Crash-Rated Bollards

Everything You Need to Know

In today’s urban environments, the threat of vehicle intrusion—whether accidental or intentional—is a growing concern for planners, architects, and property owners alike. From protecting bustling storefronts and pedestrian walkways to securing high-risk federal buildings, crash-rated bollards serve as a critical line of defense. These engineered barriers are designed not just to look the part, but to perform under pressure—tested and certified to stop vehicles traveling at significant speeds. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about crash-rated bollards: how they work, how they’re tested, where they’re used, and how to choose the right solution for your project.

What Is a Crash-Rated Bollard?

Crash-rated bollards are security posts that are specifically engineered to stop or mitigate the force of a moving vehicle. Unlike decorative or traffic-directing bollards, crash-rated models undergo rigorous impact testing to determine their strength under realistic crash conditions. Their core purpose is to provide protective barriers between vehicles and the areas behind them—be it pedestrians, buildings, infrastructure, or critical assets.

These bollards are made from high-strength steel and often feature deep-set reinforced foundations to distribute the energy of an impact. A crash-rated bollard might appear similar to a decorative bollard on the outside—especially when fitted with architectural covers—but it’s what lies beneath the surface that determines its performance.

Crash-rated bollards are a fundamental part of perimeter security and are often mandated or recommended by urban planning and antiterrorism guidelines for high-risk or vulnerable sites.

How Crash-Rated Bollards Work to Stop Vehicles

At the heart of a crash-rated bollard’s function is energy absorption and redirection. When a vehicle collides with a properly installed crash-rated bollard, the energy from the impact is absorbed by the bollard’s material and transferred through the subsurface foundation into the ground. This stops or significantly slows the vehicle before it reaches its intended target.

Key factors that influence how well a bollard can stop a moving car include:

• Vehicle speed and mass: Higher speeds and larger vehicles require bollards with higher crash ratings.
• Bollard construction: Materials, wall thickness, diameter, and height all affect performance.
• Foundation depth and material: An improperly reinforced footing can lead to bollard failure even if the above-ground post is strong.
• Vehicle approach angle: Vehicles striking bollards at angles may bypass their core stopping power, making strategic placement essential.

For example, a 15,000 lb. truck traveling at 30 mph requires a properly installed M30/P1 rated bollard to absorb and stop that force with less than 3.3 feet of penetration.

Understanding Crash Ratings: K, M, and P Systems Explained

K-Rating

Originally developed by the U.S. Department of State, the K-rating system was used to define crash resistance in the early 2000s. A K12 rating, for instance, meant that the barrier could stop a vehicle traveling at 50 mph.

• K4 = 30 mph
• K8 = 40 mph
• K12 = 50 mph

While still referenced, mostly for government infrastructure, K-ratings have largely been replaced by ASTM M-ratings, which are more specific and standardized.

M-Rating

ASTM F2656 introduced the M-rating system, which mirrors K-ratings but pairs with specific vehicle types and more precise penetration data.

• M30 = 30 mph
• M40 = 40 mph
• M50 = 50 mph

P-Rating

P-ratings indicate how far the vehicle travels past the bollard after impact:

• P1 = <3.3 feet penetration
• P2 = 3.31-23.0 feet penetration
• P3 = 23.1-98.4 feet penetration

A bollard with an M30/P1 rating provides superior protection compared to an M30/P3 bollard, even though both withstand the same speed and vehicle weight.

ASTM Crash Test Standards for Bollards (F3016 vs F2656)

When selecting crash-rated bollards, understanding the ASTM standards behind their certification is crucial.

ASTM F2656

This standard covers high-speed crash testing and is the industry benchmark for government, military, and critical infrastructure applications. It simulates real-life vehicle impacts using test vehicles such as a 15,000 lb. medium-duty truck or a 5,000 lb. sedan, impacting the bollard at speeds of 30, 40, or 50 mph. The bollards are then rated using:

• M-Ratings (e.g., M30, M40, M50) indicating speed
• P-Ratings (e.g., P1, P2, P3) indicating how far the vehicle penetrates past the bollard

Example: An M50/P1 bollard stops a 15,000 lb. truck at 50 mph with less than 3.3 feet penetration.

ASTM F3016

Developed for storefront and low-speed impact protection, ASTM F3016 is designed for urban and commercial environments where vehicles may accidentally drive into buildings. These tests use lighter vehicles (5,000 lb.) traveling at 10, 20, or 30 mph. Though they still use the same designations, they also have a different penetration distances than the F2656 standard.

ASTM F3016 bollards are often less expensive and require smaller foundations—making them ideal for commercial retail locations, school zones, and sidewalk cafés.

Where Crash-Rated Bollards Are Commonly Installed

Crash-rated bollards are used in a wide range of locations where vehicle access must be restricted, and pedestrian or structural safety is critical.

Common installations include:

• Storefronts and small businesses: Bollards such as Reliance Foundry’s Vector Series are designed to protect entrances from accidental crashes or ram raids.
• Banks and government offices: Secure high-value targets from hostile vehicle attacks.
• Stadiums and arenas: Control vehicle access during large public events.
• Airports, transit hubs, and train stations: Prevent unauthorized vehicle entry.
• Public plazas and civic buildings: Maintain open aesthetics while ensuring safety.

Due to the rise in storefront crashes, many urban areas are investing in low-speed ASTM F3016 bollards as part of local safety initiatives and to follow new laws and regulations.

Choosing the Right Bollard for Your Site Needs

How do you choose a crash-rated bollard? The decision depends on:

• Threat level: Is your site at risk of deliberate attack or accidental collision?
• Speed exposure: Are cars passing at 10 mph or 50 mph?
• Vehicle type: Will you need protection against sedans, SUVs, or large trucks?
• Site conditions: Can you accommodate the foundation required for high-impact bollards?
• Aesthetic goals: Does the site require an architectural look?

If you’re protecting a storefront, ASTM F3016 will likely suffice. For a federal building or airport, go with ASTM F2656 M30–M50.

Crash-rated bollards are critical tools in today’s urban safety infrastructure. Whether you’re shielding pedestrians, deterring vehicle-ramming attacks, or simply securing a storefront from accidental crashes, these high-performance barriers offer peace of mind.

As cities grow denser and vehicles become heavier—especially with the rise of electric vehicles—the demand for ASTM-compliant protective bollards is increasing. From high-impact M30 and M50 bollards at federal buildings to low-profile barriers at retail locations, crash-rated solutions are becoming an integral part of secure, people-first urban design.

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