ASTM ratings define crash-tested performance standards for all vehicle security barriers used to protect critical infrastructure. Department of Defense (DoD) facilities, military installations, and commercial sites rely on these specifications to select compliant, mission-appropriate perimeter protection systems, including security bollards. Understanding how barrier classifications and penetration ratings function is essential to aligning barrier selection with facility layout, threat profile, and regulatory requirements.
Key Takeaways:
- In 2007, the ASTM standard replaced the legacy U.S. Department of State K-rating system. It introduced consistent crash test protocols using full-scale vehicles at impact speeds up to 60 mph.
- ASTM ratings evaluate three criteria: vehicle weight, impact speed, and penetration distance.
- Crash testing is conducted in accredited facilities using real or surrogate vehicles under controlled conditions.
- ASTM includes two primary classifications: F2656 (high-security/military) and F3016 (commercial/storefront).
- DoD projects require ASTM F2656-rated barriers listed on the DoD Anti-Ram Vehicle Barrier List. Legacy K-ratings are no longer accepted.
Understanding the ASTM Classification System
In 2007, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) impact standard replaced the legacy U.S. Department of State K-rating system for barrier protection systems. The adoption of the ASTM standard introduced consistent crash test protocols using full-scale vehicles at impact speeds up to 60 mph. This new rating formula provided precise, measurable criteria for evaluating barrier performance under controlled impact conditions.
The major ASTM framework, ASTM F2656, operates as an integrated system where each component builds upon the others to create a complete threat resistance measurement. Each rating reflects a combination of vehicle weight, impact speed, and allowed penetration distance. This systematic approach eliminates guesswork and provides facility planners with quantifiable protection metrics.
ASTM F2656 ratings answer three fundamental questions that, when combined, create a comprehensive security profile:
| Question/Criteria | Measured by | Recorded as |
|---|---|---|
| What size vehicle can the bollard stop? | Vehicle types are classified as small cars (SC), full size sedan (FS), pickup trucks (PU), medium-duty trucks (M), Class 7 trucks (C7), and heavy trucks (H). | Vehicle type |
| How fast can that vehicle be traveling? | Bollards are rated for 30, 40, 50, or 60 mile per hour impacts | Speed |
| How far will the vehicle penetrate past the barrier? | Test teams use high-speed cameras and sensors to record exactly how far the vehicle moves past the barrier. | Penetration level |
Every ASTM rating combines these three elements using a precise formula: Vehicle Type + Speed + Penetration Level = Complete Rating.
For example, an ASTM rating of M50-P1 designates a barrier that has been tested and certified to withstand a medium-duty truck (M) at an impact speed of 50 mph (50), with vehicle penetration of 3.3 feet or less past the barrier face (P1).
The Testing Process & Certification Standards
ASTM certification requires a comprehensive testing process designed to reflect real-world impact scenarios. Key elements include:
| Controlled Environment | Testing occurs at accredited facilities like Calspan and the Texas A&M Transportation Institute |
| Real Vehicles | Actual trucks or engineered surrogates impact the barriers |
| Precise Measurement | High-speed cameras measure the exact penetration distances, while survey equipment documents the vehicle’s trajectory and debris patterns. |
| Multiple Tests | Barriers must demonstrate repeatable performance across several impacts to achieve certification. |
| Independent Verification | Third-party engineering firms validate all results |
Complete ASTM Rating Matrix for Vehicle Barriers
The ASTM rating system is divided into two significant categories addressing distinct threat environments and facility requirements. F2656 ratings cover high-security applications, including military installations and government buildings. F3016 ratings apply to commercial facilities, including restaurants and shopping centers.
Understanding this division helps facility planners select the appropriate standard for their specific threat environment and regulatory requirements.
ASTM F2656 High-Security Ratings
The F2656 standard addresses protection requirements for strategic infrastructure where serious threats are anticipated. F2656 ratings encompass greater complexity and measure more vehicle variables than the F3016 commercial standard, reflecting the sophisticated threat assessment required for high-security environments.
The ASTM F2656 classifications are organized first by vehicle type. Values for speed and acceptable penetration level are then tested. Looking at the most common ASTM 2656 vehicle type illustrates this process.
ASTM F2656 Medium Truck (M) Series Ratings
ASTM F2656 M-series ratings are the most commonly specified high-security ratings, utilizing a standardized 15,000-pound medium-duty truck as the test vehicle. These ratings form the foundation of DoD barrier specifications and strategic infrastructure protection requirements. The table below lists typical M-series classifications and their typical applications.
ASTM F2656 Rating Examples (M-Series)
| ASTM Rating | Vehicle Type | Vehicle Weight | Impact Speed | Penetration Limit | Primary Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M30-P1 | Medium Duty Truck | 15,000 lbs | 30 mph | ≤3.3 feet | Government facilities, controlled access |
| M30-P2 | Medium Duty Truck | 15,000 lbs | 30 mph | 3.31-23 feet | Perimeter security with standoff distance |
| M30-P3 | Medium Duty Truck | 15,000 lbs | 30 mph | 23.1-98.4 feet | Wide perimeter applications |
| M40-P1 | Medium Duty Truck | 15,000 lbs | 40 mph | ≤3.3 feet | High-security facilities |
| M40-P2 | Medium Duty Truck | 15,000 lbs | 40 mph | 3.31-23 feet | Military installations |
| M40-P3 | Medium Duty Truck | 15,000 lbs | 40 mph | 23.1-98.4 feet | Extended perimeter protection |
| M50-P1 | Medium Duty Truck | 15,000 lbs | 50 mph | ≤3.3 feet | Critical infrastructure, embassies |
| M50-P2 | Medium Duty Truck | 15,000 lbs | 50 mph | 3.31-23 feet | High-speed threat areas |
| M50-P3 | Medium Duty Truck | 15,000 lbs | 50 mph | 23.1-98.4 feet | Highway-adjacent facilities |
SC, FS, PU, C7, & H Ratings
The other vehicle categories in the ASTM F2656 standard follow a similar formula. Each vehicle type is tested against barriers at various speeds and penetration distances. The speeds and penetration levels tend to follow the same pattern of 30, 40, and 50 miles per hour, and penetration levels of less than three feet up to 98 feet. Though some larger vehicles are tested at speeds up to 60 miles per hour, with lower acceptable penetration levels.
Additional ASTM F2656 Vehicle Categories & Uses
| Vehicle Type | Designation | Vehicle Weight | Tested at | Common Protection Against |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Car | SC* | 2,430 lbs | Speed: 30-60 mph Penetration: P1-P3 |
Urban environment threats to pedestrians Protecting against driver error |
| Full Size | FS | 4,630 lbs | Speed: 30-60 mph Penetration: P1-P3 |
Residential settings such as gated communities Private estate perimeters |
| Pickup Trucks | PU | 5,070 lbs | Speed: 30-60 mph Penetration: P1–P3 |
Preventing high-speed perimeter breaches |
| Class 7 Cabover | C7 | 15,873 lbs | Speed: 30–50 mph Penetration level: P1–P3 |
Securing ports and critical infrastructure Securing high value government assets |
| Heavy Goods Vehicle | H | 65,000 lbs | Speed: 30–50 mph Penetration level: P1–P3 |
Securing ports and critical infrastructure Securing high value government assets |
ASTM F3016 Commercial/Storefront Ratings
ASTM F3016 establishes a separate rating framework specifically designed for commercial applications where space constraints and pedestrian safety require different performance criteria. Using a 5,000-pound surrogate vehicle, this standard addresses the unique requirements of storefront protection and urban pedestrian areas.
The following examples illustrate how F3016 ratings align with typical commercial and urban threat environments.
ASTM F3016 Rating Examples
| ASTM Rating | Vehicle Type | Vehicle Weight | Impact Speed | Penetration Limit | Primary Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S10-P1 | Surrogate Vehicle | 5,000 lbs | 10 mph | ≤1 foot | Parking area protection, pedal error |
| S10-P2 | Surrogate Vehicle | 5,000 lbs | 10 mph | 1-4 feet | Low-speed vehicle control |
| S20-P1 | Surrogate Vehicle | 5,000 lbs | 20 mph | ≤1 foot | Standard storefronts, retail |
| S20-P2 | Surrogate Vehicle | 5,000 lbs | 20 mph | 1-4 feet | Commercial vehicle barriers |
| S30-P1 | Surrogate Vehicle | 5,000 lbs | 30 mph | ≤1 foot | High-traffic storefronts |
| S30-P2 | Surrogate Vehicle | 5,000 lbs | 30 mph | 1-4 feet | Urban commercial protection |
| ASTM ratings are proprietary. To access the full details, you’ll need to buy the official standards. Copies are available on the ASTM website. Engineering or technical libraries at universities and professional organizations also typically have copies available for quick reference. |
Penetration Level Requirements (P1-P3)
Penetration levels define how far a vehicle can intrude beyond the barrier after impact. This directly affects the amount of protected space required behind the barrier line. Acceptable penetration levels vary in the F2656 and F3016 standards, reflecting the different focus of each standard. The chart below outlines the ASTM standard penetration levels and their associated F2656 and F3016 performance criteria.
ASTM Penetration Level Guide
| Level | Protection | ASTM F2656 Criteria | ASTM F3016 Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| P-1 | Highest | – Limits vehicle penetration to 3.3 feet or less – Highest security level with minimal vehicle intrusion – Required for critical facilities and high-value targets |
– Limits vehicle penetration to 1 foot or less – Maximum protection for storefront applications – Essential for high-traffic pedestrian areas – Minimal setback requirements |
| P-2 | Moderate | – Limits vehicle penetration to 23 feet or less – Moderate security with controlled vehicle penetration – Suitable for perimeter protection with adequate setback |
– Limits vehicle penetration to 1 to 4 feet – Balanced protection for commercial applications – Appropriate for parking areas and building entrances – Accommodates moderate setback distances |
| P-3 | Basic | – Limits vehicle penetration to 98 feet or less – Basic security with extended stopping distance – Appropriate when large setback areas exist |
F3016 standards do not include P3 classification; barriers exceeding 4 feet penetration fail testing and receive no rating |
Understanding these environmental differences guides practical barrier selection decisions. The appropriate P-level protection depends on available space behind barriers, emergency egress routes, building proximity, and pedestrian area locations.
F3016’s compressed limits address urban commercial settings where barriers must stop vehicles within feet of pedestrian areas and storefronts. F2656’s extended penetration allowances accommodate government facilities with substantial setback distances that provide controlled deceleration zones.
DoD Anti-Ram Vehicle Barrier List Compliance
The DoD Anti-Ram Vehicle Barrier List extends beyond just ASTM ratings, but it can be easy to confuse the two standards. All barriers on the DoD list are ASTM-rated, but not all ASTM-rated barriers are approved for DoD applications.
The Anti-Ram Vehicle Barrier list is updated quarterly by the Army Corps of Engineers Protective Design Center (PDC) and lists all security barriers currently approved for use by the DoD. This compliance requirement extends beyond basic impact testing to include comprehensive documentation standards.
DoD Anti-Ram Vehicle Barrier List Components
| Current List Requirements | Compliance Documentation |
|---|---|
| – Verified crash test certification from accredited facilities – Buy American Act compliance (75% domestic content minimum) – Current manufacturer quality assurance documentation – Field performance history for similar applications |
– ASTM F2656 test reports with specific penetration measurements – Installation specifications matching tested configurations – Quality control procedures for manufacturing consistency – Warranty coverage for structural performance |
Contractors should note that non-listed barriers cannot receive approval for DoD installations, regardless of claimed performance specifications. The official list is only distributed through authorized channels. The Army Corps of Engineers posts older versions of the list on its website for informational purposes. But all product selections must be verified against the current, official PDC list before final specification.
Using the ASTM: Barrier Selection Strategy
Security barrier selection must be based on a structured, data-driven process that aligns site conditions with certified performance criteria. Over-specification introduces unnecessary cost and complexity, while under-specification risks operational failure. This section outlines a five-step methodology designed to guide planners, architects, and contractors in aligning ASTM-rated barriers with project-specific threat profiles.
1. Define the Threat Vehicle
Identify the most probable vehicle class based on the facility type, location, and threat environment. ASTM F2656 designations range from small passenger cars (SC) to heavy commercial vehicles (H). Government installations and critical infrastructure typically require M (15,000 lb) or higher classifications.
The selection of vehicle type must correspond with:
- Historical threat data, where available
- Site access points and potential vectors
- Facility function and sensitivity level
2. Determine Impact Speed Based on Site Geometry
Accurate speed assessment is essential. Impact velocity must reflect real-world approach conditions—not assumptions. Key influencing factors include:
- Length of vehicle approach lanes
- Presence of acceleration zones or slopes
- Traffic flow direction and intersection proximity
ASTM F2656 standards provide rated speeds at 30, 40, 50, and 60 mph. Facilities located near high-speed roadways or with long access lanes may require higher-speed-rated barriers, regardless of perceived risk level.
3. Establish Acceptable Penetration Distance
Barrier penetration ratings (P1, P2, P3) define the allowable distance a vehicle may intrude beyond the barrier line upon impact. Selection should be based on proximity to:
- Occupied structures
- Pedestrian pathways
- Emergency access routes
- Utility and operational zones
Use precise site measurements to determine whether P1 (≤3.3 ft), P2 (≤23 ft), or P3 (≤98.4 ft) performance is required. Avoid defaulting to P1 ratings where setback distance allows for P2 or P3, as this often introduces unnecessary installation complexity and cost.
4. Confirm Applicable Standards and Compliance Requirements
Projects must meet all regulatory and contract-specific standards. For federal and DoD applications, this typically includes:
- ASTM F2656 rating and crash test certification
- Inclusion on the DoD Anti-Ram Vehicle Barrier List (administered by the Protective Design Center)
- Documentation of Buy American Act compliance and quality assurance protocols
Non-DoD commercial facilities may fall under ASTM F3016, which addresses lower-speed vehicle threats in pedestrian zones and storefront applications.
5. Conduct Lifecycle Cost and Feasibility Analysis
Barrier selection should account for full lifecycle costs, including excavation, foundation design, permitting, and future maintenance. Higher-rated systems often require:
- Increased foundation depth
- Higher rebar density
- More complex installation coordination
Align system selection with actual threat conditions, not assumed best-case scenarios. For example, an M30-P2 barrier may deliver equal functional protection at significantly lower cost and installation effort compared to an M50-P1 system, depending on the site’s geometry and use case.
Common Specification Errors
Despite clear guidelines, specification errors remain common across security barrier projects. These missteps often result in cost overruns, performance mismatches, or outright non-compliance. The following outlines the most prevalent issues and recommended mitigation strategies.
Common ASTM Specification Errors & Alternatives
| Error Type | Issue | Impact | Recommended Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over-Specifying Barrier Ratings | Specifying M50-rated barriers when M30 or M40 classifications are sufficient for the site’s approach speed and threat model. | Significant increases in excavation, material cost, and installation complexity—without corresponding improvements in actual security performance. | Conduct a speed analysis based on site geometry. Match the barrier rating to realistic vehicle approach conditions rather than worst-case assumptions. |
| Over-Specifying Penetration Levels | Defaulting to P1-rated barriers (≤3.3 ft penetration) when P2 (≤23 ft) would meet safety requirements based on available setback. | Unnecessarily deep foundations, increased rebar requirements, and construction delays, particularly in constrained urban environments. | Evaluate the actual setback distance available behind the barrier line. Select the lowest penetration level that still protects occupied zones. |
| Misapplication of ASTM Standards | Using ASTM F2656-rated systems in commercial or storefront applications where F3016 is the appropriate standard. | Excessive system cost and over-engineering for environments with low-speed vehicle threats. | Reserve ASTM F2656 systems for high-security or government applications. Use ASTM F3016 for pedestrian, storefront, and light commercial environments. |
| Specifying Non-Rated Decorative Barriers | Selecting architectural barriers without crash certification for use in vehicle security roles. | Complete system failure in the event of an impact, despite the appearance of protection. | Use ASTM-rated barriers as structural cores, then apply architectural cladding or aesthetic treatments if desired. |
| Inaccurate Speed Assessment | Basing barrier selection on assumed speeds rather than verified approach velocities. | Under-specification, resulting in barriers unable to withstand likely impact forces. | Perform a site-specific speed study or acceleration analysis to determine actual impact speeds for each potential approach vector. |
| Failure to Account for Future Threat Evolution | Designing solely for current threat scenarios without considering future changes in traffic patterns or facility use. | System obsolescence or inadequate protection in later operational phases. | Incorporate modular or upgradeable systems where possible. Factor in planned expansions, traffic re-routing, and evolving threat profiles. |
Accurate specification is critical to achieving cost-effective and mission-appropriate vehicle barrier protection. Avoiding over- or under-specification requires close coordination between planners, engineers, and security stakeholders. When in doubt, base decisions on documented threat data, verified site conditions, and applicable regulatory frameworks—not assumptions or generalizations.
Conclusion
ASTM-rated vehicle security bollards offer a standardized framework for mitigating vehicular threats in both military and commercial environments. Their value lies not in maximum performance alone, but in appropriate application.
By aligning vehicle class, impact speed, and penetration limits to actual threat conditions and site geometry, planners can specify systems that balance performance, compliance, and cost-effectiveness.
Barrier selection should be approached as an engineering discipline—rooted in data, implemented with precision, and scaled to the mission at hand.
Our high-security bollards and safety barriers are proudly manufactured in Summerfield, North Carolina. Contact our team for guidance on selecting an ASTM-compliant system and planning site-specific installation.