Discover Robust Crash Beams: Surface-Set & Electric Options

F2656 crash test ratings comprise two things: 1) the test vehicle used 2) the penetration rating achieved during the test (example: M40/P1). This standard uses six different classes of vehicles: SC=Small Car (2430 lbs), FS=Full Size Sedan (4630 lbs), PU=Pickup Truck (5070 lbs), M=Medium Duty Truck (15000 lbs), C=Class 7 Cabover (15783 lbs), and H=Heavy Goods Vehicle (65000 lbs). The lighter three vehicles (SC, FS, and PU) are tested at 30, 40, 50, and 60 mph while the larger three classifications (M, C, and H) are tested to 30, 40, and 50mph. The test vehicle penetration reference point shall be the leading edge of the base of the “A” pillar on the small passenger car (SC), the full-size passenger sedan (FS), and the pickup truck (PU). The test vehicle penetration reference point will be the leading lower vertical edge of the cargo bed on the standard test Truck (M), the Class 7 cabover (C7), and the heavy goods vehicle (H). F2656 uses the P-ratings to define the distance that the vehicle penetrated the reference point on the barrier. A measured dynamic penetration of 3.3 ft (1m) or less would result in a P1 rating, a measured dynamic penetration greater than 3.3 ft (1m) up to 23 ft (7m) would result in a P2 rating, a measured dynamic penetration greater than 23 ft (7m) up to 98.4 ft (30m) would result in a P3 rating, and any measured dynamic penetration beyond 98.4 ft (30m) by the test vehicle reference point would result in a failure of the test. The ASTM F2656 standard has since replaced the long-tenured DoS K-ratings.

These crash-tested products should be selected based upon factors that may be unique to each location, such as:

1. What is the threat vehicle? As defined above. This will determine what vehicle you need to be protected from and half of the rating you should be looking for.
2. What is the maximum attainable speed that the threat vehicle can achieve?
3. Are there any direct points of impact or are the only points of impact at low degree angles? This will affect the maximum attainable speed.
4. What is the desired/necessary standoff distance? You wouldn’t want to select a P3 barrier to protect an area where people or critical assets are located just beyond the barrier. Conversely, you may not need a P1 rated barrier for a barrier that is being used to simply channel a vehicle further down the road.