Amidon Briefing · Material Science
A Safe Shoot House Starts With Amidon Ballistic Concrete
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.
How ABC Compares With SACON
SACON (Shock Absorbing Concrete) is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers standard material for ballistic training construction. In a U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center program conducted for the U.S. Marine Corps, ABC performed equal to SACON. What ABC brings to a live-fire structure:
- Round capture at standard density — 9mm, 5.56mm and 7.62mm at 15 degrees obliquity or greater; 9mm and .50 caliber at 30 degrees or greater
- Proof-tested before service — every element fired with a 5.56mm M855 round and accepted only between 1 and 5 inches of penetration
- Long-term weather durability and crack resistance
- Lower maintenance costs over time
Applications in Live Fire Training
Ballistic concrete is used 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.
Related Reading