ASTM Int'l Introduces Perimeter Barriers Testing Standard - ASTM F 2656

November 23, 2007 // Published as a news service by IHS

The test method, developed by Subcommittee F12.10 on Systems, Products and Services, provides a range of vehicle impact conditions, designations and penetration performance levels for the testing of perimeter barriers that are used to prevent attacks on facilities by moving vehicles.

According to Dean Alberson, assistant agency director, Texas Transportation Institute, and a member of Subcommittee F12.10, prior to the publication of ASTM F 2656, the U.S. Department of State had the only standard for testing of perimeter security devices.

However, in 2003, that document was modified and penetration ratings were dropped from it. Because these ratings were still used, particularly by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Committee F12 agreed to develop ASTM F 2656.

In addition to penetration ratings, ASTM F 2656 also features occupant risk indices and a variety of different sized test vehicles including a small car, a pickup and a heavy single unit vehicle.

"Anybody who desires to have their perimeter barriers tested now has a standard method that can be used by any number of test labs," said Alberson. "[ASTM] F 2656 also serves to standardize the testing methodology across a number of different agencies."

Alberson said that laboratories will use ASTM F 2656 when testing devices and agencies will issue lists of devices that met the various levels within the standard.

In addition to future revisions to ASTM F 2656, Subcommittee F12.10 will be working on a proposed standard for the testing of barriers for pedestrian protection.

Source: ASTM International.