A STRICTER STANDARD FOR CRASH BARRIERS

Terrorist attacks often occur in the form of a bomb-laden car or truck. The ASTM Committee on Security Systems and Equipment is developing a new standard for anti-ram barriers to stop vehicles from crashing and intruding into protected areas. The new standard will address performance specifications and broaden some test parameters to accommodate more test vehicles and anticipated impact scenarios. The committee is also evaluating test reporting and instrumentation requirements. Different types of barriers are necessary to meet the unique needs of facilities around the word. Because of the diversity of locations in which barriers are used, each facility will be able to choose the barriers that are most appropriate for its unique situation once the new standard is approved. Since barriers are also used in roadside safety applications to protect both drivers and the infrastructure, the committee will also likely recommend that barriers being evaluated for safety performance be tested to safety standards currently in place for such devices.