Protecting your facility from potential vehicle threats means choosing the right crash rated bollard. Whether you manage a high-traffic commercial property, a sensitive government site, or an industrial facility, bollards can shield your assets, employees, and visitors from harm.
With various ratings, designs, and installation options available, making an informed decision requires a clear understanding of your security needs and site conditions. In this guide, we walk you through key considerations to help you select the ideal crash rated bollard for your facility.
What Are Crash Rated Bollards?
Crash rated bollards are security bollards that have undergone rigorous impact testing to determine their ability to stop vehicles of varying sizes and speeds. These bollards are often used in high-security areas, public spaces, and critical infrastructure to prevent unauthorised vehicle access and protect against potential terrorist attacks or accidental collisions.
What Are the Different Types of Crash Rated Bollards?
Crash rated bollards come in various types to suit different applications and security requirements:
- Fixed bollards – Permanently installed bollards that provide constant protection.
- Removable bollards – Bollards that can be temporarily removed to allow authorised vehicle access when needed.
- Automatic bollards – Retractable bollards that can be raised or lowered electronically for flexible access control.
- Semi-automatic bollards – Bollards that are manually raised but use a hydraulic or pneumatic system for easier operation.
How Do I Choose the Right Crash Rated Bollard?
Selecting the appropriate crash rated bollard involves considering several factors:
Assess Your Security Needs
- What type of vehicles do you need to stop?
- What are the potential speeds of oncoming vehicles?
- What level of penetration is acceptable for your site?
Understand Crash Ratings
- Familiarise yourself with ASTM, PAS 68, and IWA 14-1 ratings (see more detail below).
- Choose bollards that meet or exceed your required level of protection.
Consider Site-Specific Factors
- What are the traffic conditions around your facility?
- Are there any space constraints or underground utilities to consider?
- What is the soil composition at the installation site?
Evaluate Operational Requirements
- Do you need permanent protection or occasional access?
- How frequently will authorised vehicles need to pass through?
- What is your budget for installation and ongoing maintenance?
Aesthetic Considerations
- Do you need bollards that blend with your facility’s architecture?
- Are decorative bollard covers an option to enhance visual appeal?
Why Are Crash Ratings Important?
Crash ratings provide a standardised measure of a bollard’s performance under impact conditions. They help security planners and facility managers choose the right level of protection based on their specific security needs and potential threats.
Crash rated bollards are tested and classified according to various rating systems, including:
ASTM F2656
Developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), this standard provides a classification system based on vehicle weight, speed, and penetration distance. For example:
- M50 – Stops a 6,800 kg truck travelling at 80 km/h
- M40 – Stops a 6,800 kg truck travelling at 65 km/h
- M30 – Stops a 6,800 kg truck travelling at 50 km/h
Additionally, the standard includes K-ratings (K4, K8, K12) which are based on kinetic energy levels.
PAS 68
The UK’s Publicly Available Specification for vehicle security barriers is similar to ASTM F2656 but uses slightly different test parameters. The PAS 68 rating includes detailed test results such as vehicle penetration distance, debris dispersion, and impact angle, providing a comprehensive assessment of a bollard’s effectiveness. For example:
- 7500[N3]/80/90:4.5 – A 7,500 kg vehicle at 80 km/h with a 90-degree impact, resulting in a 4.5 m penetration.
- 3500[N2]/64/45:3.2 – A 3,500 kg vehicle at 64 km/h with a 45-degree impact, resulting in a 3.2 m penetration.
IWA 14-1
An international standard that harmonises various national standards for vehicle security barrier systems. The IWA 14-1 rating focuses on vehicle type, speed, and impact angle, offering a universal classification system. For instance:
- 7.5[N3C]/80/90:3.0 – A 7,500 kg vehicle at 80 km/h with a 90-degree impact, resulting in a 3.0 m penetration.
- 3.5[N1]/48/30:2.5 – A 3,500 kg vehicle at 48 km/h with a 30-degree impact, resulting in a 2.5 m penetration.
How Are Crash Rated Bollards Tested?
Crash rated bollards undergo rigorous impact testing to ensure they can withstand high-impact collisions. The testing process typically involves:
- Installing the bollard in a controlled environment that mimics real-world conditions.
- Propelling a vehicle of specified weight and speed towards the bollard.
- Measuring the penetration distance and assessing the bollard’s performance.
- Classifying the bollard based on its ability to stop the vehicle and limit penetration.
What Are the Benefits of Crash Rated Bollards?
Crash rated bollards offer numerous advantages for perimeter protection:
- Proven performance – These bollards are designed and tested to withstand specific impact forces, providing reliable security.
- Deterrence – The visible presence of crash rated bollards can deter potential attacks or unauthorised access attempts.
- Flexibility – With removable and automatic bollards, you can maintain security while allowing authorised access when needed.
- Pedestrian-friendly – Unlike other vehicle security barriers, bollards allow easy pedestrian movement around protected areas.
- Customisation – Many crash rated bollards can be customised with different finishes or decorative covers to complement your facility’s aesthetics.
What Maintenance Do Crash Rated Bollards Require?
To ensure that crash rated bollards continue to provide the highest level of protection, regular maintenance is essential:
- Regularly check for signs of damage, corrosion, or wear.
- Test the mechanisms periodically for removable or automatic bollards to ensure smooth operation.
- Keep bollards clean and free from debris that could affect their performance.
- Maintain the protective coatings to prevent corrosion and preserve aesthetics.
- Schedule periodic evaluations by security experts to ensure your bollards still meet current threat levels and standards.
Why Choose Macs Bollards for Your Crash Rated Bollard Needs?
At Macs Bollards, we specialise in providing high-quality crash tested bollards and vehicle security barrier systems. Our extensive range includes fixed, removable, automatic, and semi-automatic bollards that meet stringent crash test standards such as PAS 68 and IWA 14-1.
Our team of security experts can guide you through choosing the best crash rated bollards for your facility, ensuring you get the right level of protection to meet your specific security needs. We offer:
- A comprehensive range of solutions for various threat levels.
- Customisable bollards to match your site’s aesthetic requirements.
- Experienced technicians who can properly place and install bollards for maximum effectiveness.
- Maintenance services to keep your bollards performing at their best.
- Bollards that meet or exceed UK and international standards.
Empower Your Security with the Right Crash Rated Bollard
Choosing the right crash rated bollard is a critical step in your overall security planning. By understanding the various factors involved, from crash test ratings to site-specific requirements, you can make an informed decision that provides robust protection for your facility.
Contact Macs Bollards today to discuss your crash rated bollard requirements. Our team is ready to help you select, install, and maintain the highest quality crash tested bollards to ensure the safety and security of your property and people.
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