This quick guide helps you understand ASTM bollard standards, compare legacy K-ratings, and select the right rating for your facility’s security needs.
ASTM ratings are the primary certification standards engineers and specifiers use to identify the appropriate protection level for their facilities. Specifying the wrong standard can derail your project timeline and budget. Federal facilities require F2656 certification plus Department of Defense (DoD) approval, while storefront protection projects often rely on F3016, which addresses different vehicle types and impact speeds.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- The exact ASTM F2656 and F3016 requirements
- How ASTM ratings compare to IWA and K-ratings
- How to interpret an ASTM crash test report
- How to apply a cost-analysis framework to your project
ASTM F2656 vs F3016: Critical Specification Differences
There are two major categories of ASTM ratings for security bollards: ASTM F2656 and ASTM F3016.
- ASTM F2656 is for high-speed, anti-ram security barriers (like those used to stop vehicle attacks against government and military buildings).
- ASTM F3016 is for low-speed, accidental impact protection (like those used for storefronts, sidewalks, and pedestrian areas).
ASTM Standards Comparison
| Key Factor | ASTM F2656 | ASTM F3016 |
|---|---|---|
| Test Purpose | Anti-ram/high-security (intentional attacks) | Accidental, low-speed impacts (storefront/urban safety) |
| Test Vehicle Type | 15,000 lb medium-duty truck | 5,000 lb surrogate vehicle |
| Test Vehicle Speeds | 30, 40, 50 mph | 10, 20, 30 mph |
| Penetration Ratings | P1: ≤3.3 ft P2: 3.3–23 ft P3: 23–98 ft |
P1: ≤1 ft* P2: 1–4 ft |
| Typical Applications | Federal, military, energy, data centers | Storefronts, sidewalks, plazas |
* ASTM F3016 originally used a strict 4-foot pass/fail threshold. As of the F3016-19 revision, the standard allows (but does not require) manufacturers to report penetration as P1 (≤1 ft) or P2 (1–4 ft) when tested. If the vehicle or debris travels beyond 4 feet, the barrier does not pass. Always check the manufacturer’s test report and the date tested to verify which penetration classification applies to the product you’re specifying.
F3016 and F2656 standards are not interchangeable. Specifiers must identify the exact standard required for each application to ensure proper performance and compliance with applicable regulations.
Need help choosing between F2656 and F3016 for your project? Download our ASTM Standards Reference Chart or contact our technical team for a quick consultation.
Reading ASTM Ratings
ASTM bollard ratings are formatted as a 12-character alpha-numeric code, such as “F2656-15 M50-P1.” Each part of the rating correlates to a specific crash test criterion:
- Test standard and year: Indicates which ASTM standard and revision year were used (e.g., F2656-15 or F3016-19). The year is critical, as test requirements are updated over time.
- Test vehicle type: Letters (S, SC, FS, PU, M, C7, H) signify the vehicle used in the crash test. For example, M designates a 15,000 lb medium-duty truck. (See the table below for a complete list of vehicle types.)
- Impact Speed: Numbers 10 through 60 record the speed of the test vehicle at the time of impact.
- Penetration level: The suffix (P1, P2, P3) indicates the payload penetration distance after impact.
ASTM F2656 and ASTM F3016 evaluate different vehicle types at various speeds and penetration levels. These differences reflect the two standards’ distinct focuses.
ASTM Standards Quick Reference
| Code Part | ASTM F2656 | ASTM F3016 |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Type Prefix | SC = Small Car (2,430 lbs) FS = Full-size Sedan (4,630 lbs) PU = Pickup Truck (5,070 lbs) M = Medium Truck (15,000 lbs) C7 = Class 7 Cabover (15,873 lbs) H = Heavy Goods Vehicle (65,000 lbs) |
S = Surrogate Vehicle (5,000 lbs) |
| Test Speed | 30, 40, or 50 mph (light vehicles may be tested up to 60 mph) | 10, 20, or 30 mph |
| Penetration Rating | P1: ≤3.3 ft (1.0 m) P2: 3.3–23 ft (1.01–7.0 m) P3: 23–98 ft (7.01–30.0 m) |
P1: ≤1 ft (0.3 m) P2: 1–4 ft (0.3–1.22 m) (>4 ft = fail; P1/P2 per F3016-19 update) |
These are some example ASTM ratings you’ll commonly see:
- F2656-15 M50-P1: Medium-duty truck, at 50 mph, penetrated ≤3.3 ft.
- F2656-15 H40-P2: Heavy goods vehicle, 40 mph, penetrated 3.3 to 23 ft.
- F3016-19 S20-P1: 5,000 lb surrogate, 20 mph, penetrated ≤1 ft.
Understanding ASTM rating prefixes ensures you’re not under- or over-specifying your barrier. Confirming the vehicle type, speed, and penetration class in your specification protects people, assets, and budgets—and ensures code and client compliance.
Reading ASTM Certification Letters
ASTM crash tests are documented in comprehensive reports that include detailed data, photos, and analysis. For practical purposes, however, specifiers usually rely on the certification letter which is a one-page summary in the appendix that lists the barrier’s official rating and test details.
A typical ASTM certification letter includes:
- Testing facility: Name, address, accreditation (e.g., ISO 17025), and contact information.
- Test date: When the crash test was performed.
- Vehicle used: Type and weight of the test vehicle (e.g., M = 15,000 lb truck).
- Test standard: The ASTM standard and revision year (e.g., ASTM F2656-07 or F3016-19).
- Summary of results: Key data on impact speed, penetration distance, and pass/fail outcome.
- Final rating: The official rating code assigned (e.g., M50-P1).
Legacy K-Rating Transition
Since 2017, the Department of Defense (DoD) and federal facilities have adopted the ASTM F2656 ratings standard for bollard and barrier ratings. Before adopting the ASTM standard, these facilities relied on Department of State (DoS) K-ratings.
Older specification and facility management documents frequently refer to K-ratings, which is why they continue to surface in project discussions. However, the ASTM standard is not merely an updated version of the K-rating system. The two standards measure different vehicles under very different circumstances. For example, ASTM tests the total payload penetration beyond a tested barrier, while K-ratings measure front bumper penetration.
K-rating Versus ASTM F2656 Rating Comparison
| Aspect | K Rating (DoS, Legacy) | ASTM F2656 Rating (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | U.S. Department of State (DoS), pre-2007 | ASTM International, published 2007 |
| DoD Adoption | Accepted until 2017 | Required for all new DoD projects since 2017 |
| Purpose | Anti-ram/hostile vehicle protection | Anti-ram/hostile vehicle protection |
| Vehicle Type | Always 15,000 lb (6,800 kg) medium truck | Multiple classes: SC, FS, PU, M, C7, H |
| Test Speeds | 30 mph (K4), 40 mph (K8), 50 mph (K12) | 30, 40, 50 mph (up to 60 mph for light vehicles) |
| Penetration Measurement | Front bumper to back of barrier | Payload (cargo bed/target point) to back of barrier |
| Penetration Categories | Only one: ≤36in. (0.91 m) | P1: ≤3.3 ft; P2: 3.3–23 ft; P3: 23–98 ft |
| Test Reporting | Pass/fail if penetration ≤36in. | Graded by penetration class (P1/P2/P3) |
| Angles Tested | 90° impact only | 90° impact (some products also at angles) |
| Documentation | Basic summary, limited photographic record | Full video, high-speed data, detailed reports |
| Current Industry Use | Phased out; not accepted for new DoD work | Required for all new U.S. government/federal projects |
Other Bollard Rating Standards
Several other security bollard rating standards apply to different global jurisdictions. The three most common are the IWA 14-1, the PAS 68, and the ISO 22343.
| Standard | Region/Origin | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM F2656 | US/Global | Federal, DoD, high-security, urban |
| ASTM F3016 | US/Global | Storefront, pedestrian, low-speed |
| K-Rating | US (legacy) | Older US embassy/military specifications |
| IWA 14-1 | International | Global, significant projects, EU/Asia/Mideast |
| PAS 68 | UK/International | UK, some Commonwealth, legacy global |
| ISO 22343 | International | Harmonized global/UN projects |
ASTM F2656 Versus IWA 14-1 and PAS 68 Ratings
IWA 14-1 and PAS 68 are European-based standards that, like ASTM F2656, test vehicle barriers using real vehicles at defined speeds and measure penetration distance. These standards use slightly different vehicle classes, impact scenarios, and reporting methods. International and multi-national projects may require IWA 14-1 or PAS 68-rated bollards. The table below notes the major differences in the three major global testing standards.
| Test Factor | ASTM F2656 | IWA 14-1 | PAS 68 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | U.S.; ASTM International | International; International Organization for Standardization (ISO), European Committee for Standardization (CEN) | UK; British Standards Institution (BSI) |
| Vehicle Types | SC (2,430 lbs), FS, PU, M (15,000 lbs), C7, H | N1, N2A, N2B, N3C (various trucks/cars) | 7.5t, 18t trucks, cars, buses |
| Test Vehicle Weights | 2,430–65,000 lbs (1,100–29,500 kg) | 1,500–7,200+ kg (varies by class) | 1,500–7,500+ kg |
| Test Speeds | 30, 40, 50 mph (up to 60 mph for light vehicles) | 32, 48, 64 kph (20, 30, 40 mph); up to 80 kph | 48, 64, 80 kph (30, 40, 50 mph) |
| Impact Angles | 90° (perpendicular) standard | 90° and optional oblique (30°, 45°, 60°) | 90°, 45°, 30° often specified |
| Penetration Measurement | Payload to the back of the barrier | Front of vehicle or “major debris” to barrier rear | Front of the vehicle or debris |
| Penetration Classes | P1 (≤1 m), P2 (1–7 m), P3 (7–30 m) | Varies: exact penetration distance (m) reported | Varies: exact penetration (m) |
| Reporting Style | Code (e.g., M50-P1); vehicle, speed, penetration | Code (e.g., N2A 48/90:3.2); full test data | Code (e.g., V/7500[N2]/48/90:1.5) |
* This table is for general reference. For detailed, project-specific requirements, always consult the full text of the relevant standard or official technical guidance.
DoD and Federal Project Requirements
For DoD and US federal projects globally, the ASTM F2656 is the only acceptable current standard. While all products approved for use on DoD installations must be ASTM F2656-certified, the DoD does not approve all ASTM F2656 crash-rated barriers.
DoD facilities further require that specific bollards and barriers be listed on the most current version of the DoD Anti-ram Vehicle Barrier List. This list is updated quarterly; current and past lists are available by contacting the Army Corps of Engineers. Federal and DoD projects also specify that barriers meet the standards of the Buy American Act, which requires 75% domestic content at a minimum for federal projects.
DoD Bollard Standards Quick Reference
| Requirement | What It Means for Projects | Where to Verify |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM F2656 Certification | Barrier must be tested/certified to the ASTM F2656 standard | Crash test report from an accredited lab |
| DoD Anti-Ram Vehicle Barrier List | Product must appear on the latest DoD-approved list | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (PDC) |
| Buy American Act Compliance | Must contain at least 75% domestic content for federal contracts | Manufacturer certification, procurement docs |
| Additional Federal Specs | May require SAFETY Act coverage or additional engineering review | Project RFP/spec, DHS, or GSA documentation |
For DoD and federal projects, confirm that your selected barrier meets all three federal/DoD site requirements, not just ASTM certification. Always request and file the latest compliance documentation before submittal or procurement.
Next Steps for Project Implementation
Using the information in this guide, you can confidently interpret ASTM ratings, avoid compliance pitfalls, and streamline your procurement and approval process for any federal, DoD, or high-risk commercial project.
Next Steps:
- Verify every rating: Double-check that the barrier’s crash test documentation matches your exact project requirements for vehicle type, speed, and penetration class.
- Confirm compliance: Ensure your selection meets all project-specific requirements, which may include ASTM certification, listing on the DoD Anti-Ram Vehicle Barrier List, and Buy American Act compliance.
- Use trusted resources: Download our ASTM Standards Reference Chart and keep it handy for quick code interpretation and submittal review.
- Ask for help: If your project involves complex site conditions, procurement challenges, or requires custom engineering, reach out to our technical team for expert support.
Barrier1 Systems provides complete project support from specification development through installation completion with verified technical documentation and field assistance.