Over the last six months there have been a few changes with regards to the three internationally recognised crash test standards ASTM F2656, PAS 68 and IWA 14-1 which can be summarised as follows:
- In September 2023, ISO 22343-1 “Security and resilience – Vehicle security barriers – Part 1: Performance requirement, vehicle impact test method and performance rating” was published cancelling and replacing the International Workshop Agreement IWA 14-1:2013.
- In October 2023, the British Publicly Available Specification PAS 68:2013 “Impact test specifications for vehicle security barrier systems” was withdrawn.
- In November 2023, a new version of the American Standard ASTM F2656/F2656M “Standard Test Method for Crash Testing of Vehicle Security Barriers” was published.
As a result, there are now only two current crash test standards available – ISO 22343-1:2023 and ASTM F2656/F2656M – 23. This raises the question whether future crash tests should be conducted
- with an American truck (M/N2B or H/N3E) in accordance with ASTM F2656/F2656M – 23 and ISO 22343-1:2023 (= combined crash test) or
- with a European truck either in accordance with ASTM F2656/F2656M – 23 (i. e. C7 truck) or in accordance with ISO 22343-1:2023 (i. e. N2A, N3C, N3D, N3F or N3G truck).
It is difficult to predict which crash test standard will prevail when it comes to specifying VSBs in procurement tenders. It is reasonable to assume that test vehicles will be selected on the basis of the VSB’s geographic application meaning that an installation site will be assessed against the composition of the local vehicle fleet to determine whether the predominant vehicle types are European or American style. One thing, though, is for sure: The UK’s National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) will only recognise VSBs tested from 1st of March 2024 onwards with an ISO 22343-1 performance rating as new entries into its Catalogue of Security Equipment (CSE) – i.e. VSB tested after this to a withdrawn standard will no longer be considered.
Please do not hesitate to contact product management if you have any questions.
Best regards,
Yvonne Kolatschek
Product Manager
yvonne.kolatschek@perimeterprotection.de
