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Vehicle Ramming Assessment

A six-step engineering assessment of every credible vehicle approach to your site, and the tested barrier rating each line actually needs.

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Our Six-Step Process

STEP 01

Identify the assets

What must be protected, and the people and operations around it.

STEP 02

Map credible approaches

Every route a vehicle could take, including off-road and through landscaping.

STEP 03

Define the threat vehicles

From cars to heavy trucks, including electric vehicles.

STEP 04

Solve impact speed

Speed, angle and energy at each barrier line, modeled in VECTOR.

STEP 05

Evaluate existing measures

Barriers, gates, street furniture and their tested ratings, reviewed independently.

STEP 06

Specify and prioritize

Required rating and penetration at each line, each location ranked Critical to Low.

Six steps, six outputs
Six-step vehicle ramming assessment, from identifying assets to a ranked, rating-specific recommendation at each barrier line 01 Identify the assets Asset and occupancy list 02 Map credible approaches Every route, including off-road 03 Define the threat vehicles Vehicle set, including electric 04 Solve impact speed Speed and angle at each line 05 Evaluate existing measures Gap review of what is there 06 Specify and prioritize Required rating, ranked Critical to Low Output: an engineer-reviewed report with the required rating and penetration at each barrier line
Each step has a defined output, and together they become an engineer-reviewed report.

Right-Size the Barrier, Not the Budget

Simple checks often treat the approach as one straight run and call for the highest rating everywhere. VECTOR models bends, run-up length, surface grip and powertrain limits, so each barrier line is rated for the speed a vehicle can actually reach there. The result is protection that matches the threat, often at lower cost.

  • Rating-neutralASTM F2656, ASTM F3016 and ISO 22343-1 evaluated in parallel.
  • Electric vehicles includedHeavier vehicles with instant torque modeled explicitly.
  • Readable outputPlans and speed profiles that owners and architects can follow.
Speed is solved along the whole route
Illustrative approach path in plan with the speed profile along it: a bend limits speed, so the speed at the barrier line is lower than a straight-run check suggests PLAN ASSET Barrier line S1 Start S2 S3 Bend S4 S5 SPEED ALONG THE PATH Bend limits speed Solved speed at barrier line Straight-run assumption S2 S3 S4 S5 S1Distance along the path Speed Accelerates on the straight Brakes for the bend Illustrative only. No values. Each approach is solved site by site.
A bend forces the vehicle to slow, so the speed at the barrier line is lower than a straight-run check suggests.
One sheet for every barrier line
Sample location sheet layout: plan with route, speed profile, rank and the required rating fields for one barrier line LOCATION SHEET Critical PLAN SPEED PROFILE Threat vehicle Impact speed and angle Required rating Acceptable penetration Site constraints Route Asset behind Existing measures RECOMMENDATION Engineer reviewed Sample layout. Content is site specific and confidential.
Each location sheet pairs the plan and speed profile with the rank, required rating and recommendation.
Every approach is walked and measured
An engineer seen from behind measuring a curb line with a measuring wheel at the edge of an empty plaza

Vehicle Ramming: Common Questions

What do M30, M40 and M50 mean?

They are ASTM F2656 condition designations for a medium-duty truck test vehicle at nominal impact speeds of 30, 40 and 50 mph. The rating also carries a penetration designation (P1 to P3 in the current 2023 edition) that says how far the front of the test truck's cargo bed traveled past the barrier's attack face. The right rating depends on the speed a vehicle can actually reach at that line.

What is the difference between ASTM F2656 and ASTM F3016?

ASTM F2656 covers vehicle crash testing of perimeter barriers across a range of vehicles and speeds. ASTM F3016 covers surrogate testing for low-speed protection, often used for storefronts and pedestrian areas. They answer different questions, so one is not a substitute for the other.

Can you tell us which bollard to buy?

PNH specifies the tested performance a location needs and reviews vendor test evidence against it. We do not make, sell or install barriers or protective products, and we never specify a product we have a stake in.

Request a Vehicle Ramming Assessment Estimate

Send us the site and the deadline. A short note on the site, what concerns you and when the tender or decision is due is enough to start. We reply within one business day.

  • The siteAn address, a site plan or a few photos.
  • The concernThe threat question, an incident or a client requirement.
  • The criteriaAny standard or client specification that applies.
  • The dateWhen the tender, review or decision is due.

Email pnhsec@pnhsec.com or call +1-818-253-9557

Thank you. PNH will reply within one business day.