Different Resistance Barrier Technology

Resistance barriers or bollards protect many high-risk buildings. Government institutions, military facilities, and other high-security buildings all use these barriers to protect property and control traffic. Security bollards are found in front of pedestrian plazas, bike lanes, tourist destinations, and other high-trafficked areas. Resistance barriers use different technologies to protect a space. With increased security around the globe, resistance barriers are an essential protection measure for any building. 

Related: Why Use Bollards?

Assessing a Property’s Security Risks

When you need to assess the security risk of your property, it is essential to define your adversaries and understand their methods of attack. Many risk analysts study the practices of those would-be attackers. A reputable security consultant knows these threats and can design a plan to protect those important assets. Properties need a multi-layer approach to any protective security plan, and those security needs must be based on the concept of deterrence, detection, and delay. While a security barrier can be defeated in some cases, many resistance bollards can repel attacks by any adversary.

Understanding the Impact Resistance Metrics

To protect those vital assets, security designers, engineers, architects, and end-users must understand the changing terminology to select the right barrier for a property. In 2009, the American Society for Testing and Materials introduced a new perimeter security industry standard known as ASTM F2656. These standards incorporate those of the Department of Defense, Department of State, and the ATSM. 

Crash-Rated Barriers

For those high-threat locations and properties, a crash-rated barrier might be the ideal option for protection. After they have been tested under controlled and specific conditions, these crash barriers are certified. There are two types of rating systems in place for these bollards: K-ratings and ASTM standards. 

In 1985, K-rating standards were developed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoS), but those standards saw a revision in 2003. If a barrier needs to pass the rating system, it must withstand impact from a 15,000-pound payload at set penetration distances. These bollards are rated based on the speed of the vehicle that they can stop. While this standard is considered depreciated, it is still a reference point for many engineers and architects. 

The ASTM created its own standards based on the DoS system. However, it has developed ratings based on the penetration levels of different vehicle types. It has separate standards for passenger cars, pickup trucks, medium-duty trucks, and heavy goods vehicles. 

Engineer-Rated Barriers

Engineer-rated barriers often do not meet the same standards as the DoS or ASTM, but many security professionals had a hand in designing them. These barriers use empirical data derived from the results of crash-related tests. Computer simulation is also key to providing information to produce these barriers. These engineer-rated systems differ in their foundation dimensions, barrier heights and widths, and bollard spacing. The engineer-designed barriers can be developed to meet specific requirements. 

When protecting a facility, it is vital to determine the various types of threat vehicles, the velocity they can attain, and the acceptable amount of penetration. Under different testing conditions, there are several variables to take into consideration, including:

• Vehicle type (small car to heavy goods truck)
• Vehicle speed (usually from 30 to 60 mph)
• Vehicle weight 
• Condition designation (based on velocity and threat vehicle)
• Penetration distance (based on ASTM’s P-rating or DoS’s L-rating)

Unrated Crash Barriers

For a cost-effective solution, there are unrated crash barriers. These products cost less than a rated crash barrier but still protect against impacts. The most common unrated crash barrier is a steel pipe security post. Many people called them “bumper posts.” They are often embedded into the ground and reinforced with concrete. These steel pipe security bollards are a cost-effective protection measure for any property. 

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Different Crash Gate Systems

ALT-Text: steel barriers protecting a lakefront

Style Variations of Resistance Bollards

There are several types of style variations for bollards. One of the most common is the fixed passive upright mount. It makes an ideal solution to stop unauthorized vehicle access. Passive upright mounts are also available as removable posts. These bollards have external or internal locking systems and need to be physically removed. The passive shallow mount is prefabricated in a factory to meet a property’s specific requirements. Retractable bollards are another option. Retractable mechanisms are available as hydraulic, electric, semi-automatic, manual, and turntable mounts. Many of these types of bollards are considered “state-of-the-art” products. 

Are you looking for a barrier system for your facility?  B&B Roadway Security Solutions offers a system that can be customized for your property. 

Several Types of Security Barriers 

Understanding a specific facility or property’s need for protection is vital. Does it need a permanent or temporary solution? If the property requires portable and temporary barriers, some barriers can be moved to streets and parking for those short-term events. Many of these crash barriers are deployable and operate on their own power supplies. Some lighter barriers can be towed by a small cart but still provide enough protection to stop a ramming vehicle. 

For a long-term solution, fixed bollards are a great option. These barriers are embedded in concrete. Many of the barriers can be raised or lowered to allow authorized vehicle access to the grounds. All these factors need to be considered when choosing a bollard option for a property or facility. 

Related: B & B Roadway Security Solutions: The Difference Between Passive and Active Barriers

Costs of a Resistance Barrier

Pricing for bollards does vary depending on the crash rating and materials. Those light-weight plastic barriers often cost less than $100 per barrier. Concrete and steel-filled bollards are quite expensive as they range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars per piece. These costs are based on the decorative accents and performance specifications of the bollard. 

Placement Tips

No matter the type of bollard used at a property, it will require a footing. It is important to make sure the installers survey the space to avoid any issues with utility lines. These bollards also need to comply with accessibility, building, and fire codes. For the safe passage of pedestrians, the barriers need to be placed 3 feet apart but no more than 5 feet apart. 

Options for Your Property

For those huge-risk spaces, heavy-duty barriers are the ideal choice. However, many municipalities, businesses, and other organizations look for a less intimidating look for their resistance bollards. There are plenty of options on the marketplace for resistance barriers. With various colors and finishes, the perfect bollard is available to protect those critical spaces. 

Do you need to add a resistance barrier to your site? Contact B&B Roadway Security Solutions to find a security barrier that meets all your property’s needs!