Vehicle security barriers – Part 1: Performance requirements and vehicle impact test method

IWA 14-1:2013 is the International Workshop Agreement which specifies the essential impact performance requirement for a vehicle security barrier (VSB) and a test method for rating its performance when subjected to a single impact by a test vehicle not driven by a human being.

IWA 14-1: 2013 specifies a classification system for the performance of vehicle security barriers, subjected to a single horizontal impact.

IWA 14-1: 2013 identifies impact test tolerances and vehicle performance criteria which need to be met in order for a product to conform and be granted a classification.

Design guidance is provided in IWA 14-2:2013.
IWA 14-2:2013 should be considered to ensure this equipment is installed correctly.

To view our IWA 14 Anti Terra Range, please click here

The IWA 14-1 specification defines the vehicle type, test mass and impact speed together with the required measurements, vehicle and test item details that should be recorded and reported. Post impact, and if the test is successful -the VSB stopped and immobilised the test vehicle, then the penetration distance is measured. This reading is taken from the front of the vehicle cargo load bed to the position of the original rear face of the VSB. The dispersion distance of major debris is also measured as this may be a consideration at certain sites.
These measurements can be used to determine which is the most suitable VSB for each individual site. It must be remembered that the impact testing uses repeatable test criteria and may not replicate the precise dynamics of real life attacks or vehicle configurations. However, it does provide a common baseline to classify and compare VSB systems. Equipment that has been tested in accordance to the IWA 14-1 specification requires an appropriate installation which is tailored to the individual sites ground and environmental conditions. This ensures the adequate performance if challenged in a hostile vehicle attack.

The importance of after sales and who should maintain your equipment is another aspect which should be considered.

Foundation Classifications

The VSB system foundation shall be classified according to the following

Classification Description

A Freestanding; having no ground fixing

Ap Surface mounted but also pinned or bolted to the ground

B Depth <0.5m below ground level C Depth >0.5m below ground level

Traffic Throughput
Example of potential effect on traffic throughput for a number of different VACP configurations
VSB Estimated Vehicle Transit Time in seconds Vehicles per minute
Nothing 1 60
Visual pass check (no VSB) 4 15
Hands-on pass check 8 7
Single line of VSBs 19 3
Multi-vehicle interlocked VSBs 20 3
Single-vehicle interlocked VSBs 30 2
Final Denial VSB 4 to 8 7 to 15

Please also see:

Classification Code
Vehicle Energy
Testing
Terra Maintenance
HVM & Architecture

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