Security gates and bollards are essential components in protecting entrances from unauthorized access and minimizing damage during accidental collisions. These security measures play a crucial role in both industrial and defense settings. To ensure the reliability of these barriers, standardized and unbiased U.S. crash ratings are used to evaluate their durability.

Understanding crash ratings can help you choose the most suitable barriers for your needs. Whether you're looking for a secure gate or bollard, knowing how to interpret these ratings is vital. This guide will walk you through the key factors that determine crash ratings and explain the differences between K-ratings and M-ratings.

The Three Factors That Determine Crash Ratings

Three primary factors influence the crash test ratings:

1. The weight of the vehicle involved in the test
2. The speed at which the vehicle approaches the barrier
3. The distance the vehicle travels beyond the barrier after impact

Some rating systems only provide certification if the vehicle doesn't travel more than a certain distance past the barrier. The combination of these three elements determines the overall crash rating of a barrier. You may come across terms like K-ratings and M-ratings, so it's important to understand the distinctions between them.

K-Ratings: The Older System

K-ratings, also known as Department of Defense (DOD) crash ratings, have been in use since 1985. These ratings are based on how far a 15,000-pound vehicle travels beyond a barrier at a specific speed. For a K-rating to be certified, the vehicle must not go beyond 50 feet. Higher K-ratings correspond to tests conducted at higher speeds with the same type and size of vehicle.

Common K-ratings include:

• K4: 30 miles per hour
• K8: 40 miles per hour
• K12: 50 miles per hour

K-ratings are further categorized into L1, L2, and L3 based on how far the front of the vehicle traveled beyond the barrier:

• L3: Less than 3 feet
• L2: Between 3 and 20 feet
• L1: Between 20 and 50 feet

The strongest K-rated barrier would be K12:L3, where a 15,000-pound vehicle moving at 50 mph penetrates less than 3 feet. When interpreting K-ratings, the "K" number indicates the test speed, while the "L" number shows the distance traveled beyond the barrier.

M-Ratings: The Modern Standard

M-ratings have largely replaced K-ratings in recent years, following standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Unlike K-ratings, which focus on the front of the vehicle, M-ratings assess how far the vehicle’s payload travels beyond the barrier. These ratings are still based on vehicle weight, speed, and penetration distance.

M-ratings are similar to K-ratings in that the numerical designation corresponds to the test speed. For example:

• K4 = M30
• K8 = M40
• K12 = M50

M-ratings are divided into P1, P2, P3, and P4 classifications based on how far the vehicle penetrated:

• P1: 3.3 feet or less
• P2: Between 3.31 and 23 feet
• P3: Between 23.1 and 98.4 feet
• P4: More than 98.4 feet

M-ratings allow for greater flexibility in measuring distances, making them more accurate. A K12:L3 rating is equivalent to an M50:P1 rating. An M50:P2 rated beam could withstand a 15,000-pound vehicle traveling at 50 mph without allowing it to penetrate more than 23 feet.

Tested vs. Certified vs. Engineered

When evaluating crash ratings, it's essential to understand the differences between "tested," "certified," and "engineered." Each term has a distinct meaning and level of reliability:

• Tested: Be cautious of products labeled "crash-tested." Just because a barrier was tested does not mean it passed or met the specified rating. Some products may falsely claim to meet certain K- or M-ratings without actually doing so.
• Certified: This label is more reliable. If a product is "certified" at a specific rating, it means it successfully passed the test and achieved that rating. Always look for certified products when possible.
• Engineered: A product labeled "engineered" was designed to meet a certain standard using calculations or computer models. However, it may not have undergone real-world testing, so its performance in actual crashes is uncertain.

For the best assurance, always look for "certified" M- or K-rated barriers. If you see labels like "tested" or "engineered," ask for proof that they met the required standards. Without real testing, there's no guarantee the product will perform as expected in real-life situations.

Understanding ASTM Models and Codes

ASTM uses specific models and codes to classify anti-ram tests based on vehicle speed, weight, and penetration distance. Familiarizing yourself with these codes can help you better understand crash ratings. Here are some key ASTM speed and penetration ratings:

Speed Ratings:

• S10: Minimum test velocity of 10 mph
• S20: Minimum test velocity of 20 mph
• S30: Minimum test velocity of 30 mph

Penetration Ratings (Low Speed):

• P1: Penetration of 1 foot or less
• P2: Penetration between 1 and 4 feet
• Failure: Penetration of more than 4 feet

Penetration Ratings (High Speed):

• P1: Penetration of 3.3 feet or less
• P2: Penetration between 3.31 and 23 feet
• P3: Penetration between 23 and 98.4 feet

These standards help ensure that crash testing is consistent and reliable across different manufacturers and applications.

Buy Certified Security Gates and Perimeters From TYMETAL

When security is a top priority, you need barriers that meet high standards. At TYMETAL, all of our security gates and crash barriers have achieved prestigious ASTM crash ratings. You can trust that our products meet universal, unbiased standards set by ASTM. Explore our range of durable crash barriers and commercial gates today.

Reviewed By Chris Herold on 4/29/2021

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