411.1 Scope of each standard

Summarize what vehicles, speeds, and acceptance metrics each standard covers. This lets you match an HVM bollard need to the correct crash rated bollard regime before design (412–414).

The three families you’ll meet most are PAS 68, IWA 14-1, and ASTM F2656 (HVM). Each defines vehicle classes (e.g., passenger car, pickup, medium/heavy goods vehicle), impact speeds (typical bands ~30–80 km/h for HVM), and acceptance metrics (penetration past a defend line and, sometimes, debris limits). Low-speed storefront risks are governed separately by ASTM F3016 and PAS 170-1.

Pay attention to whether a regime permits angled impacts, what test tolerances apply to speed/mass, and whether major debris is controlled. These details steer your VDA assumptions, array layout, and the specification wording you’ll use at tender.

411.2 Terminology alignment

Align “penetration,” “dynamic deflection,” and “residual set” so drawings/specs don’t drift. Shared terms keep HVM bollard reviews quick (412).

Penetration is how far the test vehicle (or major debris) moves beyond the defend line. Dynamic deflection is the peak temporary movement; permanent set is what remains after rebound. Use these consistently in CAD notes, schedules, and acceptance criteria to avoid scope creep and equivalency disputes.

411.3 Test article vs production

A tested “article” defines limits—height, foundation, and accessories. Production HVM bollard units must respect that for the crash rated bollard claim to stand (421).

Crash ratings apply to the as-tested configuration: the bollard core, foundation cage/footing, head, cover/sleeve, and sometimes accessories. Changing embedment depth, mix design, or sleeve mass can invalidate the certificate or require engineering judgment with an evidence-backed dependency review. Keep “family” and variant rules clear in submittals (see 415 — Product families/variants).

411.4 Instrumentation & measurements

Know what’s measured (speed, impact, penetration) and how. Understanding helps defend an HVM bollard submittal (431).

Labs measure approach speed, impact angle, vehicle mass, and post-impact travel using calibrated timing gates, high-speed video, and surveyed markers. They record bollard/top-plate movement to determine dynamic deflection and capture debris fields. For submissions, include raw data extracts, camera stills, and the lab’s calibration statement in your evidence pack.

411.5 Acceptance criteria

Record pass/fail thresholds and caveats. Criteria anchor crash rated bollard equivalence debates (414).

Each regime sets a maximum allowable penetration (sometimes tiered) and may add limits for debris, vehicle orientation, or multiple hits. Note whether the defend line is at back-of-kerb, facade, or a defined defend line. Capture any caveats (e.g., speed tolerance, tyre burst) alongside the headline rating string so reviewers cannot misinterpret “pass margin” later.

411.6 Reporting formats

Expect photo/footage, tables, and narrative. Clean reports accelerate HVM bollard approvals (444).

A good report includes an executive summary with the rating string, a table of test parameters, drawings of the test article/foundation, a penetration/deflection summary, and a clear conclusion (pass/fail). Append calibrated sensor data and a photo storyboard. Pair this with your project’s evidence & documentation checklist for faster approvals.

411.7 Marking & labeling

Use serials and family names traceable to certificates. Labels tie site HVM bollard assets to a crash rated bollard record (415).

Maintain an asset register & serials so each installed unit can be traced to its product family, batch/heat number, and certificate scope. If sleeves or heads are changed later, record this against the serial and re-state whether the rating still applies under the family rules.

411.8 Renewal/retest cycles

Track validity and re-tests so HVM bollard evidence stays current (118).

Vendors sometimes update families, retire variants, or change foundations. Keep a “change log” in your submission pack and request updated certificates or letters of attestation when revisions occur. For UAE/authority projects (e.g., SIRA), confirm any local validity periods or listing requirements in addition to the base standard.

411.9 Selecting the right standard

Choose by vehicle class, speed band, and jurisdiction. Right choice avoids mismatched crash rated bollard claims (133).

Start from threat and context: vehicle class (223 — Vehicle Classes), credible approach speeds (222 — Run-up distance, 224 — Speed estimation), and approach vectors (225 — Impact angles). Then check jurisdictional expectations (see 133 — Country & Authority Variations) and, for the UAE, any SIRA submission/listing needs. Pick IWA/PAS/ASTM to match the project’s legal/industry norms and document your choice in the spec and design selection guide.

411 Crash-Rated Bollards: crash standards overview — FAQ