ASTM F2781-15

Standard Practice for Testing Forced Entry, Ballistic and Low Impact Resistance of Security Fence Systems

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The success or failure of any attempt to forcefully penetrate a fence system is dependent upon three primary factors that collectively define the threat—the tools and devices employed, the number of aggressors, and their level of sophistication.  
5.2 Normally, a test procedure of this scope would be supported by years of laboratory testing intended to qualify and accurately reproduce the destructive effects of a variety of tools, implements, and devices. However, rapidly changing social conditions have created an immediate need for building components resistant to evolving forced entry techniques. Accordingly, the procedures presented herein are based more on field experience than laboratory analysis. They are more representative than inclusive, are intended to provide a basis for the comparative evaluation of different fence systems using forced penetration procedures, ballistic tests and impact testing, and are not primarily intended to be used to establish or confirm the absolute prevention of forced entries.    
5.3 The test requirements specified herein have been established for use in evaluating the penetration resistance characteristics of standard fence systems to be used in commercial, government and military installations.  
5.3.1 The success of any forced entry threat is dependent on the cumulative effect of the implements used, the elapsed time, and the sophistication and motivation of the personnel affecting the forced entry.  
5.3.2 Absolute penetration resistance from forced entry by a determined and well-equipped attack group is impossible.  
5.3.3 Aggressor groups range from unsophisticated criminals and vandals to organized criminals.  
5.3.4 Attempts to force an entry may be thwarted by increasing the time necessary to affect such an entry and by early detection. Intrusion sensors positioned as far as possible from the protected environment in conjunction with optimal structural and component design will maximize the time available for ...
SCOPE
1.1 The forced entry resistance of fence systems is evaluated relative to three levels of forced entry threat using the limited hand tool inventory outlined in Table 1. It also establishes a system for rating the forced entry resistance of those systems (see Table 2). The tools specified to be used for testing at each threat level are those that are known to have a maximum destructive effect on structures and their sub-assemblies and are readily available to aggressors categorized as posing that level of threat.  
1.1.1 Low Threat Level (L)—Specifically exempted from the inventory of available tools for the low (L) threat level category are power tools (gasoline, electric or hydraulic), and devices requiring more than one person to transport and operate.  
1.1.2 Medium Threat Level (M)—Specifically exempted from the inventory of available tools for the medium (M) threat level category are power tools requiring an outside power source or self contained gasoline or battery driven tools and devices requiring more than two persons to transport and operate.  
1.1.3 Aggressive Threat Level (A)—Specifically exempted from the inventory of available tools for the high (H) threat level category are devices requiring more than two persons to transport and operate.  
1.2 The ability of a fence system to offer protection from bullets fired from a rifle or handgun would be beneficial particularly in Border Fence areas where security personnel can be targets during patrol activities. Accordingly, a limited test using a .38 Special handgun and a 7.62-mm rifle is performed to determine if any level of protection is provided by the fence system.  
1.3 The ability of a fence system to provide impact resistance from a 4000 pound mass vehicle moving at a velocity of 20 MPH at a modest cost will provide relative guidance as to the strength of a security fence system in resisting low impact situations.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2015
• ICS: 13.310 - Protection against crime
• Technical Committee: F14 - Fences
• Drafting Committee: F14.50 - High Security Fences and Perimeter Barriers

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: F2781 − 15
Standard Practice for
Testing Forced Entry, Ballistic and Low Impact Resistance
1
of Security Fence Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2781; 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.
1. Scope 20 MPH at a modest cost will provide relative guidance as to
the strength of a security fence system in resisting low impact
1.1 The forced entry resistance of fence systems is evalu-
situations.
ated relative to three levels of forced entry threat using the
limited hand tool inventory outlined in Table 1. It also
2. Referenced Documents
establishes a system for rating the forced entry resistance of
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
those systems (see Table 2). The tools specified to be used for
F1233 Test Method for Security Glazing Materials And
testing at each threat level are those that are known to have a
Systems
maximum destructive effect on structures and their sub-
3
assemblies and are readily available to aggressors categorized 2.2 SAE Standard:
as posing that level of threat. SAE J972 Moving Rigid Barrier Collision Tests
4
1.1.1 Low Threat Level (L)—Specificallyexemptedfromthe
2.3 U.S. Military Standards:
inventory of available tools for the low (L) threat level
MIL-STD-662F Department of Defense Test Method Stan-
category are power tools (gasoline, electric or hydraulic), and
dard V50 Ballistic Test for Armor
devices requiring more than one person to transport and 5
2.4 U.S. Dept. of Justice:
operate.
NIJ Standard 0108.01 National Institute of Justice Ballistic
1.1.2 Medium Threat Level (M)—Specifically exempted
Resistant Protective Materials
fromtheinventoryofavailabletoolsforthemedium(M)threat
level category are power tools requiring an outside power
3. Terminology
source or self contained gasoline or battery driven tools and
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
devices requiring more than two persons to transport and
3.1.1 test director—the individual identified by the indepen-
operate.
dent testing laboratory as being responsible to complete the
1.1.3 Aggressive Threat Level (A)—Specifically exempted
specified tests and to document the results.
from the inventory of available tools for the high (H) threat
3.1.2 forced entry—creating a four square feet opening.
level category are devices requiring more than two persons to
transport and operate.
4. Summary of Practice
1.2 The ability of a fence system to offer protection from
4.1 For each rating a structured portion and a discretionary
bullets fired from a rifle or handgun would be beneficial
portion as described in 4.2 and 4.3 is required.
particularly in Border Fence areas where security personnel
4.2 The structured portion of the test provides for a zero to
can be targets during patrol activities. Accordingly, a limited
five minute test with specific tools selected as the most
test using a .38 Special handgun and a 7.62-mm rifle is
debilitating from the tool list in Table 1, regardless of the fence
performed to determine if any level of protection is provided
system being tested.
by the fence system.
1.3 The ability of a fence system to provide impact resis-
tance from a 4000 pound mass vehicle moving at a velocity of
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
1 3
This practice is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F14 on Fences and Available from SAE International (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Dr.,Warrendale,
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F14.50 on High Security Fences and PA 15096, http://www.sae.org.
4
Perimeter Barriers. Available from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2015. Published December 2015. Originally Bureau Dr., Stop 1070, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1070, http://www.nist.gov.
5
approved in 2009. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as F2781 - 10. AvailablefromNationalInstituteofJustice(NIJ),8107thSt.,NW,Washington,
DOI:10.1520/F2781-15. DC 20531, http://nij.gov.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
F2781 − 15
4.3 Following the structured portion of the test, the discre- 4.7 The impact test is intended to provide relative guidance
tionary portion of the test provides up to 55 minutes of testing, as to the strength of a fence system to absorb 53.5 K-ft-lbs of
kinetic energy.
optimizin
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F2781 − 10 F2781 − 15
Standard Practice for
Testing Forced Entry, Ballistic and Low Impact Resistance
1
of Security Fence Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2781; 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.
1. Scope
1.1 The forced entry resistance of fence systems is evaluated relative to three levels of forced entry threat using the limited hand
tool inventory outlined in Table 1. It also establishes a system for rating the forced entry resistance of those systems (see Table
2). The tools specified to be used for testing at each threat level are those that are known to have a maximum destructive effect
on structures and their sub-assemblies and are readily available to aggressors categorized as posing that level of threat.
1.1.1 Low Threat Level (L)—Specifically exempted from the inventory of available tools for the low (L) threat level category
are power tools (gasoline, electric or hydraulic), and devices requiring more than one person to transport and operate.
1.1.2 Medium Threat Level (M)—Specifically exempted from the inventory of available tools for the medium (M) threat level
category are power tools requiring an outside power source or self contained gasoline or battery driven tools and devices requiring
more than two persons to transport and operate.
1.1.3 Aggressive Threat Level (A)—Specifically exempted from the inventory of available tools for the high (H) threat level
category are devices requiring more than two persons to transport and operate.
1.2 The ability of a fence system to offer protection from bullets fired from a rifle or handgun would be beneficial particularly
in Border Fence areas where security personnel can be targets during patrol activities. Accordingly, a limited test using a .38
Special handgun and a 7.62-mm rifle is performed to determine if any level of protection is provided by the fence system.
1.3 The ability of a fence system to provide impact resistance from a 4000 pound mass vehicle moving at a velocity of 20 MPH
at a modest cost will provide relative guidance as to the strength of a security fence system in resisting low impact situations.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
F1233 Test Method for Security Glazing Materials And Systems
3
2.2 SAE Standard:
SAE J972 Moving Rigid Barrier Collision Tests
4
2.3 U.S. Military Standards:
MIL-STD-662F Department of Defense Test Method Standard V50 Ballistic Test for Armor
5
2.4 U.S. Dept. of Justice:
NIJ Standard 0108.01 National Institute of Justice Ballistic Resistant Protective Materials
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 test director—the individual identified by the independent testing laboratory as being responsible to complete the specified
tests and to document the results.
3.1.2 forced entry—creating a four square feet opening.
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F14 on Fences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F14.50 on High Security Fences and Perimeter
Barriers.
Current edition approved July 1, 2010Nov. 1, 2015. Published July 2010December 2015. Originally approved in 2009. Last previous edition approved in 20092010 as
F2781 - 09.F2781 - 10. DOI:10.1520/F2781-10.DOI:10.1520/F2781-15.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
3
Available from SAE International (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Dr., Warrendale, PA 15096, http://www.sae.org.
4
Available from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100 Bureau Dr., Stop 1070, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1070, http://www.nist.gov.
5
Available from National Institute of Justice (NIJ), 810 7th St., NW, Washington, DC 20531, http://nij.gov.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
F2781 − 15
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 For each rating a structured portion and a discretionary portion as described in 4.2 and 4.3 is required.
4.2 The structured portion of the test provides for a zero to five minute test with specific tools selected as the most deb
...