What Are HVM Bollards?

HVM bollards (also known widely as anti-terrorism bollards) have been crash-tested to ensure they withstand the impact of a vehicle. Known as ‘hostile vehicle mitigation bollards’, these security posts are intended to stop a vehicle that is being driven at potentially high speeds, preventing someone from using a vehicle as a weapon to injure others or damage property.

As vehicle-borne attacks sadly become more commonplace, HVM bollards are becoming a key component of protecting the public and preventing attacks, collisions, and crashes. Recent hostile vehicle attack data highlights why physical security measures have become increasingly important.

But HVM bollards can also be used to protect against low velocity impacts, such as accidental crashes. These types of bollards are available in various strengths and styles, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution if you want to protect your site from potential vehicle threats. For expert advice on choosing and installing the right hostile vehicle mitigation bollards, contact our expert team now on 01708 956833 or send us a message.

What Crash-Test Standard Should You Look For?

Bollards are rated based on their strength and ability to withstand impacts. HVM bollards are typically rated in accordance with one of four standards:

ISO 22343

ISO 22343 is the latest international standard designed to test and rate barriers against vehicle-borne attacks. Designed to replace older standards, it incorporates impact performance requirements, test method and performance ratings, but it doesn’t include slow-speed crashes, ballistic, blast or manual attacks.

PAS 68

PAS 68 is a UK-based standard that incorporates a wide range of data. Every bollard classified under the PAS 68 standard will have a series of numbers and letters that indicate vehicle details, type of attack, force of the attack, angle and penetration of the attack and the dispersal of major debris.

Unlike some other standards, PAS 68 permits simulated and pendulum tests, in addition to physical vehicle tests.

If a bollard has passed a particular PAS standard, it should have also passed all levels below that rating. This gives you peace of mind that you can protect your site from a range of vehicular threats by selecting bollards with a high PAS rating.

ASTM

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) offers a US-based standard that incorporates the type of vehicle, weight of vehicle, impact speed and penetration distance. Specific ratings are used for different types of bollards, such as ASTM F2656 for high-security hostile vehicle mitigation and ASTM F3016 for protection against accidental or lower impact crashes.

IWA 14-1

The International Workshop Agreement (IWA) 14-1 standard draws from both PAS 68 and ASTM, with the intention of creating a global standard. The IWA 14-1 doesn’t permit pendulum or simulated tests, which some people may see as an advantage over PAS 68. However, it’s worth noting that the IWA 14-1 doesn’t include debris dispersion in its rating system, whereas PAS 68 does.

Types of HVM Bollards

Bollards that are rated for hostile vehicle mitigation also come in a range of styles, including:

Automatic

An automatic HVM bollard gives you complete control over when you deploy high-security mitigation. The ability to raise or lower bollards with ease ensures efficient implementation and peace of mind.

Removable

Removable bollards are particularly popular in locations where flexibility is key. When it comes to hostile vehicle mitigation, removable bollards may be suitable for sites where maximum security is only required on specific days, such as at event locations. However, it’s vital to ensure that the removable post is securely affixed and properly maintained to retain the post’s HVM capabilities.

Shallow Mount

Shallow-mount bollards enable you to install security posts without excavating deep underground. On the contrary, shallow mount bollards can be installed at depths of just 100mm. However, mount depth is often associated with stability, so be sure that your shallow mount bollard offers the crash impact you need to secure your site.

When to Use HVM Bollards

Hostile vehicle mitigation bollards are often used to protect critical national infrastructure (CNI), such as:

• Government buildings
• Energy and utility generation sites
• Financial centres
• Hospitals and medical facilities
• Military bases
• Transport hubs

In addition to this, HVM are a popular security options are public sites, such as:

• Stadiums and arenas
• Festivals
• Beachfronts
• Public squares and town centres
• Shops and storefronts
• Schools, colleges and universities

These locations may also need to review any requirements for Martyn’s Law, particularly where public access and vehicle risks overlap.

Installation, Maintenance & Servicing Requirements

Selecting anti-terror bollards with the appropriate crash-test rating is critical to implementing the right level of security, but the integrity and efficacy of the bollards may be affected by the installation, maintenance and servicing methods used.

Installing bollards in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidance is key to maximising performance, for example, while regular servicing will help ensure durability.

At Bison, we offer both professional bollard installation and maintenance services.

Get Help with HVM Bollards

If you want to know more about hostile vehicle mitigation bollards or for guidance or advice on selecting HVM bollards for your site, contact our experienced team on 01708 956833 or send us a message.