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Writer's pictureLuu Vinh

High Security Fencing & Crash Rating Systems: A Comprehensive Guide

In today's world, ensuring the protection of sensitive and high-risk areas is a top priority for both government and private sectors. High-security fencing and crash rating systems are vital tools in safeguarding critical facilities from intrusions and vehicle attacks. Latitude Fencing will dive into the details of high-security fencing, explore different crash rating systems, and provide guidance on how to select the best security solutions for your facility.

What is High Security Fencing?

High-security fencing is designed to offer robust protection against unauthorized access, intrusion, and vandalism. Unlike standard fencing, these systems are built with reinforced materials and advanced design features to resist climbing, cutting, and ramming. They are typically installed around high-risk areas such as military bases, correctional facilities, airports, and power plants.

High-security fencing is commonly used to protect:

  • Government facilities: Sensitive buildings that need restricted access.

  • Airports: To safeguard passengers and infrastructure from unauthorized entry.

  • Critical infrastructure: Power plants, water treatment facilities, and other essential services.

  • Military bases: To keep these areas safe from both physical and vehicular intrusions.

The ultimate goal of these fences is to prevent unauthorized access while maintaining the operational security of the facility.

Crash Rating Systems Explained

Crash rating systems are standards used to measure the effectiveness of barriers and fences in stopping or slowing down vehicles. These ratings are determined by subjecting barriers to impact tests, where vehicles are rammed into the barriers at specified speeds and angles. The results determine the level of protection a system provides.

The most widely recognized standard is the ASTM F2656, which provides a classification system based on a barrier’s ability to stop a vehicle at different speeds. Common crash rating classifications include:

  • M50: Capable of stopping a 15,000-pound vehicle traveling at 50 mph.

  • M40: Stops the same vehicle at 40 mph.

  • M30: Stops a vehicle at 30 mph.

Each crash rating is assigned based on the test results, where “P1” signifies the highest protection level, meaning the vehicle comes to a complete stop within one meter after hitting the barrier.

Types of High Security Fencing Solutions

There are various types of high-security fencing solutions designed to meet different security needs, each with its own unique features and advantages.

A. Anti-Climb Fencing

Anti-climb fencing uses tight mesh patterns and high-strength materials to prevent intruders from scaling the fence. These fences are often used around airports, government buildings, and high-security commercial facilities. The small mesh size ensures that there are no footholds, making it extremely difficult for anyone to climb over.

B. Palisade Fencing

Palisade fencing features vertical steel bars with pointed tops. The heavy-duty construction makes it resistant to cutting, while the pointed tops deter climbing. It is ideal for use in industrial sites, railways, and military installations where high-level security is needed.

C. Welded Mesh Fencing

Welded mesh fencing is constructed with high-strength steel mesh panels, providing a balance between visibility and security. This type of fencing is frequently used in prisons and data centers, where it is important to monitor activity on both sides of the fence while still maintaining a high level of security.

Crash-Rated Barrier Systems

While high-security fencing focuses on preventing unauthorized entry, crash-rated barrier systems are designed to stop vehicles in their tracks. These systems are critical for locations where vehicle-borne attacks are a significant threat, such as embassies, airports, and government buildings.

A. Anti-Ram Fencing Systems

Anti-ram fencing systems are a subset of high-security fencing designed to withstand impact from vehicles. These systems are reinforced with additional materials and are often crash-rated to stop vehicles at high speeds. For example, the Gibraltar G-FORCE series is one such solution known for its anti-ram capabilities, certified under ASTM F2656 standards​.

B. Anti-Ram Bollards

Anti-ram bollards are typically installed at key entry points or around buildings to prevent vehicle access. These bollards are designed to stop vehicles without affecting pedestrian movement, making them ideal for urban environments and high-traffic areas.

C. Drop Arm Barriers and Wedge Barriers

Drop arm barriers and wedge barriers are commonly used at entry control points such as military bases and high-security government buildings. These systems are designed to stop a vehicle head-on, and they are crash-tested to ensure they meet stringent safety requirements. They are often installed as part of a layered defense strategy that includes fencing, surveillance, and intrusion detection systems.

Key Considerations When Choosing Security Fencing

Selecting the right high-security fencing and crash-rated system involves careful consideration of various factors:

A. Site Assessment

Before selecting a fencing system, it's important to assess the specific security needs of the site. Consider the level of threat, the type of facility, and its vulnerability to intrusions or vehicle attacks. Some sites may need more advanced anti-climb features, while others require a crash-rated solution.

B. Budget

The cost of high-security fencing can vary significantly depending on the materials used, the crash rating required, and the length of the perimeter. It’s important to balance security needs with budget constraints to ensure that you’re getting the best possible solution without overspending.

C. Customization

High-security fencing can be customized to fit the aesthetic requirements of a site. Options include powder-coated finishes, galvanized steel, and color choices that blend in with the surrounding environment. Customization options also extend to the height and width of the panels, allowing for tailored solutions.

Integrating High Security Fencing with Surveillance and Monitoring

For maximum security, high-security fencing should be integrated with advanced surveillance and monitoring systems. Cameras, motion detectors, and alarms can be added to the fencing infrastructure to provide real-time monitoring of the perimeter. This creates a layered defense system that makes it difficult for intruders to bypass.

Surveillance systems can be configured to detect movement, monitor activity along the fence line, and send alerts in case of suspicious activity. Integrating these systems with fencing adds an extra level of protection, ensuring that your facility is well-guarded from all angles.

Conclusion

High-security fencing and crash-rated systems are essential components of modern security strategies for protecting critical infrastructure and high-risk sites. These systems provide a formidable barrier against both physical intrusion and vehicle attacks, helping to keep personnel, assets, and operations safe. By selecting the right fencing solution, conducting a thorough site assessment, and integrating advanced surveillance technology, you can ensure the highest level of perimeter security for your facility.


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