Crash Ratings Explained: PAS 68, ASTM & IWA Bollard Standards
What Are Crash Rated Bollards?
Crash rated bollards are security barriers designed to stop or significantly slow vehicles upon impact. Unlike standard bollards, these systems are tested under controlled conditions to meet specific international safety standards (crash ratings bollards explained).
They are used in high-security environments where vehicle threats must be mitigated.
Why Crash Ratings Matter
Not all bollards provide the same level of protection. Crash ratings ensure that a bollard has been tested to withstand specific vehicle weights, speeds, and impact conditions.
This allows architects, engineers, and security professionals to select the right solution based on risk level.
Key Crash Rating Standards Explained
There are three major international standards used to classify crash-rated bollards:
🇬🇧 PAS 68 (UK Standard)
PAS 68 is a British standard that tests vehicle security barriers against vehicle impact.
What it measures:
- Vehicle type (car, truck, etc.)
- Speed at impact
- Penetration distance after impact
Example rating:
- PAS 68: V/7500[N2]/48/90:0.0/0.0
Meaning:
- 7500kg vehicle
- Impact at 48 km/h
- Minimal penetration
Used in:
- Government buildings
- Airports
- Critical infrastructure
🇺🇸 ASTM F2656 (US Standard)
ASTM F2656 is widely used in North America and is one of the most recognized crash rating systems globally (crash ratings bollards explained).
What it measures:
- Vehicle weight
- Impact speed
- Penetration distance
Example rating:
- M50 (equivalent to stopping a 6800kg truck at 50 mph)
Common classifications:
- M30
- M40
- M50
Used in:
- Military sites
- Embassies
- High-security facilities
IWA 14-1 (International Standard)
IWA 14-1 is an international standard developed to unify crash testing globally.
What it measures:
- Vehicle type
- Speed
- Impact performance
- Penetration
Example rating:
- IWA 14-1: V/7200[N2A]/48/90:1.2
Provides a globally recognized format for specifying security barriers.
Used in:
- International projects
- Urban security design
- Public infrastructure
Comparison of Standards
| Standard | Region | Key Focus | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAS 68 | UK | Detailed impact testing | Public infrastructure |
| ASTM F2656 | USA | Speed-based rating (M ratings) | Military & high security |
| IWA 14-1 | Global | Unified classification | International projects |
Understanding Impact Ratings
Crash ratings typically consider:
- Vehicle weight (e.g. 7,500kg truck)
- Speed at impact (e.g. 48 km/h or 50 mph)
- Penetration distance (how far the vehicle travels after impact)
Lower penetration = higher protection
When Are Crash Rated Bollards Required?
Crash rated bollards are essential in:
- Government buildings
- Airports and transport hubs
- Stadiums and event spaces
- Financial institutions
- High-footfall public areas
Important Considerations
When selecting crash-rated bollards:
- Match rating to threat level
- Consider installation method (embedded required)
- Ensure compliance with local regulations
- Factor in spacing and layout
- Work with certified products
Why Embedded Installation Is Critical
Crash-rated bollards must be embedded in reinforced concrete foundations to achieve their certified performance.
Surface-mounted bollards typically do not meet crash ratings unless specially engineered.
Real-World Example
A crash-rated bollard with an M50 rating can stop a:
- 6,800kg truck
- Traveling at 50 mph
This demonstrates the level of force these systems are designed to withstand.
Benefits of Crash Rated Bollards
- Proven protection against vehicle threats
- Tested and certified performance
- Suitable for high-risk environments
- Long-term durability
- Compliance with security standards
Conclusion
Understanding crash ratings is essential when selecting bollards for security applications. PAS 68, ASTM, and IWA standards provide a clear framework for choosing the right level of protection based on real-world threats.
