ASTM A627-03(2011)

Standard Test Methods for Tool-Resisting Steel Bars, Flats, and Shapes for Detention and Correctional Facilities

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Security barriers used in detention/correctional facilities are a major concern for their administrative officials. These test methods are designed to identify levels of physical security for openings such as fixed and operable exterior and interior windows, bar gratings, grilles for mechanical ducts, and so forth in walls that enclose or separate secure areas.
These test methods are intended to evaluate the resistance of these barriers to violent attacks using battering devices such as benches, bunks or tables, and so forth to bend or break the steel bars and to surreptitious attacks by cutting/abrading the steel bars over prolonged periods of time using handheld grit-type cutting/abrading media such as tungsten carbide rod saws. External attacks and attacks by corrosive agents and other means not typically available to inmates are not addressed in this standard.
The primary purpose or result of these test methods is to approximate the levels of abuse to which these physical security barriers will potentially be subjected in the correctional/detention facility. The desired result of its use is to help provide a degree of assurance of protection to the public, facility personnel, and inmates.
It is recommended that detention/correctional facility administrators provide for adequate training, supervision, regular inspection, and preventive maintenance programs to enable the barriers to function as intended throughout their expected service life.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover requirements for simulated service tests and testing equipment for determining the performance characteristics of various types and shapes of steels designated for use in detention and correctional facilities as fixed barriers to prevent egress and to control passage.
1.2 It is the intent of these test methods to help ensure that opening assemblies such as detention security windows, grilles, bar grating, and other physical barriers incorporating steel bars perform at or above minimum acceptable levels for control of passage to unauthorized or secure areas, for confinement of inmates and to delay or frustrate escape attempts. To meet the intent of these test methods, opening assembles must perform to grade requirements shown in Tables X1.1 and X1.2 in Appendix X1.
1.3 These test methods apply primarily to the steels used as essential components of detention security windows, grilles, bar grating, and so forth, in opening assemblies enclosing or separating secure areas of detention/correctional facilities.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The SI values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.5 This standard updates and combines two previous standards, ASTM Specifications A627-95 and A629-94, establishing new security grades and time durations.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2011
• ICS: 77.140.60 - Steel bars and rods
• Technical Committee: F33 - Detention and Correctional Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F33.02 - Physical Barriers

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM A627-03 - Standard Test Methods for Tool-Resisting Steel Bars, Flats, and Shapes for Detention and Correctional Facilities
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2011

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: A627 − 03 (Reapproved 2011)
Standard Test Methods for
Tool-Resisting Steel Bars, Flats, and Shapes for Detention
and Correctional Facilities
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A627; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 These test methods cover requirements for simulated
A629 Specification for Tool-Resisting Steel Flat Bars and
service tests and testing equipment for determining the perfor-
Shapes for Security Applications (Withdrawn 2004)
mance characteristics of various types and shapes of steels
C39/C39M Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylin-
designated for use in detention and correctional facilities as
drical Concrete Specimens
fixed barriers to prevent egress and to control passage.
E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
1.2 It is the intent of these test methods to help ensure that E18 Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Ma-
opening assemblies such as detention security windows, terials
E329 Specification for Agencies Engaged in Construction
grilles, bar grating, and other physical barriers incorporating
Inspection, Testing, or Special Inspection
steel bars perform at or above minimum acceptable levels for
control of passage to unauthorized or secure areas, for confine-
3. Terminology
ment of inmates and to delay or frustrate escape attempts. To
meet the intent of these test methods, opening assembles must 3.1 Definitions:
perform to grade requirements shown in Tables X1.1 and X1.2 3.1.1 bars, n—round, ribbed, hexagonal, or other shaped
bars that can be readily reduced to a round cross-sectional
in Appendix X1.
shape, ⁄8-in. (22.2-mm) or 1-in. (25.4-mm) diameter (see Fig.
1.3 These test methods apply primarily to the steels used as
1 5 1
1). Also flat bars: ⁄4 by 2 in. (6.4 by 50.8 mm); ⁄16 by 2 ⁄4 in.
essential components of detention security windows, grilles,
3 1
(7.9 by 57.2 mm) or ⁄8 by 2 ⁄2 in. (9.6 by 63.5 mm).
bar grating, and so forth, in opening assemblies enclosing or
3.1.2 composite tool-resisting steel bar/flat, n—a bar/flat
separating secure areas of detention/correctional facilities.
that is a composite of a tungsten carbide or other hard material,
for cutting resistance and of a high strength, low alloy steel,
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
heat treated up to HRC 45 max. hardness for impact and
as standard. The SI values given in parentheses are for
deflection resistance.
information only.
3.1.3 cutting test, n—a simulated service test in which the
1.5 This standard updates and combines two previous
rating is based on the number of a specific type of tungsten
standards,ASTM Specifications A627-95 and A629-94, estab-
carbide rod saws required to cut through the bar.
lishing new security grades and time durations.
3.1.4 effective tool-resisting (ETR) area, n—the cross-
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
sectional area of the portion of the bar that is tool resistant.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.5 equipment manufacturer, n—a manufacturer who fab-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
ricates and assembles security products, including tool-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
resisting steel bars, for installation in areas requiring security
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
against ingress and egress. This manufacturer processes the
1 2
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F33 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Detention and Correctional Facilities and is the direct responsibility of Subcommit- contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
tee F33.02 on Physical Barriers. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved July 1, 2011. Published September 2011. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1968. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as A627 – 03. DOI: The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
10.1520/A0627-03R11. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
A627 − 03 (2011)
FIG. 1 Shaped Bars
semi-finished bar and fabricates finished products suitable for 4. Significance and Use
use in opening assemblies requiring these specified perfor-
4.1 Security barriers used in detention/correctional facilities
mance characteristics. This manufacturer is also responsible
are a major concern for their administrative officials.These test
forheattreating,fabricating,andassemblingallancillaryitems
methods are designed to identify levels of physical security for
so as not to impair the performance characteristics of the
openings such as fixed and operable exterior and interior
bar/flat.
windows, bar gratings, grilles for mechanical ducts, and so
3.1.6 hardness, n—indicated as HRC, refers to hardness
forth in walls that enclose or separate secure areas.
measured according to Test Methods E18 on the Rockwell C
4.2 These test methods are intended to evaluate the resis-
scale.
tanceofthesebarrierstoviolentattacksusingbatteringdevices
3.1.7 homogeneous tool-resisting bar/flat, n—a bar/flat that
such as benches, bunks or tables, and so forth to bend or break
is nominally of uniform chemistry throughout, usually high
the steel bars and to surreptitious attacks by cutting/abrading
strength,lowalloysteelheattreatedtoHRC61min.—HRC64
the steel bars over prolonged periods of time using handheld
max. hardness to a case depth of 0.150 in. min. for rounds and
grit-type cutting/abrading media such as tungsten carbide rod
each longitudinal edge hardened to 0.250-in. min. for flats.
saws. External attacks and attacks by corrosive agents and
3.1.8 lot, n—all bars/flats of the same nominal cross-
other means not typically available to inmates are not ad-
sectional dimensions from the same mill heat and production dressed in this standard.
lot.
4.3 The primary purpose or result of these test methods is to
3.1.9 performance characteristic, n—the response to any
approximate the levels of abuse to which these physical
one test (drop-weight, cutting, or deflection) shown in Tables
security barriers will potentially be subjected in the
X1.1 and X1.2.
correctional/detention facility.The desired result of its use is to
help provide a degree of assurance of protection to the public,
3.1.10 test completion, n—conduct one test sequence for
facility personnel, and inmates.
each lot of bars.
3.1.11 testing laboratory, n—approved third party testing
4.4 It is recommended that detention/correctional facility
laboratory, accredited to I.S.O. Standard 17025-99, selected by
administratorsprovideforadequatetraining,supervision,regu-
the equipment manufacturer.
lar inspection, and preventive maintenance programs to enable
the barriers to function as intended throughout their expected
3.1.12 test sequence:
service life.
3.1.12.1 round bars, n—conduct drop-weight test and cut-
ting test on one specimen bar and conduct deflection test on
5. Ordering Information
one additional specimen bar.
3.1.12.2 flat bar, n—conduct cutting test followed by hard- 5.1 Orders for material under this specification shall include
ness tests on the same flat bar. the following information:
A627 − 03 (2011)
5.1.1 Name of material (homogeneous tool-resisting steel or 6.1.2.6 All specimen bars used in all test sequences shall be
composite tool resisting steel), permanently marked for complete identification and held by
the equipment manufacturer for no less than three years after
5.1.2 Dimensions (nominal diameter or cross section),
the tests are completed.
5.1.3 Cross section (double-ribbed, round, hexagon, square,
rectangular, flat, or other shapes),
6.1.3 Procedure:
5.1.4 ASTM designation,
6.1.3.1 Conduct the test on one specimen bar selected as
5.1.5 Test reports (if required),
requiredin6.1.2.1–6.1.2.4inclusive;stopafter50consecutive
5.1.6 Certification (if required), and
blows, or sooner if the bar fails.
5.1.7 Special requirements (if any).
6.1.3.2 Drop the tup repeatedly so as to deliver 50 consecu-
tive blows at the same point on the specimen bar. It shall be
5.2 It is possible that bars of different nominal diameters/
properly weighted and guided so as to produce the required
shapes are specified or shown on drawings. Each bar of the
impact in foot-pounds for each blow.
nominal diameter/cross section shape tested shall meet or
exceed the minimum requirements of all tests for the diameter/
6.1.3.3 Apply each blow at the same point and on the same
shape shown in Tables X1.1 and X1.2. side of the specimen bar, perpendicular to the 14-in. (356-mm)
axis and at the midpoint (60.250 in. (66.4 mm)) between the
5.3 The minimum levels of performance per type of steel
supports of the specimen bar.
required in Tables X1.1 and X1.2 for each bar are not
6.1.3.4 To prevent an unmeasured secondary impact after
independent characteristics, but are interrelated to each other
each drop from the test height, make provisions in the testing
and though any one performance characteristic shall be per-
procedure to prevent the weighted tup from rebounding and
mitted to exceed the requirements, none of the other charac-
again striking the test specimen.
teristics shall be permitted to exhibit a performance lower than
6.1.3.5 The drop-weight machine is of simple design con-
the minimum performance levels shown.
structed from readily available rolled and shaped structural
steelproducts.Raisetheweightbyanymechanicalorelectrical
6. Mechanical Requirements
hoisting equipment or, alternatively, by hand. Provide a me-
6.1 Drop-Weight Test:
chanical or electrical mechanism to achieve quick release of
6.1.1 Requirements—The specimen bar shall not crack,
the weight. This testing machine shall conform to the require-
visibly fracture, or take a permanent set of more than 0.25 in.
ments of Sections 16 and 18 of Practices E4 as modified by the
(6.4 mm) at the midspan between support points under the
requirements of this specification or the manufacturer of the
impact of 50 consecutive blows of a force as specified in Table
testing machine, provided that modifications of this equipment
X1.1 under “Drop-Weight Test.”
or assembly details provide a functionally acceptable drop-
6.1.2 Number of Specimens:
weight machine.
6.1.2.1 The equipment manufacturer shall randomly select
6.1.3.6 For ⁄8-in. (22.2-mm) diameter bar, the drop-weight
three bars/flats no less than 4 ft (1.22 m) in length from the lot
machine shall drop a weight of 50 lb. (22.7 kg) from a height
for which the test is conducted. These 4-ft lengths shall be
of 2 ft (611 mm). For 1-in. (25.4-mm) diameter bar, the
permanently marked after production or heat treating for easy
drop-weight machine shall drop a weight of 50 lb. (22.7 kg)
identification of mill heat number, lot number, and individual
from a height of 3 ft (916 mm).
identification of the two specimen bars taken from each of the
6.1.3.7 The hardened tup that strikes the specimen bar shall
4-ft lengths.
be rounded initially to 0.250-in. (6.35-mm) radius and shall be
6.1.2.2 Two 14-in. (356-mm) specimen bars shall be cut
heat treated to a minimum hardness of HRC 50.
with a friction saw from each of the 4-ft lengths after heat
6.1.3.8 The entire tup and weight shall fall freely by gravity
treating. Each 14-in. specimen bar shall be permanently
when released and shall be inspected after each five blows to
marked for easy identification as to production, mill heat
determine that the original shape of the tup has not been
number, lot number, and identity of the longer bar from which
seriously deformed through repeated impact. If the 0.250-in.
it was taken.
radius is flattened to more than 0.312-in. radius, the test shall
6.1.2.3 The testing laboratory shall, as its own choice, select
be interrupted and the tup shall be restored to the 0.250-in.
two specimen bars taken from the same 4-ft length of bar for
radius before testing is continued.
conduct of each test sequence.
6.1.3.9 The fixed anvil-type supports for the 14-in. speci-
6.1.2.4 It shall be the responsibility of the equipment
men bar shall be located no less than 2 in. (51 mm) above the
manufacturer to determine, by visual inspection, that no
bed of the testing machine and spaced 12 in. (305 mm) apart
unusualdefectsexistinthespecimenbarsandtodeterminethat
6 ⁄16 in. (61.59 mm). They shall be so constructed as to hold
the specimen bars represent usual conditions, representative of
the same point of the specimen bar underneath the tup for each
all bars to be used from the lot.
drop of the weight by preventing significant rotation or lateral
6.1.2.5 In each test sequence, one specimen bar (prepared
movement of the specimen bar during the conduct of the 50
and selected as described in 6.1.2.1 – 6.1.2.3, inclusive) shall
blows required for a test (see Fig. 2 for a typical example).
be used for both the drop-weight and cutting test. A second
specimen bar, prepared and selected in the same manner and 6.1.3.10 The part of the machine in which the specimen bar
taken from the same 4-ft length of bar shall be used for the isplacedfordrop-weighttestingshallbesurroundedbyametal
deflection test in each test sequence. guard screen for protection, as the breaking into two halves of
A627 − 03 (2011)
FIG. 2 Typical Example of Drop-Weight Test Apparatus
the bar has the potential to cause them to be ejected laterally
60 = number of rod saws used in 18 000 cutting cycles
from the machine with projectile-like velocities (see Fig. 2 for
(300 cycles/rod saw).
a typical example).
6.2.1.2 Interpretation of Cutting Test Results—
6.1.3.11 The addition of other safety devices or features are
Homogeneous Tool-Resisting Bars/Flats—The cutting test
permitted provided that a functionally equivalent drop-weight
shall be performed with number of rod saws as required for
machine is maintained.
total severance.
6.1.3.12 The entire test machine shall be securely bolted to
6.2.1.3 Interpretation of Cutting Test Results--Composite
a rigid foundation, such as a concrete floor, so as to eliminate
Tool-Resisting Bars/Flats—The cutting test shall be performed
any possible cushioning effe
...