Low speed pedestrian barriers are the subject of a proposed ASTM testing standard in an effort to minimize injury and damage caused by vehicle crashes in pedestrian areas. (Update: the standard was approved in 2014. Click here for more information.)
ASTM International Committee F12 on Security Systems and Equipment is developing the proposed standard, WK13074, Test Method for Crash Testing of Low Speed Pedestrian Barriers.
The only current standard for testing barriers is the K rating from the United States Department of State, but it does not apply to most cases in which bollards are used, according to ASTM. The proposed standard will cover the bollards, barriers, gates, planters and other products used in the many instances not covered by the K rating.
If approved, the proposed standard will enable designers to properly size pedestrian protection devices based on lower energy threats such as passenger vehicles traveling at lower speeds. Barriers such as these are not typically tested and their performance is largely unknown, according to ASTM.
