Crash-Rated Barriers: helping critical infrastructure achieve maximum protection
- IronSite Education
- Aug 27
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 1
Different types of crash barriers, crash-ratings explained, and their role in protecting critical infrastructure
Table of contents:
Introduction:
It’s no secret that there’s been an increase in vehicle as weapon (VAW) attacks in the recent years. Vehicles seem to have become a top choice for terrorists when attacking critical infrastructure, growing the need for crash-rated protection to keep personnel, assets, and facilities safe.
This article explains different types of crash-rated barriers, what their crash-rating means, and how they can be leveraged to maximize protection for critical infrastructure.
What are crash-rated barriers?
Crash-rated barriers are a type of security barrier that’s been designed to withstand high-impact collisions from vehicles, essentially stopping them in their tracks. The different materials within a crash-rated barrier, often high strength steel and reinforced concrete, work together to either absorb, deflect, or redirect the energy generated from the impact.
Deep, embedded foundations and proper underground anchoring allow the security barrier to stay put when stopping a vehicle, with some security barriers even offering crash-rated protection with minimal excavation. Different types of crash-rated barriers are:
Bollards: a highly customizable and versatile barrier system that can sit flush with the surface when not in use. Decorative sleeves and integrated LED lighting is available for enhanced aesthetics
Wedge Barriers: a type of security barrier that forms a ‘wedge’ shape when open, offering electric and hydraulic options with the rapid deployment capabilities
Drop Arms: a security barrier with a giant steel arm that pivots up and down. Opening size and materials can be customized, with easy installation and no need for excavation
Rising Beams: these barriers are anchored on each side and leverage a steel arm or barricade that raises and lowers horizontally, with rapid deployment capabilities
Cable Barriers: a barrier system that utilizes multiple steel cables mounted to metal posts, often integrated with perimeter fencing and access control
Portable Security: mobile security barriers that can be deployed in a matter of minutes, providing rapid crash-rated protection at events or temporary sites
What are crash-ratings?
In order for a security barrier to be labeled as “crash-rated” or “crash-certified”, they need to undergo a series of rigorous tests to determine its effectiveness at stopping vehicular attacks. They simulate real-world scenarios with comprehensive testing that analyzes factors like the vehicle’s weight, speed, and penetration depth after impacting the barrier.
Different crash-ratings standards have been established by the ASTM and the Department of State (DoS), and while their ratings are similar it’s important to understand that they cannot be used interchangeably. The ASTM uses M-Ratings and the DoS uses K-ratings regarding the vehicle’s speed, each with their own penetration rating. Different vehicle speed ratings are:
ASTM M30/DoS K12: rated to stop a 15,000 pound vehicle traveling at 30mph/48kph
ASTM M40/DoS K8: rated to stop a 15,000 pound vehicle traveling at 40mph/65mph
ASTM M50/DoS K12: rated to stop a 15,000 pound vehicle traveling at 50mph/80kph
In addition, each organization also has a penetration depth rating, which is how far past the barrier a vehicle travels once making impact. A small distinction between the two ratings is the M-Rating (ASTM) evaluates how far the vehicle’s payload travels past the barrier, while the K-Rating (DoS) evaluates how far the vehicles front bumper travels past the barrier.
Different penetration depths for M-ratings are:
P1: vehicle travels 3.3 feet or less
P2: vehicle traveled between 3.31 feet and 23 feet
P3: vehicle traveled between 23.1 and 98.4 feet
P4: vehicle traveled further than 98.4 feet
And K-ratings:
L1 certification: stops vehicles with between 20 to 50 feet of penetration
L2 certification: stops vehicles between 3 to 30 feet of penetration
L3 certification: stops vehicles with less than 3 feet of penetration
This means the highest crash-rating a vehicle can receive is either an M50/P1 or K12/L3, essentially stopping a 15,000 pound vehicle within roughly three feet of a security barrier traveling at 50 mph. For more information about crash-ratings, check out our “Crash-ratings for barriers explained” blog article.
Crash-rated barriers role in critical infrastructure
Critical infrastructure consists of Government facilities, Military bases, Utility substations, Data Centers, and much more. In addition to the growing VAW threats, these facilities also face threats from vandalism and theft, only reinforcing the need for high security protection.
If possible, security barriers should be used as a component in a layered security approach, integrated with other security systems to achieve a more comprehensive and effective perimeter security strategy.
By do, critical infrastructure sites can manage both vehicle and pedestrian access effectively, streamlining operations while improving overall security posture. Different types of security systems crash-barriers can be integrated with are:
Access Control: card readers, intercom systems, smart locks, and biometric scanners
Intrusion Detection Systems: security cameras, alarm systems, and sensors
Other perimeter security: automatic gates and anti-climb, anti-cut fences
For more information on a layered security approach, check out our “Data Center Physical Security Best Practices” article.
Conclusion
Critical infrastructure continues to face growing threats year over year, driving the need for high security protection higher than ever. By using security barriers that cater to the unique characteristics of the perimeter, ensuring they have the appropriate crash-rated protection, and integrating them with other security systems, critical infrastructure businesses can achieve 24/7/365 peace of mind from security threats.
IronSite is a national physical security provider with specialized expertise to deliver premium solutions at scale. Our extensive family of brands nationwide enables responsive and consistent service and support for all our clients wherever they may be.
Media Contact
Terin Pickett
IronSite
1595 E. 6th St; Suite 101
Corona, CA 92879
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