General Engineering · Engineering Glossary
Antiterrorism/Force Protection (ATFP) refers to design measures required on U.S. military and federal facilities to protect occupants from blast, ballistic, and vehicle-borne threats. ATFP requirements are governed by the Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) and must be incorporated into the structural, site, and MEP engineering.
The primary ATFP UFC is UFC 4-010-01, which establishes standoff distances, glazing performance, structural hardening criteria, and progressive collapse prevention requirements for new and renovated DoD facilities. Structural engineers must evaluate blast loads, design reinforced wall and roof systems, and in some cases coordinate with blast consultants for high-consequence facilities. ATFP requirements heavily influence site planning — setbacks, bollard placement, and vehicle barrier systems are all part of the force protection envelope. Apex Grid has experience designing to UFC ATFP criteria for military and federal government clients.
Apex Grid Engineering maintains this glossary as a resource for architects, contractors, developers, and property owners who encounter unfamiliar engineering terminology on their projects.
View All Engineering TermsApex Grid's licensed PEs provide general engineering services across multiple jurisdictions — with fast quote turnaround and permit-ready documents.
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