Physical security for preventing hostile attacks

Breakthroughs in low-penetration, shallow-mount hostile vehicle barriers are making facilities and public spaces more secure.

The profusion of hostile vehicle attacks directed at crowded public spaces has drawn urgent focus upon capacity to arrest hostile vehicles, whilst conceding the absolute minimum penetration achievable. This is particularly critical where public spaces expose predictable, high-density assemblies of pedestrians — obviously, the less penetration, the less potential for human collateral. In addition, sensitive ICT facilities such as data and communications centres are also potential targets that need protection from rogue actors wishing to disrupt public services. So it’s important to make physical security the first layer of defence.

Ezi Security Systems has recently released the Truckstopper TS9-40 fixed or removable crash-tested bollard system, incorporating the massive spring steel componentry and highly adaptable triple array foundation system proven at 50 mph in the TS9-50.

The TS9-40 was successfully tested at the UK’s MIRA Test Centre in August 2018. The system conceded unprecedented minimal penetration of 2.4 metres (dynamic) and 2.2 metres (static) for a shallow foundation (200 mm) bollard system, impacted at 40 mph by an N2A 7500 kg GVW Truck. The system was certified to the internationally recognised standard, IWA 14-1 2013 Barrier V/7200[N2A]/64/90:2.4.

This represents the new world benchmark in low penetration achieved in this class by a shallow mount bollard. The IWA test credential recorded is deemed equivalent to:

• PAS68-1:2013 Barrier V/7500[N2]/64/90:2.2/15.0
• ASTM F2656 M40:P2
• CWA 16221 Fixed bollard V/[N2]7500/64/90:2.2/15.0
   

Frequently, assessed risk areas are located within CBDs and cityscapes where underground services inhibit deep foundations. The TS9-40 system requires a foundation of only 200 mm in depth. The unique foundation design permits individual socket boxes to be swivelled, enabling the bollards to follow a curved barrier line during installation, even accommodating ‘stepping’ to elegantly follow the contour of sloping surfaces.

Emphasising Ezi’s close collaboration with Safetyflex UK’s design team and continuing our mutual focus on identified market priorities, Safetyflex in mid-May 2019 tested a further significant innovation incorporating the hugely robust TS9-40 bollard. Safetyflex’s shallow mount retractable bollard system was adapted to combine the powerful spring steel core bollard assembly of the TS9-40 and subjected to impact by a 7500 kg truck at 40 mph (64 kph) at the UK’s MIRA test laboratory.

This test was an astounding success; the hand drill-operable RB002-40 arrested the 7500 kg N2 truck containing penetration within one metre, attaining certification IWA14-1:2013 Bollard V/7200[N2A]/64/90:1.0. This is completely unprecedented by a retractable bollard system in this class, let alone one deployable within 90 seconds from its 450 mm deep ‘coffin enclosure’ by one person with a battery drill, without need of electrical power or connection of any kind. Equally amazing was that the RB002-40 was still in working order once the destroyed truck was prized from the bollard, then could be lowered back into its enclosure and raised as normal.

These spectacular truck stopping credentials bear testimony to ongoing research and development into emerging risks and customer applications, in Australia and our region, via Ezi Security Systems and based on truly innovative technology.

For further information about the extreme performance TS9-40 and RB002-40 HVB systems, visit www.ezisecurity.com.au.