Which crash-rated barrier is right for you?
- IronSite Education
- Aug 5
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 18
Different crash-rated barriers and their characteristics, advantages, and most common use cases.
Table of contents:
Introduction:
When it comes to security barriers, there are plenty of crash-rated options available for commercial and industrial settings. While they all achieve a high degree of protection from vehicle related threats, they function differently, have different limitations, different use cases, etc. Determining which security barriers are needed for any perimeter security project can get anyone’s head spinning, so hopefully this article that explores the different types and which one might be right for you make’s your next project a little easier.
Bollards:
Bollards are short, vertical posts that are typically made of steel and concrete and are designed to prevent unauthorized vehicle access and act as anti-ram security barrier against intentional vehicular attacks. They’re typically anchored underground with concrete, and while they can be removable, they’re generally installed as permanent, long-term security solutions. The different types of bollards are:
Crash-rated Bollards: bollards that have been tested and certified to meet ASTM and DoD requirements
Retractable Bollards: bollards that can be lowered and raised as needed for temporary access
Removable Bollards: bollards that can be removed from the ground for adaptable access control
Traffic Bollards: bollards specifically designed to control vehicle access and protect pedestrian areas
Lighted Bollards: bollards with integrated LED lighting for enhanced aesthetics and improved visibility
Shallow Mount Bollards: Bollards that sit above the groundwater to avoid interference with underground utilities
Bollards offer a variety of advantages to businesses looking to utilize them. They offer a lot in terms of customization, coming in a variety of sizes, finishes, and crash-rated protection. They can be incorporated into the architectural design of the facility or dressed up with bollard sleeves, offering enhanced aesthetics without sacrificing protection. The versatility in customization while maintaining or enhancing the visual appeal of the site makes bollards highly desirable and effective in a variety of settings, such as critical infrastructure sites, Government buildings, city centers, stadiums, airports, parking lots, and much more!
Wedge Barriers:
Wedge Barriers are a type of crash-rated vehicle barrier designed specifically to deny vehicle access in critical security locations. When they’re not in use, they sit flush with the surface or roadway and when they’re activated, they rise into a locked position, forming a ‘wedge’ shape to block any oncoming vehicles. The wedge can be swiftly raised and is incredibly effective at stopping high-speed vehicles and larger trucks instantaneously. Different types of wedge barriers include:
Shallow Foundation: a type of wedge barrier that’s less likely to interfere with underground utilities due to its minimal excavation requirements
Surface Mount: a low maintenance and weather resistant wedge barrier, often integrated with gate arms, are a great option when excavation is limited
Portable: a mobile and rapid deployment wedge barrier perfect for protection at festivals or temporary events, with crash-rated options available
Hydraulic powered: a heavy-duty power source designed to last for a long time if properly maintained, although the installation is more complex than electric-powered
Electric powered: they have higher initial costs, but are a great option for businesses looking for simple installation and lower maintenance costs compared to hydraulic powered
As far as advantages go, wedge barriers are arguably at the top of the barrier list in terms of crash-rating protection. They can be used in all types of climates, they have the capability to operate in only 1-2 seconds, and they have less excavation needs than other security barriers. If protection is your top priority, you can’t go wrong with a wedge barrier–which is why they’re commonly used at critical infrastructure, military bases, Government buildings, and utility plants.
Drop Arm Barriers
Drop arms are a type of security barrier that typically utilize a steel arm that raises and lowers vertically to control access and protect from intentional vehicle attacks. They’re engineered for surface-mounted installation and come in multiple, customizable opening sizes with different material options. They have multiple crash certifications, making them a great high security barrier option. Different drop arm barriers include:
Hydraulic powered: an option with a proven track record of high-security protection, multiple crash-rating options to meet specific requirements
Electric powered: an easier installation option designed for scenarios that require Emergency Fast Operation (EFO), with emergency backup power options
Automated operation: the most common type of drop arm barrier, operated by a control panel or an integrated access control system
Manual operation: for lighter security scenarios with low traffic, manually operated drop arms are a great option for controlling access
Overall, drop arm barriers offer a more than reliable solution to mitigating vehicular threats and controlling access. While there’s only one type of drop arm barrier, they offer options in power sources and can be highly customized to meet specific perimeter security needs, making them an ideal choice at Government facilities, military bases, and a variety of commercial and industrial sites.
Rising Beam Barriers
Like a drop arm barrier, rising beams utilize a steel arm or barricade, but rise up and down horizontally rather than pivoting up. The beam is anchored on both sides of the barrier, providing a high degree of protection from vehicular attacks. Rising beams offer crash-rated protection, making them an excellent high security and access control solution. They have standard power options, including:
Hydraulic powered: with regular maintenance, these highly reliable solutions are designed for heavy-duty applications and are highly effective at protecting against vehicle breaching attempts
Electronic powered: these lost lasting rising beams are all-weather and snow plow friendly, and their adaptability makes them ideal for a variety of high security scenarios
Emergency Fast Operation: a type of rising beam barrier designed for rapid deployment, with deployment times in the two to three second range
While there’s only one design of a rising bream, it does offers a high degree of customization. Rising beams can be tailored in length and height to meet specific dimensions, desired color and finish to blend in with the architectural design or environment of the site, and can be enhanced with signage, alarms, LED lights, intercoms, etc. for enhanced security. The high degree of customization and crash-protection make them a popular choice for Government facilities, critical infrastructure, and military bases.
Cable Barriers
Cable barriers are a type of barrier system that utilize multiple steel cables mounted on metal posts. The cable barrier handles vehicle impacts slightly different, deflecting and absorbing the impact energy before redirecting it back at the vehicle, essentially ‘throwing’ it back. Especially effective when integrated with security fences, they provide crash-rated protection and are highly effective at preventing vehicle penetration.
Powder coated: generally preferred for aesthetic reasons, powder-coated steel cables offer a wide variety of finishes and colors and reliable protection from weather and harsh elements
Galvanized: commonly chosen for exceptional durability, galvanized steel cables offer the upmost protection from rust and corrosion
Standalone: a type of cable barrier where the cables are connected between intermediate posts and commonly integrated with access control solutions
Integrated: cable barriers can be integrated with chain link fencing or other perimeter security fencing for enhanced protection
Cable barriers typically have two, three, or four cable options, depending on the requirements of the business. Their design includes a hidden anchoring method and a simple, sleek design results in a small security footprint, and customizable lengths, heights, configurations, and cable density options make them a versatile perimeter security solution. They’re often integrated with access control systems and perimeter fence designs, making them a popular choice for a just about any commercial or industrial setting.
Conclusion:
When it comes to security barriers, businesses have a lot of options with some degree of customization. Determining what barriers are needed largely depends on the specific requirements of the business. Is crash-rated protection the top priority? Are you limited in space or have excavation restrictions? Is aesthetics more important than protection level?
There are a lot of variables to consider when designing perimeter security that utilizes security barriers. If you need further information, don’t forget to check out our automated barrier buying guide. Working with an expert physical security integrator is always a good idea as well. They can help determine what the actual needs are and how exactly they can be address and work help develop a highly effective security strategy.
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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