New ASTM Standard on Low Speed Barriers Coming

In a move that will help local jurisdictions as well as specifying architects and engineers, ASTM International is developing a proposed new standard for testing low speed vehicle barriers to be installed to protect storefronts and other pedestrian areas from errant vehicle crashes.

This is a big deal, because ASTM International standards are used by manufacturers, engineers, architects and others in designing, building and specifying thousands of products and materials used in the built environment that the rest of us in everyday life just take for granted.

Formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials, ASTM International develops international voluntary consensus standards "to improve product quality, enhance safety, facilitate market access and trade, and build consumer confidence."

With 12,000+ standards already in use around the world, an ASTM standard for testing barriers will give confidence to designers, property owners, and municipal and building officials who want to specify barrier products that will be both cost effective and completely dependable for the protection of the public wherever they live, work, eat, play, and shop.

ASTM International Committee F12 on Security Systems and Equipment is developing the proposed new standard, ASTM WK13074, 'Test Method for Low Speed Barriers for Errant Vehicles'. The standard is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee F12.10 on Systems Products and Services.

Dean Alberson, Ph.D, P.E., a research engineer with Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M University, co-chairs Subcommittee F12.10 along with Storefront Safety Council co-founder Rob Reiter.

See the whole story in ASTM International's Standardization News.