ASTM F2697-15

Standard Test Methods for Physical Assault on Overhead Horizontal Fixed Barriers for Detention and Correctional Facilities

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 A major concern for administrative officials is the security of barriers used in detention/correctional facilities. These test methods are designed to aid in identifying levels of physical security for horizontal fixed barriers, which serve to enclose or separate secure areas. This does not apply to the passage of contraband or vandalism.  
4.2 These test methods are not intended to provide a measure of resistance for a ceiling subjected to attack by corrosive agents, by high-powered rifles, explosives, sawing, or other such methods not typically available to inmates. These test methods are intended to evaluate the resistance of a ceiling to violent attacks by sustained manpower using battering devices, such as benches, barbells, bunks, or tables; and by an upward static force such that could be applied by an inmate pushing against the ceiling with his hands, feet, or back (that is, squat position on a top bunk in a cell). Attacks from outside the facility and fire resistance ratings are not addressed in this standard.  
4.3 The primary purpose or result of these test methods is to approximate the levels of abuse to which horizontal fixed barriers could possibly be subjected in the field. The desired result of its use is to help provide assurance of protection to the public, to facility personnel, and to the inmates themselves.  
4.4 It is recommended that detention/correctional facility administration provide adequate training, supervision, and preventive maintenance programs to enable horizontal fixed barriers to function as intended throughout the expected service life.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover requirements for simulated service tests and testing equipment for determining the performance characteristics of horizontal fixed barriers designed to incarcerate inmates in detention and correctional institutions. The testing equipment provides for the setup and testing of sample barriers and installation systems.  
1.2 It is the intent of these test methods to help ensure that detention security horizontal fixed barriers perform at or above minimum acceptable levels for control of passage to unauthorized or secure areas, to confine inmates, and to delay and frustrate escape attempts. Provide security grilles, access doors, light fixtures, and similar assemblies compatible with these levels of performance, with test apparatus adjustments as required to suit the particular product.  
1.3 These test methods apply to horizontal fixed barriers 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 values given in parentheses are mathematical conversion to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.5 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: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-2014
• ICS: 91.040.10 - Public buildings
• ICS: 91.060.99 - Other elements of buildings
• Technical Committee: F33 - Detention and Correctional Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F33.02 - Physical Barriers

Relations

• Refers: ASTM F1592-12(2019) - Standard Test Methods for Detention Hollow Metal Vision Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM F1915-05(2019) - Standard Test Methods for Glazing for Detention Facilities
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM F1450-12a(2019) - Standard Test Methods for Hollow Metal Swinging Door Assemblies for Detention and Correctional Facilities
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM F2322-12(2019) - Standard Test Methods for Physical Assault on Vertical Fixed Barriers for Detention and Correctional Facilities
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM F1592-12 - Standard Test Methods for Detention Hollow Metal Vision Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM F1915-05(2012) - Standard Test Methods for Glazing for Detention Facilities
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2012
• Refers: ASTM F1450-12a - Standard Test Methods for Hollow Metal Swinging Door Assemblies for Detention and Correctional Facilities
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2012
• Refers: ASTM F2322-12 - Standard Test Methods for Physical Assault on Vertical Fixed Barriers for Detention and Correctional Facilities
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2012
• Refers: ASTM F1450-12 - Standard Test Methods for Hollow Metal Swinging Door Assemblies for Detention and Correctional Facilities
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2012
• Refers: ASTM F1450-10 - Standard Test Methods for Hollow Metal Swinging Door Assemblies for Detention and Correctional Facilities
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2010
• Refers: ASTM F1450-05 - Standard Test Methods for Hollow Metal Swinging Door Assemblies for Detention Facilities
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2005
• Refers: ASTM F1915-05 - Standard Test Methods for Glazing for Detention Facilities
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2005
• Refers: ASTM F1592-05 - Standard Test Methods for Detention Hollow Metal Vision Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2005
• Refers: ASTM F1450-97(2004) - Standard Test Methods for Hollow Metal Swinging Door Assemblies for Detention Facilities
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2004
• Refers: ASTM F2322-03 - Standard Test Methods for Physical Assault on Vertical Fixed Barriers for Detention and Correctional Facilities (Withdrawn 2012)
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-2003

Overview

ASTM F2697-15: Standard Test Methods for Physical Assault on Overhead Horizontal Fixed Barriers for Detention and Correctional Facilities establishes rigorous procedures for evaluating the physical security performance of fixed horizontal barriers-such as detention ceilings-commonly used in correctional and detention environments. Developed by ASTM International, this standard specifies methods to simulate real-world physical assault scenarios to determine the durability, strength, and integrity of these security barriers.

The primary goal of ASTM F2697-15 is to help facility administrators, architects, and security professionals assess whether overhead barriers are capable of withstanding violent physical attacks inside secure environments. The standard is specifically designed to test resistance against sustained manpower assault using commonly available objects (such as benches, bunks, or barbells), and upward static force (such as an inmate pushing against the ceiling from below).

Key Topics

• Physical Security Testing: The standard defines test methods to determine how well horizontal fixed barriers resist battering, impact, and static loading that might be applied by inmates attempting escape.
• Scope of Testing: Testing covers simulated attacks typically encountered within the facility, excluding tests for contraband passage, vandalism, corrosive agents, high-powered weapons, or explosive devices.
• Performance Criteria: Includes pass/fail requirements based on resistance to impact and static load, acceptable levels of deformation, and conditions that would permit forcible egress.
• Test Procedures:
  • Impact Testing: Simulates battering ram-style attacks with specific devices and sequences.
  • Static Load Testing: Evaluates resistance to sustained upward force at various critical locations.
  • Sample Preparation: Outlines sample construction, fixture setup, and documentation requirements to ensure realism and repeatability.
• Certification & Reporting: Calls for independent laboratory testing, comprehensive documentation, and recommendations for facility management practices such as ongoing maintenance and training.
• Security Grades: Assigns ceiling panels a security grade based on performance, helping users match product characteristics to facility security needs.

Applications

ASTM F2697-15 is applicable in the design, testing, procurement, and maintenance of detention ceilings and other horizontal fixed barriers in:

• Detention and Correctional Facilities: Cells, dayrooms, control rooms, and sally ports, ensuring barriers delay or prevent inmate escape.
• Facility Design and Retrofitting: Architects and engineers use this standard to specify compliant barrier systems in new or renovated secure areas.
• Product Certification: Manufacturers use testing results to validate claims of security-grade products for correctional environments.
• Risk Assessment: Security consultants and facility managers assess the suitability of installed ceilings and plan for ongoing compliance, training, and preventive maintenance.
• Regulatory Compliance: Authorities having jurisdiction may reference this standard to verify that installed overhead barriers meet established minimum security levels.

Related Standards

ASTM F2697-15 is closely related to other ASTM standards that collectively address the physical security needs of detention facilities:

• ASTM F1450 - Test Methods for Hollow Metal Swinging Door Assemblies for Detention and Correctional Facilities
• ASTM F1592 - Test Methods for Detention Hollow Metal Vision Systems
• ASTM F1915 - Test Methods for Glazing for Detention Facilities
• ASTM F2322 - Test Methods for Physical Assault on Vertical Fixed Barriers for Detention and Correctional Facilities

These related standards provide complementary procedures for testing other critical elements-such as doors, windows, vertical walls, and glazing-to ensure the facility's overall physical security is robust and comprehensive.

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Keywords: ASTM F2697-15, detention ceiling security, physical barrier testing, correctional facility standards, overhead horizontal barrier compliance, impact resistance, static load testing, facility risk management, security grade, ASTM detention standards.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F2697 − 15
Standard Test Methods for
Physical Assault on Overhead Horizontal Fixed Barriers for
Detention and Correctional Facilities
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2697; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope F1592Test Methods for Detention Hollow Metal Vision
Systems
1.1 These test methods cover requirements for simulated
F1915Test Methods for Glazing for Detention Facilities
service tests and testing equipment for determining the perfor-
F2322Test Methods for Physical Assault on Vertical Fixed
mance characteristics of horizontal fixed barriers designed to
Barriers for Detention and Correctional Facilities
incarcerate inmates in detention and correctional institutions.
The testing equipment provides for the setup and testing of
3. Terminology
sample barriers and installation systems.
3.1 Definitions:
1.2 It is the intent of these test methods to help ensure that
3.1.1 detention security—assurance of the restriction of
detentionsecurityhorizontalfixedbarriersperformatorabove
mobilityofinmatestodesignatedareaswithinacorrectionalor
minimum acceptable levels for control of passage to unauthor-
detention facility.
ized or secure areas, to confine inmates, and to delay and
3.1.2 forcible egress—an opening created in the test ceiling
frustrate escape attempts. Provide security grilles, access
whichallowsa5in.(127mm)by8in.(203mm)by8in.(203
doors, light fixtures, and similar assemblies compatible with
mm) rigid rectangular box to be passed through it with force
these levels of performance, with test apparatus adjustments as
not exceeding 10 lbf (44.5 N).
required to suit the particular product.
3.1.3 interstitial space—the space above the ceiling and
1.3 These test methods apply to horizontal fixed barriers
below the building floor or roof structure above.
enclosing or separating secure areas of detention/correctional
facilities.
3.1.4 manufacturer—the party responsible for the
construction, fabrication, or supply of the test samples or
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
components used to construct the test samples.
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversion to SI units that are provided for information only
3.1.5 performance characteristic—the response of the ceil-
and are not considered standard. ing in any one of the tests described herein.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.6 tamper-resistant security screw—screw that is de-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the signed to be removed only by special tools kept by detention/
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
correctional facility maintenance personnel.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.1.7 test completion—conduct of one test sequence for
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
each ceiling.
3.1.8 testing laboratory—an independent materials testing
2. Referenced Documents
laboratory not associated with the manufacturer.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
F1450Test Methods for Hollow Metal Swinging Door
4. Significance and Use
Assemblies for Detention and Correctional Facilities
4.1 A major concern for administrative officials is the
security of barriers used in detention/correctional facilities.
These test methods are designed to aid in identifying levels of
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F33 on
Detention and Correctional Facilities and is the direct responsibility of Subcommit-
physical security for horizontal fixed barriers, which serve to
tee F33.02 on Physical Barriers.
enclose or separate secure areas. This does not apply to the
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2015. Published January 2015. DOI: 10.1520/
passage of contraband or vandalism.
F2697-15.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
4.2 These test methods are not intended to provide a
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
measure of resistance for a ceiling subjected to attack by
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. corrosive agents, by high-powered rifles, explosives, sawing,
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2697 − 15
orothersuchmethodsnottypicallyavailabletoinmates.These test opening. Ceiling systems that do not require a center
testmethodsareintendedtoevaluatetheresistanceofaceiling support shall be installed such that the ceiling panels span the
to violent attacks by sustained manpower using battering 8 ft (2438 mm) test opening and are not supported by the
devices, such as benches, barbells, bunks, or tables; and by an overhead structural channel support. Position the specified test
upward static force such that could be applied by an inmate apparatus underneath the test ceiling in preparation to admin-
pushingagainsttheceilingwithhishands,feet,orback(thatis, ister the series of impacts and static loads described in 7.1.4
squatpositiononatopbunkinacell).Attacksfromoutsidethe and 7.2.4.
facility and fire resistance ratings are not addressed in this
standard.
7. Procedures
4.3 Theprimarypurposeorresultofthesetestmethodsisto 7.1 Ceiling System Impact Test:
approximate the levels of abuse to which horizontal fixed
7.1.1 Scope—This test method is designed to evaluate the
barriers could possibly be subjected in the field. The desired
capability of a complete test ceiling to resist repetitive impact
resultofitsuseistohelpprovideassuranceofprotectiontothe
forces at the designated critical areas.
public, to facility personnel, and to the inmates themselves.
7.1.2 Significance and Use:
7.1.2.1 This test method is intended to closely simulate a
4.4 It is recommended that detention/correctional facility
sustained, vertical battering ram style attack and provide an
administration provide adequate training, supervision, and
evaluation of the capability of the assembly to prevent, delay,
preventive maintenance programs to enable horizontal fixed
and frustrate escape or access, or both, into overhead “inter-
barrierstofunctionasintendedthroughouttheexpectedservice
stitial” spaces and other unauthorized areas. The test has the
life.
potential to be used to aid in identifying a level of physical
security for various configurations of horizontal fixed barriers.
5. Sampling
7.1.2.2 An impact test of this design performed on a
5.1 Sample ceiling shall be constructed in accordance with
complete test ceiling evaluates the impact fatigue strength and
6.1.
thequalityofconstructionandfabricationtechniquesaswellas
5.2 Test reports shall include complete details of the test
the strengths of materials used.
samples, details, photographs, or a combination thereof, of the
7.1.3 Apparatus:
testing apparatus and installation or construction instructions
7.1.3.1 Impact and Static Load Test Fixture, constructed
(See Section 9).
using structural steel tubing, channel, and plate to provide a
means for mounting a test section of ceiling in the horizontal
5.3 Intheeventoffailureinoneormoreoftheperformance
position (Fig. 1), and for applying the required series of
tests, the manufacturer shall provide another complete test
impacts applied upward at the target areas designated in Table
sample or shall continue testing in another location on the
1.
ceiling, subject to the direction of the testing laboratory.
7.1.3.2 The impact test device (Fig. 2) shall consist of a
portable impactor that converts vertically downward impact
6. Specimen Preparation
energy to the equivalent vertically upward impact energy, and
6.1 Construction:
that upon release will deliver impacts against the test ceiling.
6.1.1 The construction of the test ceiling shall be represen-
The impactor arm shall be fabricated as shown in Fig. 2, and
tative of the ceiling as it will be placed in service.
shall be balanced, smooth operating, and frictionless to within
6.1.2 Required results indicated in Table 1 are based upon a
6 lmb placed at mass end of the impactor arm, prior to
sample size of 8 ft (2438 mm) long by 8 ft (2438 mm) wide 6
attachmentofthe133lbmimpactmass.Theapparatusshallbe
1 in. (25.4 mm).
designed and calibrated to deliver impacts of 200 ft·lbf (271.2
6.2 Impact Test Fixture:
J) against the test ceiling and shall be portable in order to be
6.2.1 The test ceiling support fixture shall simulate the
positionedunderthetargetlocationsdesignatedinTable1.The
rigidity normally provided to a ceiling in a building by
vertical ram shall be constructed such that the blunt impactor
adjoining walls and by support from the floor or roof above
(Fig. 3) or the sharp impactor (Fig. 4) can be attached for the
(Fig. 1).
purpose of conducting the impact sequences.
6.2.2 It is acceptable to modify the test ceiling support
7.1.3.3 Blunt Impactor—The blunt impactor shall be fabri-
fixture from that shown in order to accommodate longer
cated from C1010-1020 carbon steel and shall be attachable to
lengths or larger sizes of test samples.
the steel impact ram in accordance with Fig. 3. The striking
6.2.3 Description of the Test Ceiling—The test ceiling shall
surface of the impactor shall have a surface area of 4 6 0.04
2 2
be constructed and mounted horizontally in the test fixture and
in. (2580 6 25.8 mm ) and shall have rounded edges similar
shall be supported as described in 6.2.1 throughout the testing
to a 10 lb (4.54 kg) sledge hammer head.
procedure.Theceilingspecificationshallbeincludedaspartof
7.1.3.4 Sharp Impactor—The sharp impactor shall be fabri-
the test report.
cated from C1010-1020 carbon steel and shall be attachable to
the steel impact ram in accordance with Fig. 4. The sharpness
6.3 Ceiling Construction or Mounting for Impact Testing:
6.3.1 Construct and install the test ceiling as shown in Fig. of the impact point shall be similar to the end of a new
Fireman’s axe at the beginning of the test sequence.
1. The ceiling test sample shown in Fig. 1 represents a ceiling
design which requires a structural support at the center of the 7.1.4 Procedure:
F2697 − 15
FIG. 1 Fixed Overhead Barrier Test Fixture
7.1.4.1 Withthetestfixtureandapparatus,delivertheseries apply the impacts to target areas designated in Table 1. If there
of impacts listed in Table 1 to the test ceiling. are predicted weak points other than the target locations, such
7.1.4.2 Construct and mount the 8 ft (2438 mm) high by 8 as seams, unsupported edges, or other types of ceiling joints,
ft(2438mm) 61in.(25.4mm)widetestceilingsupportedon apply the impacts at one of those locations. Repeatability of
allfoursidesfromtheceilingtestfixtureillustratedinFig.1in impact location during each series shall be 62 in. (51 mm)
the manner that it would be supported in an actual field horizontally from the designated impact target.
installation. If the ceiling design requires control joints or 7.1.4.5 Using the test apparatus in accordance with 7.1.3,
seams,thesecontroljointsorseamsshallbeincludedinthetest begintheseriesofstrikesagainsttheselectedtargetareaofthe
ceiling for the purpose of testing. Impact testing against the test ceiling for the number of required impacts, first with the
interstitial space side of the ceiling sample is not required. blunt impactor followed by the sharp impactor attached to the
7.1.4.3 Installtheceilingpanelwiththeexposed,or“room,” ram in cyclic sequences of 50 impacts each. The required
side surface facing downward and the unexposed, or “intersti- impactenergyforthebluntimpactorsis200ft·lbf(271.2J)per
tial space,” side surface facing upward. impact, and the required impact energy for the sharp impactor
7.1.4.4 Applytherequirednumberofimpactsinaccordance is 100 ft·lbf (135.6 J) per impact.
with Table 1 to the underneath, or “room,” side of the test 7.1.4.6 During the test, reposition the impact device as
ceiling.Iftherearenopredictedweakpointsinthetestceiling, necessary to produce the maximum possible duress on the test
F2697 − 15
FIG. 2 Portable Impact Apparatus
ceiling, leading to ceiling failure. The time for repositioning 7.1.5.1 The ceiling must remain in place throughout the
and changing of the impactors is not to be included in the test testing procedure.
duration time. Record the number of strikes required to 7.1.5.2 Failure is constituted by the ceiling being damaged
produce the first penetration of the ceiling, and the number of to the extent that forcible egress can be achieved, or to the
strikes required to produce an opening large enough to achieve extent that the impact test cannot be continued in a practical
forcible egress. manner in accordance with 7.1.4 and 7.1.5.
7.1.4.7 Apply the required number of impacts to each 7.1.6 Precision and Bias—Theprecisionandbiasofthistest
location in accordance with Table 1. method for evaluating the impact resistance of a horizontal
7.1.5 Required Result: fixed barrier are being determined.
F2697 − 15
FIG. 3 Blunt Impactor Assembly
FIG. 4 Sharp Impactor Assembly
7.2 Ceiling Static Load Test:
F2697 − 15
FIG. 5 Fixed Overhead Barrier Static Load Fixture
7.2.1 Scope—This test method is designed to evaluate the 7.2.3.4 Static load testing fixtures of alternate designs other
capability of a section of ceiling to resist a steadily increasing than that shown in Fig. 5 shall be permitted to be submitted to
force applied at a small area concentrated at the center of the the testing laborato
...