Commercial Crash-Rated Barriers
To determine the best perimeter security option for a site, conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify where vulnerabilities may exist and how that compares to the sites’ security objectives. A TYMETAL specialist is always available to help you choose perimeter security solutions that best fit the site’s unique requirements and characteristics.
Understanding Crash Ratings
It is important to understand Crash Test Standards before selecting a crash rated vehicular barrier. Please read our Guide to Understanding Crash Ratings and refer to the Crash Test Matrix below.
Most Commonly Used Crash Test Ratings (and how they relate to each other)
| Crash Test Standard | US DoS SD-STD-02.01 (1985) | US DoS SD-STD-02.01 Rev. A (2003) | ASTM F2656-20 (2007-current) | BSI (British Standards Institution) – PAS 68 & IWA 14 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test Vehicle | 15,000 lb Medium Duty Truck | 15,000 lb Medium Duty Truck | 15,000 lb Standard Test Truck (M) | PAS 68 – 7,500 kg (16,535 lb) Cab-over Engine Medium Duty Truck IWA 14 – 7,200 kg (15,873 lb) Cab-over Engine Medium Duty Truck |
| Test Vehicle Speed | K4 = 30 mph K8 = 40 mph K12 = 50 mph | K4 = 30 mph K8 = 40 mph K12 = 50 mph | M30 = 30 mph M40 = 40 mph M50 = 50 mph | 48 kph = 30 mph 64 kph = 40 mph 80 kph = 50 mph |
| Penetration Ratings | L3 = less than or equal to 3 ft L2 = greater than 3 ft – 20 ft L1 = greater than 20 ft – 50 ft | Must be less than or equal to 1 m | P1 = less than or equal to 1 m (3.3 ft) P2 = 1.01 m – 7 m (3.31 ft – 23 ft) P3 = 7.01 m – 30 m (23.1 ft – 98.4 ft) | Penetration distance of both vehicle and debris field are given in the classification (see interpretation below). |
| Examples | K12 (L2) – Rated to stop a 15,000 lb truck traveling 50 mph with a penetration between 3 ft and 20 ft. | K4 – Rated to stop a 15,000 lb truck traveling at 30 mph with a penetration of less than or equal to 1 m. | M40 (P3) – Rated to stop a 15,000 lb truck traveling at 40 mph with a penetration between 7.01 m and 30 m. | How to read PAS 68 classification code (see graphic below this table*). |
*Interpreting the PAS 68 Classification Code
* IWA 14 does not consider debris dispersion.
Crash-Rated Barriers
Frequently Asked Questions
TYMETAL has been in the perimeter security solutions market since 1985. With more than three decades of experience designing, manufacturing and installing crash rated barriers, we have encountered many questions along the way. A few of the more common questions below. If you don’t find the answers you’re looking for, feel free to contact us by phone at 888-978-4283 or online.
What types of crash-rated barriers does TYMETAL offer?
TYMETAL’s crash-rated barrier product line includes Crash-Rated Gates, Beams/Barrier Arms, Bollards and Crash-Rated Fence systems. All products are either tested and certified to ASTM F2656 or U.S. Department of State (DoS) standard SD-STD-02.01 (K4, K8 and K12 ratings) or Engineered to pass the stated crash test standards (*).
* Engineered: The gate or barrier is designed to pass the crash test stated based on extrapolating previous test results, engineering calculations and/or modeling. It may not have undergone an actual test. A stamped certification (PE stamp) can be provided to ensure compliance.
What industries or applications require crash-rated perimeter protection?
Crash-rated barriers are often specified for government buildings, military installations, embassies, border crossings, critical infrastructure facilities including power plants, utilities, airports, data centers, and high-value commercial properties where a hostile vehicle attack or accidental vehicle intrusion poses a significant risk to people or assets.
How are barrier systems tested and certified or engineered to meet ASTM or Department of State (DoS) standards?
TYMETAL barrier products have been Crash-Tested or Engineered (*) to meet DoS SD-STD-02.01 or ASTM F2656 standards. See Understanding Crash Ratings.
* Engineered: The gate or barrier is designed to pass the crash test stated based on extrapolating previous test results, engineering calculations and/or modeling. It may not have undergone an actual test. A stamped certification (PE stamp) can be provided to ensure compliance.
What product customization options are available?
TYMETAL crash-rated barriers are available in a range of certified widths, heights, and configurations, with custom finishes, gate styles, and access control integrations available to meet site-specific requirements. Custom engineering is available for non-standard lane widths, unusual foundation conditions, or installations requiring integration with existing perimeter security systems.
What maintenance protocols are required for crash-rated gates?
Crash-rated gates require all the same maintenance as standard gates — lubrication, alignment checks, and coating inspection — plus periodic review of foundation anchor integrity and structural fastener torque. After any vehicle impact, regardless of severity, the gate and foundation must be professionally inspected and certified before returning to service. Maintenance logs should be kept current to support certification compliance and warranty requirements.
Crash-Rated Barriers Specifications
TYMETAL’s team can provide total support throughout your project, providing design, technical, engineering, installation and post installation support. We offer drawings and specs to utilize in your planning process.
