Impact-tested (anti-ram) bollards are designed to stop or significantly slow vehicles on impact, protecting people, buildings, and high-risk sites. Their performance is verified through recognised crash-testing standards that measure stopping capability, penetration distance, and energy absorption.
Main standards for anti-ram bollards:
- PAS 68 (UK standard)
The UK’s primary specification for vehicle security barriers, including bollards. It defines how systems perform when struck by vehicles of specific weights, speeds, and impact angles. - IWA 14-1 (international standard)
A globally recognised standard aligned with PAS 68, providing a consistent classification system for vehicle mitigation products across different countries. - ASTM F2656 (US standard)
Widely used in North America, this standard classifies barriers using vehicle type, speed, and penetration ratings (often referenced globally for comparison).
How these standards work:
- Bollards are physically crash-tested using vehicles (e.g. cars, vans, trucks)
- Tests measure:
- Impact speed (e.g. 30mph / 48 km/h)
- Vehicle mass (e.g. 7.5-tonne truck)
- Penetration distance (how far the vehicle travels after impact)
- Results are given as a performance rating, confirming what level of threat the bollard can withstand
Where anti-ram bollards are used:
- Government and public buildings
- Airports, data centres, and critical infrastructure
- Retail parks and crowded public spaces
- Industrial or high-risk commercial sites
They are often installed as part of a wider Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) strategy.
Important considerations:
- The foundation design and installation method are critical — a crash-rated bollard is only effective if installed exactly as tested
- Spacing and layout must also follow the tested configuration to maintain protection levels
At Aremco Barriers, we can supply and advise on PAS 68 and IWA 14-1 compliant bollards, helping ensure your site meets the required security standards and performance levels. Whether for public safety or asset protection, we’ll help you specify a system that delivers proven impact resistance and long-term reliability.
