How to Choose the Right Crash-Tested Road Blocker for Your Facility

Around the world, frequent instances of security breaches at high-risk facilities are a growing cause for concern. Armed, vehicle-borne terrorist attacks at government establishments, airports, military bases, and other vulnerable establishments take advantage of security lapses, causing grievous harm to human life and property.

Security systems at these facilities have to be constantly monitored and upgraded with the latest advancements in security management infrastructure. Among these, high-impact security blockers are often the first line of defence. Therefore, careful selection of the right type of security blocker is crucial to ensuring strong, reliable, and efficient perimeter protection.

Selection Criteria

Various types of security blockers are manufactured and customized to suit the specific requirements of a vulnerable facility. Let us find out what factors to consider while making a selection.

1. Security Needs Assessment

• Level of Security: The level of security a facility requires can be assessed by carrying out a careful study of the site’s vulnerability to vehicular attacks. This could include understanding where the facility is located, from how many directions can vehicles approach it, and what type of target the site presents vis-à-vis its inhabitants and property.
• Vehicle Frequency: Carrying out a detailed study of how often vehicles visit the facility can give a good idea of what type of security blockers need to be installed. A facility that normally sees light traffic can install a surface mounted or temporary crash-tested road blocker. An area that has heavy traffic might need a more permanent fixture.
• Existing Infrastructure: The facility’s existing security infrastructure should be taken into account before making a decision. Check how robust its perimeter protection system is and choose a road blocker that not only enhances the existing system but is also technologically compatible with it.
• Operational Requirements: Evaluate how you want to deploy your road blockers. Do you need to restrict access to some areas permanently or use them for controlling limited access? This will help you decide if you should go for fixed road blockers or retractable ones.

2. Site Assessment

• Available Space: Since security blockers are usually installed in front of the main access points to the facility, estimating the available space to identify space constraints, if any, is an important exercise. This will give a good idea about what the dimensions of the road blocker should be and where it should be placed.
• Vehicle Weight and Speed: Calculating the weight and speed of approaching vehicles is a crucial indicator in selecting the right crash-tested road blocker for the facility. Different road blockers are provided crash ratings according to the maximum speed and weight of the onrushing vehicle that they can withstand.
• Ground Conditions: A thorough analysis of the type of ground is required to decide which type of road blocker can be installed. For example, a deep mounted road blocker will require excavation of the road surface, so it has to be ascertained whether the road surface and underlying soil composition is suitable for digging. For a concrete or asphalt surface, a shallow or surface mount might be more suitable, while a gravel or soft soil surface might require additional reinforcements to ensure that the road blocker is firmly secured. It should also be ascertained whether any underground cables or pipes are present in the area as these will also affect the installation choice.
• Weather Conditions: Studying the prevailing weather or environmental conditions is another vital factor as harsh weather conditions like excessive heat, cold, or rain may damage the components of the road blocker. Ensure that the security blocker is made of moisture resistant and corrosion resistant materials.

3. Features Assessment

• Impact Resistance Ratings/Certifications: Security blockers are tested in real-life or simulated scenarios to calculate their impact resistance. Vehicles of different weights and speeds are crashed into a road blocker and its subsequent displacement is measured. Based on these parameters, road blockers are rated by various international rating agencies. Consequently, a road blocker is awarded an ASTM F2656 rating, a PAS 68 rating, or an IWA 14-1 rating, depending on the rating agency. Familiarizing yourself with these ratings will help select the most appropriate model.

Examples:

• An ASTM F2656 M-rating of M50:P1 is given to a road blocker that is displaced less than 1 m when a 6800 kg truck moving at 80 kmph collides with it. An equivalent K-rating would be K12:L3.
• A PAS 68 rating of V/7500[N3]/80/90: -1.5/4.6 indicates that when a 7500 kg vehicle travelling at 80 kmph was crashed into a road blocker at a 90 degree angle of impact, the road blocker was displaced by 1.5 m with a maximum debris dispersion distance of 4.6 m. The IWA 14-1 rating system is similar to PAS 68.

• Operational Efficiency: For retractable road blockers, speed of operation is an important factor to consider. Road blockers with fast reaction speeds of less than 5 seconds will be more effective in stopping high-speed vehicle borne attacks. In high traffic areas, speed of operation also ensures that vehicles can be processed smoothly, without becoming traffic bottlenecks.

• Durability and Maintenance: Ensure that the road blocker you are considering is built from heavy-duty, durable, weather-resistant materials, and high-quality precision-manufactured components that can withstand harsh climates and provide long-lasting service. These also ensures that only minimal maintenance, possibly just one scheduled annual maintenance, and repair is required over a long period.

• Power Failure Conditions: If your facility is an area that is prone to frequent power failures, make sure that your chosen road blocker comes with UPS backup and accumulator systems. You should also be able to operate it manually with the same level of ease and efficiency as a powered system.

• Integration with Advanced Security Systems: Make sure that your security blockers can be integrated with a range of perimeter protection and access control systems such as barriers, turnstiles, under vehicle surveillance systems (UVSS), tire killers and crash rated bollards. They should also be compatible with sensors like RFID readers and license plate recognition systems for a more enhanced security framework.

• Aesthetics: Check with your manufacturer if their models can be customized for aesthetic appeal so that their design, colours, and patterns can complement the surrounding architecture and merge discreetly with the background. They should, however, be clearly visible to drivers when raised to serve as a deterrent.

4. Compliance

Ensure that the security blockers under consideration are fully compliant with local regulations, standards, and legalities pertaining to size, installation, safety, environmental, etc. For example, in Saudi Arabia, perimeter protection equipment have to comply with the regulations set by the High Commission for Industrial Security (HCIS).

5. Budget

Once you have estimated your security requirements, compare the prices of road blockers from different manufacturers. Your cost considerations should include installation and long-term maintenance and repairs. Make sure you have sufficient funds for a high-quality product that will give long and reliable service.

6. Manufacturer Selection

Assess the manufacturer’s reputation, technological prowess, and adherence to quality and safety standards.  Check the reliability of their aftersales support such as prompt service and replacement of components with high-quality spare parts.

Conclusion

An advanced crash-tested road blocker is a worthy addition to any perimeter protection system. Choosing an efficient, reliable, and long lasting road blocker should be a carefully thought out process involving various parameters of security assessment, site assessment, and significant features such as crash ratings, durability, integrability, and aesthetics. Buyers should also consider factors such as compliance, budget, and manufacturer’s reputation while making a selection. 

About SAB TECH

SAB TECH is a leading manufacturer of high-quality perimeter protection and access control solutions including heavy duty road blockers, bollards, turnstiles, UVSS, and tire killers. Their fully compliant HCIS security blockers carry the highest ‘zero penetration’ crash tested ratings from leading rating agencies. Constructed from heavy duty S275JR steel, 10 mm thick checkered top steel plate, and boasting an axle load of 50 tons, SAB TECH’s security blockers are designed to endure the toughest conditions. Powered by a state-of-the-art electro-hydraulic system consisting of a high output power pack and a powerful PLC control panel, their road blockers can be raised in just 3 to 5 seconds and feature full access control integration compatibility.

Get in touch with SAB TECH today to learn more about their customization options and dedicated aftersales service.