points

• MOUT village infrastructure

• Blast walls and grenade pits

• Hostile vehicle mitigation zones

Real-World Testing : 
Amidon Ballistic Concrete has been tested at Aberdeen Proving Ground, meeting or exceeding UL 752 and ASTM performance benchmarks.

Conclusion & CTA : 
If your training range still relies on legacy materials, it’s time to upgrade. Contact Amidon today to learn how ballistic concrete can elevate safety, reduce costs, and enhance realism.