ASTM bollard standards define the certification requirements and testing protocols necessary for federal facility compliance and DoD installation approval. Professional specification requires understanding the regulatory framework, procurement implications, and coordination requirements for secure facility design.
Current ASTM protocols replaced legacy Department of State K-ratings to provide enhanced documentation standards and expanded vehicle class testing for comprehensive threat assessment.
In This Article
- Technical specifications for ASTM F2656’s six-vehicle testing protocol and F3016’s surrogate vehicle methodology
- DoD Anti-Ram Vehicle Barrier List inclusion criteria and quarterly update process
- K-rating to ASTM standard conversion guidance for legacy specifications
- ASTM testing methodology requirements and standard evolution
ASTM F2656 Testing Framework
ASTM F2656 establishes the testing methodology for vehicle security barriers using six standardized vehicle classes to simulate diverse threat scenarios.
| Specification | ASTM F2656 Requirements |
|---|---|
| Test Vehicle Classes | Six vehicle classes: SC (Small Car), FS (Full-size Sedan), PU (Pickup Truck), M (Medium-duty Truck), C7 (Class 7 Cabover), H (Heavy Goods Vehicle) |
| Vehicle Weights by Class | SC: 2,430 lbs, FS: 4,630 lbs, PU: 5,070 lbs, M: 15,000 lbs, C7: 15,873 lbs, H: 65,000 lbs |
| Test Speeds | Light vehicles (SC, FS, PU): 30, 40, 50, 60 mph; Heavy vehicles (M, C7, H): 30, 40, 50 mph |
| Rating Designations | M30, M40, M50; plus other class ratings |
| P1 Penetration Limit | ≤ 3.3 feet (1 meter) |
| P2 Penetration Limit | 3.3-23 feet (1-7 meters) |
| P3 Penetration Limit | 23.1-98.4 feet (7-30 meters) |
| Testing Facility | ASTM accredited facilities |
| Certification Validity | Remains valid unless the standard is updated or the product is modified |
ASTM F3016 Testing Protocol
ASTM F3016 defines testing procedures for low-speed vehicle impact scenarios using a standardized surrogate vehicle to ensure consistent test conditions.
| Specification | ASTM F3016 Requirements |
|---|---|
| Test Vehicle Classes | Single class: 5,000 lbs surrogate vehicle |
| Vehicle Weights by Class | 5,000 lbs |
| Test Speeds | 10, 20, 30 mph |
| Rating Designations | S10, S20, S30 |
| P1 Penetration Limit | ≤ 1 foot (0.3 meters) |
| P2 Penetration Limit | 1–4 feet (0.3–1.22 meters) |
| P3 Penetration Limit | Not applicable |
| Testing Facility | ASTM accredited facilities |
| Certification Validity | Remains valid unless the standard is updated or the product is modified |
Department of State K-Rating Legacy
Historical K-ratings established the foundation for modern ASTM testing but lack the comprehensive documentation and vehicle class diversity of current standards.
| Specification | Legacy K-Ratings |
|---|---|
| Test Vehicle Classes | 15,000 lbs medium-duty truck |
| Vehicle Weights by Class | 15,000 lbs |
| Test Speeds | 30, 40, 50 mph |
| Rating Designations | K4, K8, K12 |
| L1 Penetration Limit | ≤ 3.3 feet (1 meter) |
| L2 Penetration Limit | ≤ 20 feet (6.1 meters) |
| L3 Penetration Limit | ≤ 50 feet (15.2 meters) |
| Testing Facility | DoS approved facilities |
| Certification Validity | Retired standard |
Note: While penetration limits were not part of the original K-rating definition, some specifications used L-ratings (L1, L2, L3) to indicate post-impact vehicle intrusion.
Federal Compliance Framework
DoD Anti-Ram Vehicle Barrier List Requirements
The Department of Defense maintains an approved list of tested barriers that meet stringent performance criteria for military installations and federal facilities.
List Inclusion Criteria:
- ASTM F2656 or ASTM F3016 certification from an accredited testing facility
- Complete test documentation with verified impact results
- Verification of vehicle specifications and speed measurement accuracy
- Post-impact assessment confirming barrier integrity and penetration measurements
Quarterly Update Process:
The DoD list receives updates in January, April, July, and October, requiring manufacturers to submit complete test reports one month prior to publication dates.
Regulatory Transition Guidance
K-Rating to ASTM Conversion
| Legacy Standard | Modern Equivalent |
|---|---|
| K4 (15,000 lbs @ 30 mph) | M30 |
| K8 (15,000 lbs @ 40 mph) | M40 |
| K12 (15,000 lbs @ 50 mph) | M50 |
ASTM Testing Methodology Requirements
ASTM F2656 testing employs standardized procedures to ensure consistent and reliable barrier performance assessment across different manufacturers and testing facilities.
Testing Protocol Standards:
- ASTM F2656 requires standardized vehicle configurations with specific weight requirements for each vehicle class
- Penetration distances are measured from the barrier face to the vehicle’s leading edge after impact
- Testing must use single-specimen impact methodology with no pre-damaged barriers
- Complete documentation is required for valid certification
Standard Evolution and Compliance:
ASTM F2656 has evolved through multiple versions (F2656-07, F2656-15, F2656-18, F2656-20) with significant changes to measurement reference points and testing procedures. Earlier versions measured penetration from the barrier’s backside, while current standards measure from the leading edge of the impacted barrier face.
Facility and Vehicle Requirements:
- Testing facilities must meet ASTM accreditation requirements
- Test vehicles must comply with exact ASTM specifications without modifications
- Any deviation from standardized vehicle configurations invalidates test results
This methodology ensures that certified barriers provide consistent protection levels regardless of manufacturer, with testing procedures designed to simulate real-world vehicle impact scenarios under controlled conditions.
Barrier1 Systems ASTM Compliance
Barrier1 Systems offers a broad range of ASTM F2656 and F3016-certified bollards, including our Set & Pour, Shallow Mount, Super Shallow Mount, and Manual Retractable models, all manufactured in North Carolina. Select models are included on the DoD Anti-Ram Vehicle Barrier List. As a GSA contract holder utilizing patented vehicle barrier technology, we provide specification support and engineering coordination for government agencies, military installations, and commercial clients. Contact our technical specialists for project-specific certification documentation and installation requirements.
Contact Us About Our ASTM-Certified Bollard Collection
Sources
- ASTM International. “ASTM F2656/F2656M-23 Standard Test Method for Vehicle Crash Testing of Perimeter Barriers.” 2023. https://www.astm.org/f2656_f2656m-23.html
- ASTM International. “ASTM F3016/F3016M-19 Standard Test Method for Surrogate Testing of Vehicle Impact Protective Devices.” 2019. https://www.astm.org/f3016_f3016m-19.html
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Protective Design Center. “DoD Anti-Ram Vehicle Barriers List.” September 2024. https://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/Portals/23/docs/PDC/DOD_Anti-ram_Vehicle_Barriers_September_2024.pdf
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. “Vehicle Ramming Action Guide.” December 2024. https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/2024-12/CISA_Vehicle_Ramming_Action_Guide_20241205_508.pdf
