2 December 2025 13h30-14h00
Bachir Belkassem (STEE)
Unexploded ordnance (UXO), particularly legacy air-dropped bombs, remains a significant hazard in post-conflict zones, especially in urban environments. Decades after World War II, thousands of unexploded bombs are still discovered annually, often requiring large-scale evacuations for controlled neutralization. Recent conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, further highlight the persistent threat of UXO, demonstrating that these hazards are not only historical but also a growing concern in contemporary warfare. The widespread use of air-dropped munitions in modern conflicts increases the likelihood of future UXO contamination, necessitating improved mitigation strategies. Mitigating the effects of UXO detonation—specifically fragmentation and blast waves—is crucial for reducing risks to surrounding areas and minimizing operational disruptions. This talk focusses on engineered protective structures, that aim to reduce hazards while minimizing the required evacuation perimeter, decreasing the time, cost, and logistical burden of UXO disposal in urban settings.
Teams Link will be communicated soon.