Two types of systems utilized in Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM), Passive Vehicle Barrier System (PVBS) and Active Vehicle Barrier System (AVBS).  PVBS are vehicle barrier systems that have no moving parts, such as walls, reinforced fences, and fixed bollards.  AVBS on the other hand are vehicle barriers that can be operated to allow credentialed vehicles pass.  These systems comprise of hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical system that can be designed to provide levels of force protection.  Most common ranges are from a PU30 to a M50.  Below are a few of the most common AVBS with a summary of the system:

• Gates – Traditional slide, swing and vertical pivot gates can be fortified to provide a level of force protection required for a site. These gates operated in a traditional fashion but are integrated with large supports on the side of the road.
  • Plus – These systems work will when a AVBS is installed in line with a anti climb fence.
  • Minus – pedestrian entrapment danger and room for gate path.
• Traffic Arm/ Beams – Most people are familiar with the pay to park Traffic arms you find in most parking facilities. Similar systems are utilized for providing force protection utilizing a reinforced arm which is typically anchored into large supports on both sides of roadway.
  • Plus – require no blow grade operating components.
  • Minus – Pedestrian entrapment and vehicle clearance danger.
• Bollards – Like a fixed bollard these provide same level of force protection but allow for them to be retracted in to reinforced concrete foundation to allow vehicle access.
  • Plus – Good for high pedestrian traffic areas. As they are little entrapment points to be concerned about.
  • Minus – They require large deep foundations and good drainage
• Wedge barriers – These systems utilize a plate or a series of plates that retract flush with the ground.
  • Plus – can be installed utilizing shallow foundation. In the lowered position the barriers are flush.
  • Minus – Only protect in one direction
• Nets – These systems utilize a net that is anchored to two large supports on the side of the road and raises and retracts into the ground.
  • Plus – A non-lethal force protection stand off,
  • Minus – Expense, pedestrian entrapment danger

The industry has been focusing on a few items in the recent years.

• The use of shallower foundations. Traditional system utilized very deep reinforced concrete foundations, which were not an issue when installing theses remote perimeters of a facility.  Now we are seeing systems being installed in city landscape which have a lot of underground constraints.  The shallower foundation allows for options when dealing with these constraints without compromising the security.
• Cost effective barrier options. Manufacturers are offering more systems with lower force protection levels to clients that do not require Military level project.  Traditional these barriers were design to protect the high security military facilities and infrastructure and can be expensive.  With the increase notoriety of vehicle attacks around the world we are seeing AVBS being requested in a wide application.  The client does not necessarily need the same protection as a High Security application and is looking a solution that fits their level of security and budget needs.

An increased modular system allowing for clients to temporally mobilize a barrier system to protect an event. There are both active and passive solutions available to control area for parades, street fairs, farmers markets, and concretes

The traditional K rating system was developed in 1985 and consisted of a 15000lb vehicle traveling 30mph (K4), 40mph (K8) and 50 mph(K12).  As more people became interested in the K rated system, ASTM design introduced their own bollard rating and the DoS officially adopted the standards in 2009.  ASTM offers multiple classifications signified by the vehicle type.

• SC – small passenger car (2,400lb)
• FS – Full Size Sedan (4,600lb)
• PU – Pickup Truck (5,000lb)
• M – Standard Test Truck (15,000lb)
• C7-Class 7 Cabover (15870lb)
• H-Heavy goods Vehicle (65,000lb)

The M30, M40, and M50 of the ASTM standard correlates with the old K rated system.  K12 was considered the highest rated system, but ASTM now classify H60 as the highest rating, which is equivalent to a 65,000lb vehicle traveling 50mph.

Our process for planning and selecting perimeter security elements relies on many factors.  A threat assessment of facility and discussions with the end users on sequence of operations allow our physical security design team to generate site specific drawings and specifications for recommended perimeter security solutions.  These design documents are utilized by the construction installation team.  Then our technicians will work with the facility to integrate the AVBS to the overall facilities system.  As important as the install, our team develops a preventative maintenance (PM) program for the facility.  Routine PM is essential component of a AVBS, as it reduces the potential down time, which in some facilities is a major vulnerability.