SIRA Crash Ratings for HVM Bollards (Dubai, UAE)

Focus of this page: SIRA uses three approval categories for HVM bollards in Dubai — Light, Average, and Heavy. Each category is defined by a reference test vehicle, impact speed/angle, and a maximum breakthrough (penetration) distance. We select ATG HVM bollards with PAS 68 test evidence and install to PAS 69, then obtain SIRA’s prior consent as part of the project-specific MS/RA and approvals pack.

Note: This page concentrates on the SIRA categories used for approvals in Dubai. For a full glossary of international crash-test notations (IWA 14-1 / PAS 68 / ASTM F2656) and how to read them, see Crash Ratings Explained.

About K-ratings (legacy U.S. DoS SD-STD-02.01): K-ratings use a 6,800 kg (15,000 lb) vehicle at 30/40/50 mph (≈ 48/64/80 km/h) with ≤ 1 m penetration. SIRA does not certify by K-rating. Any K-rating shown below is context only (not a formal equivalence), because vehicle mass, pass/penetration criteria, and acceptance thresholds differ from SIRA.

SIRA categories (as specified)

Light (SIRA)

  • Vehicle: 1,500 kg, light 4×2, 1 rigid axle
  • Impact speed: 110 km/h
  • Impact angle: 90°
  • Max breakthrough distance: 1.7 m

Typical use: storefronts, pedestrian streets, car-park frontages, and sites with controlled approaches.

K-rating context (not equivalent): Below K4 in mass/energy terms (K-series uses 6,800 kg at lower speeds); no direct K-class match.

Average (SIRA)

  • Vehicle: 7,500 kg, average 4×4, 2 rigid axles
  • Impact speed: 80 km/h
  • Impact angle: 90°
  • Max breakthrough distance: 2.0 m

Typical use: service roads, mixed-use perimeters, hospitality and campus retail where approach speeds are moderate.

K-rating context (not equivalent): Roughly in the K12 speed domain (≈ 80 km/h) but SIRA’s vehicle is heavier and penetration criteria differ.

Heavy (SIRA)

  • Vehicle: 32,000 kg, heavy 6×6, 4 rigid axles
  • Impact speed: 80 km/h
  • Impact angle: 90°
  • Max breakthrough distance: 2.5 m

Typical use: transport hubs, government assets, and critical infrastructure where risk and approach energy are high.

K-rating context (not equivalent): Beyond K12 energy domain (K-series fixed at 6,800 kg); no K-class analogue.

Standards & installation notes (per SIRA)

  • Collision standard: PAS 68:2013 (Vehicle Security Barrier — impact test standard).
  • Selection & installation: PAS 69:2013 (Guidance for selection, installation, and use of VSBs).
  • Other Barrier types covered include: fortified fences, road blockers, planter boxes, road-reserve assets, fountains/water basins, columns, and landscape elements.
  • Operational types:
    • Controllable HVM bollards (removable/operated manually or automatically by authorized staff).
    • Fixed HVM bollards (permanent, non-removable).

Compliance & approvals (per SIRA)

  • Product compliance: Controllable and fixed HVM bollards must have certificates of conformity to international standards issued by authorized bodies and certified/approved by SIRA.
  • Engineering alternative: If no approved certificate exists, submit full engineering calculations issued by a security-engineering consultant, considering minimum shock resilience.
  • Prior consent: Obtain SIRA’s written consent for the locations, design, and calculations of HVM bollards for each project.
  • Project deliverables: crash certificates, drawings/layouts (spacing, stand-off, foundations), MS/RA, and authority/landlord permit coordination per the SIRA-approved plan.

How we apply SIRA on projects

  • Size the HVM bollards category (Light / Average / Heavy) based on threat type, attainable speed, approach geometry, stand-off, and site constraints (slab depth, utilities, feasible foundations).
  • Select HVM bollards with PAS 68 test evidence and design installation per PAS 69, then submit to SIRA for consent with the project-specific MS/RA.
  • On handover, provide O&M manuals, certificates, as-built drawings, and operator training.

SIRA Crash Ratings — FAQ

Are SIRA categories the same as IWA/PAS/ASTM ratings?
No. SIRA categories (Light/Average/Heavy) are approval categories for Dubai projects. We still provide international crash-test certificates (PAS 68 / IWA 14-1 / ASTM F2656) for the selected HVM bollard and install to PAS 69.
Where can I learn the full international notation?
See our technical glossary page Crash Ratings Explained for IWA 14-1 / PAS 68 / ASTM F2656 details.
What is “breakthrough distance”?
The maximum forward travel (penetration) allowed by SIRA after impact for that category: 1.7 m (Light), 2.0 m (Average), 2.5 m (Heavy).
How do K-ratings relate to SIRA?
They generally don’t. K-ratings (K4/K8/K12) use a 6,800 kg vehicle at 30/40/50 mph with ≤ 1 m penetration. You can use K12 as a rough speed context for SIRA “Average”, but it is not an equivalence (different vehicle mass and acceptance criteria). “Light” and “Heavy” have no K-class equivalents.
Can we mix categories on the same site?
Yes. Many sites mix categories (e.g., Heavy at primary approaches, Average elsewhere, Light at pedestrianized edges). We justify each location in the SIRA submission and obtain prior consent.
Do removable or automatic HVM bollards fit these categories?
Yes. SIRA recognizes controllable HVM bollards (manual/automatic) and fixed HVM bollards. Both must comply and go through the same consent process with documentation.


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