This study presents a comparative analysis of design load requirements for protective shelters in Sweden and Poland, focusing on how Swedish shelters are affected when designed for higher weapon loads. The study is motivated by the changing security situation in Europe, which has increased the relevance of robust and adequately designed protective shelters. Swedish shelters are currently designed for a weapon load of 50 kPa, while Poland applies a classification system with load levels of up to 300 kPa. The comparison between Sweden and Poland is based on their geographical proximity within the Baltic Sea region and Poland’s recent revisions of its shelter regulations.

The aim of the study is to analyze how reinforcement quantity, concrete strength, and wall thickness change when designing shelters for weapon loads between 100 and 300 kPa. The study also examines whether such changes are technically feasible within Swedish design models and evaluates the economic impact in terms of increased material costs.

To address these questions, the study combines document analysis, interviews, and structural calculations. The calculations are based on a standardized Swedish protective shelter subjected to different weapon loads, after which the results are analyzed with regard to structural capacity and material consumption. 

The results show that higher weapon loads lead to significant increases in both reinforcement requirements and wall thickness, particularly for loads exceeding 200 kPa. This results in heavier and more material-intensive structures. The cost analysis further indicates substantially increased material costs, mainly due to the larger concrete volumes required. 

The study concludes that higher design load levels are technically feasible but involve considerable economic and practical consequences. Any future changes in design standards therefore require careful consideration of safety, cost, and feasibility.