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Bollard Testing Standards

Bollard Testing Standards

A bollard is a sturdy, short, vertical post, designed either to provide safety or security, and in architectural pathway applications, can provide light. Safety bollards are often installed in front of buildings and pathways to restrict vehicle access and minimize damage in the event of an accident, while at the same time allow for pedestrian access. They are largely designed as a visual deterrent. Security bollards, in contrast, are designed to create a barrier to control or prevent vehicle traffic from entering a protected area such as a farmer’s market, storefront, parking lot, athletic facility or government and military installations. This entails engineering a product and foundation that will meet the requirements of an ASTM crash test. Safety and security bollards can be permanent, removable, or retractable.

There are two primary standards that govern the impact resistance of a security bollard. These standards are based on the weight of the vehicle, the speed the vehicle is traveling and how far the vehicle penetrates beyond the crash-rated bollard.

ASTM F3016

ASTM F3016 is a standard for low-speed vehicle incursions. It establishes criteria for bollards to withstand the impact of a vehicle traveling at a certain speed and weight. F3016 tests are performed using a surrogate testing rig that is engineered to mimic the physical characteristics of a vehicle including weight, bumper height, built in bumper crumple zone and chassis rigidity.

Based on the test results, the bollard will receive an S10, S20, or S30 designation.

  • S10 refers to a bollard that can stop a 5,000lbs vehicle traveling 10MPH.
  • S20 refers to a bollard that can stop a 5,000lbs vehicle traveling 20 MPH.
  • S30 refers to a bollard that can stop a 5,000lbs vehicle traveling 30 MPH.

ASTM 2656

ASTM 2656 is a standard for testing the impact resistance of security barriers, such as fences, gates, and bollards for high speed incursions. F2656 tests are performed using a real vehicle weighing 15,000lbs that has been set up on a test course allowing it to reach speeds ranging from 30-50mph. Based on the test results, the bollard will receive either an M30, M40 or an M50 rating.​

  • M30 refers to a bollard that can stop a vehicle weighing 15,000lbs traveling at 30MPH
  • M40 refers to a bollard that can stop a vehicle weighing 15,000lbs traveling at 40MPH
  • M50 refers to a bollard that can stop a vehicle weighing 15,000lbs traveling at 50MPH

For more information on bollard standards, go to https://www.zumabollards.com/guide-to-astm-ratings. For assistance on a project that includes bollards, contact GBL.