ASTM F1247-89(2018)

Standard Specification for Intrusion Resistant Generic Vault Structures

ABSTRACT
This specification is for the use and guidance of those who purchase, design, construct, install, approve, or modify generic vault structures intended for protection of valuables against loss due to forced entry. It also includes the descriptions of terms, classifications, materials, practices, and methods to be followed in constructing, fabricating, or modifying intrusion resistant generic vaults. The vault shall be rated as a unit and that rating shall be determined by the component having the lowest classification. The walls, floor, and ceiling of a vault shall be formed or composed of materials without “true” joints or seams, with the exception of “cold” concrete seams necessitated by construction technique. Components of a building shall not be used as part of the vault unless constructed to provide the equivalent intrusion resistance. The vault enclosure shall be classified into four types: Type M, Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3. Materials to be used in the construction of vault structures shall include concrete, concrete reinforcements, conduit, and grout.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
8.1 This specification provides guidelines for the selection of a generic vault, in accordance with its intended use.  
8.2 This specification is intended to assist users in availing themselves of various generically constructed products, while maintaining consistency with their selected intrusion-resistance level.  
8.3 This specification is not meant to recommend or prefer the use of any single product, any type level, or its application.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification is for the use and guidance of those who purchase, design, construct, install, approve, or modify generic vault structures intended for protection of valuables against loss due to forced entry.  
1.2 This specification includes the descriptions of terms, classifications, materials, practices, and methods to be followed in constructing, fabricating, or modifying intrusion resistant generic vaults.  
1.3 This specification does not address fire resistivity, nor does it address modular panels.  
1.4 This specification is not intended to prevent the use of systems, methods, or devices that provide a level of intrusion resistance equivalent or better than that prescribed herein. Any system, method, or device different from that detailed herein may be examined, in accordance with the intent of this specification, and if found to be equivalent or better, may be included.  
1.5 Nothing in this specification shall be construed to prohibit better or safer conditions than the requirements specified herein.  
1.6 Materials and construction details outlined in this specification are intended to detail protective requirements necessary to achieve the required level of intrusion resistance, and are not intended to address structural soundness or operational fitness, areas for which the project engineer, architect, or equipment supplier are responsible.  
1.7 Each referenced document cited in Section 2 shall be meant to be the edition in effect on the date this specification was published.  
Note 1: A rationale is given in Appendix X1.  
1.8 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.9 The following precautionary statement pertains to the test method portion only, Section 9, of this specification:  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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.10 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International...

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Aug-2018
• ICS: 13.310 - Protection against crime
• Technical Committee: F12 - Security Systems and Equipment
• Drafting Committee: F12.10 - Systems Products and Services

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F1247-89(2011) - Standard Specification for Intrusion Resistant Generic Vault Structures
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2018
• Refers: ASTM A184/A184M-17 - Standard Specification for Welded Deformed Steel Bar Mats for Concrete Reinforcement
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2017
• Refers: ASTM A615/A615M-15 - Standard Specification for Deformed and Plain Carbon-Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2015
• Refers: ASTM F1090-15 - Standard Classification for Bank and Mercantile Vault Construction
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2015
• Refers: ASTM A615/A615M-14 - Standard Specification for Deformed and Plain Carbon-Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2014
• Refers: ASTM A635/A635M-13 - Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet and Strip, Heavy-Thickness Coils, Hot-Rolled, Alloy, Carbon, Structural, High-Strength Low-Alloy, and High-Strength Low-Alloy with Improved Formability, General Requirements for
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM A615/A615M-13 - Standard Specification for Deformed and Plain Carbon-Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM A615/A615M-12 - Standard Specification for Deformed and Plain Carbon-Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2012
• Refers: ASTM A184/A184M-06(2011) - Standard Specification for Welded Deformed Steel Bar Mats for Concrete Reinforcement
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM A615/A615M-09b - Standard Specification for Deformed and Plain Carbon-Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2009
• Refers: ASTM A635/A635M-09a - Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet and Strip, Heavy-Thickness Coils, Hot-Rolled, Alloy, Carbon, Structural, High-Strength Low-Alloy, and High-Strength Low-Alloy with Improved Formability, General Requirements for
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2009
• Refers: ASTM A615/A615M-09a - Standard Specification for Deformed and Plain Carbon-Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2009
• Refers: ASTM A635/A635M-09 - Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet and Strip, Heavy-Thickness Coils, Hot-Rolled, Alloy, Carbon, Structural, High-Strength Low-Alloy, and High-Strength Low-Alloy with Improved Formability, General Requirements for
• Effective Date: 01-May-2009
• Refers: ASTM A615/A615M-09 - Standard Specification for Deformed and Plain Carbon-Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
• Effective Date: 01-May-2009
• Refers: ASTM A635/A635M-08 - Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet and Strip, Heavy-Thickness Coils, Hot-Rolled, Alloy, Carbon, Structural, High-Strength Low-Alloy, and High-Strength Low-Alloy with Improved Formability, General Requirements for
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008

Overview

ASTM F1247-89(2018): Standard Specification for Intrusion Resistant Generic Vault Structures provides comprehensive requirements and guidelines for those who purchase, design, construct, install, approve, or modify generic vault structures intended to protect valuables from forced entry. Developed by ASTM International, this standard establishes the necessary terms, classifications, materials, and practices required to achieve specified levels of intrusion resistance in vault construction. It serves as a critical reference for security architects, facility designers, and buyers seeking consistent, reliable intrusion protection for secure storage environments.

Key Topics

• Purpose: The specification outlines the minimum protective requirements to resist unauthorized entry by destructive means, enhancing the security of vaults used in banks, financial institutions, warehouses, government, and other secure facilities.
• Classifications: Vaults are rated by overall intrusion resistance as a unit, using the component with the lowest resistance as the final rating. Four main types are defined:
  • Type M
  • Type 1
  • Type 2
  • Type 3
• Materials: Construction must use reinforced concrete, steel reinforcements, conduit, and high-strength, non-shrink grout. Proper installation and material quality are key for maintaining integrity against attacks.
• Construction Practices:
  • Solid walls, floors, and ceilings formed without “true” joints or seams, excepting permitted cold concrete seams.
  • Non-vault building components may not count towards required intrusion resistance unless proven equivalent.
• Devices: Vault doors, ventilators, and ports must meet or exceed the vault’s intrusion resistance classification.

Applications

Practical applications of ASTM F1247-89(2018) include:

• Bank Vaults & Secure Rooms: Ensures secure storage of cash, documents, and other valuables by defining construction quality, material strength, and reinforced entry-point protection.
• High-Security Facilities: Used in government, military, and commercial buildings where intrusion-resistant enclosures are critical for physical security planning.
• Insurance and Regulatory Compliance: Helps institutions demonstrate adherence to security standards required by insurers or regulators, reducing liability in case of breach.
• Facility Upgrades and Modifications: Provides a benchmark for retrofitting or modifying existing vaults to meet updated security needs.
• Vendor and Manufacturer Guidance: Assists suppliers and buyers in verifying that products or custom installations meet industry-recognized security standards.

Key benefits of following this standard:

• Enhances the overall physical security of vaults and protected enclosures.
• Provides clear, testable requirements for material quality and construction practices.
• Offers a system for classification, making it easier to select appropriate vault types based on risk profile.
• Maintains flexibility by allowing use of equivalent or superior methods, materials, or products.

Related Standards

For full compliance and best practices, ASTM F1247-89(2018) should be used alongside related standards, such as:

• ASTM F1090: Classification for Bank and Mercantile Vault Construction
• ANSI/UL 608: Burglary Resistant Vault Doors and Modular Panels
• ANSI/UL 680: Emergency Vault Ventilators and Vault Ventilating Ports
• ACI 318: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete
• ASTM A615/A615M: Deformed and Plain Carbon-Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
• ASTM A635/A635M: Steel Sheet and Strip for Heavy-Thickness Coils

These references further address components or methodologies associated with reinforced concrete, steel mesh, and burglary resistant doors.

Summary

ASTM F1247-89(2018) standardizes the design and construction of intrusion-resistant vaults, offering a robust guide for anyone involved in procurement, construction, or modification of secure enclosures. Its comprehensive approach to materials, classifications, and construction practices supports enhanced security, regulatory compliance, and reliable protection of valuable assets against forced entry.

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: F1247 −89 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Specification for
Intrusion Resistant Generic Vault Structures
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1247; 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 1.9 The following precautionary statement pertains to the
test method portion only, Section 9, of this specification: This
1.1 This specification is for the use and guidance of those
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
who purchase, design, construct, install, approve, or modify
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
generic vault structures intended for protection of valuables
of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and
against loss due to forced entry.
environmental practices and determine the applicability of
1.2 This specification includes the descriptions of terms,
regulatory limitations prior to use.
classifications, materials, practices, and methods to be fol-
1.10 This international standard was developed in accor-
lowed in constructing, fabricating, or modifying intrusion
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
resistant generic vaults.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
1.3 This specification does not address fire resistivity, nor Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
does it address modular panels.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.4 This specification is not intended to prevent the use of
systems, methods, or devices that provide a level of intrusion
2. Referenced Documents
resistance equivalent or better than that prescribed herein.Any
2.1 ASTM Standards:
system, method, or device different from that detailed herein
A184/A184M Specification for Welded Deformed Steel Bar
may be examined, in accordance with the intent of this
Mats for Concrete Reinforcement
specification, and if found to be equivalent or better, may be
A615/A615M SpecificationforDeformedandPlainCarbon-
included.
Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement
1.5 Nothing in this specification shall be construed to
A635/A635M Specification for Steel, Sheet and Strip,
prohibit better or safer conditions than the requirements
Heavy-Thickness Coils, Hot-Rolled, Alloy, Carbon,
specified herein.
Structural, High-Strength Low-Alloy, and High-Strength
1.6 Materials and construction details outlined in this speci-
Low-Alloy with Improved Formability, General Require-
fication are intended to detail protective requirements neces-
ments for
sary to achieve the required level of intrusion resistance, and
F1090 Classification for Bank and Mercantile Vault Con-
are not intended to address structural soundness or operational
struction
fitness, areas for which the project engineer, architect, or
2.2 Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Standards:
equipment supplier are responsible.
ANSI/UL 608 Standard for Burglary Resistant Vault Doors
1.7 Each referenced document cited in Section 2 shall be
and Modular Panels
meant to be the edition in effect on the date this specification
ANSI/UL680 Standard for EmergencyVaultVentilators and
was published.
Vault Ventilating Ports
2.3 American Concrete Institute Standards:
NOTE 1—A rationale is given in Appendix X1.
ACI 318 Building Code Requirements for Reinforced Con-
1.8 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
crete
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F12 on Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Security Systems and Equipment and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee the ASTM website.
F12.10 on Systems Products and Services. Available from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), 333 Pfingsten Rd.,
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2018. Published October 2018. Originally Northbrook, IL 60062-2096, http://www.ul.com.
approved in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as F1247 – 89 (2011). Available fromAmerican Concrete Institute (ACI), P.O. Box 9094, Farmington
DOI: 10.1520/F1247-89R18. Hills, MI 48333-9094, http://www.concrete.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1247 − 89 (2018)
3. Terminology 3.17 vault—anintrusionresistantenclosure,intendedforthe
safekeeping of valuables, and sized to allow entry by at least
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
one person.
3.1.1 bar support—any factory fabricated product, such as
3.18 vault ventilator—see emergency ventilator.
chairs, ladders, bolsters, and spacers, that are designed to hold,
a specific distance apart, deformed steel bars and expanded
3.19 walls—see enclosure.
steel bank vault mesh in preparation for concrete pouring.
3.1.2 classification—a systematic rating of products, based 4. Classification
on testing, in accordance with Classification F1090.
4.1 The vault shall be rated as a unit and that rating shall be
determined by the component having the lowest classification.
3.1.3 component—a part of the enclosure.
The walls, floor, and ceiling of a vault shall be formed or
3.1.4 devices—components of a vault, except the walls,
composed of materials without “true” joints or seams, with the
floor, and ceiling, that are integral parts of the vault, such as
exception of “cold” concrete seams necessitated by construc-
doors, emergency ventilators, or transfer systems, or all of the
tion technique.
above.
4.2 Componentsofabuildingshallnotbeusedaspartofthe
3.2 door, vault—a movable barrier assembly constructed of
vault unless constructed to provide the equivalent intrusion
intrusion resistant materials by which a passageway is closed
resistance.
or opened.
4.3 The vault enclosure shall be classified in accordance
3.3 emergency ventilator—an assembly constructed of
with Classification F1090 as Type M, Type 1, Type 2, or Type
intrusion-resistant materials for the introduction of fresh air.
3.
3.4 enclosure—to include the walls, floor, ceiling, and 4.3.1 Type M Vault—Construct Type M vault as follows:
devices of the vault. 4.3.1.1 Use9in.(23cm)reinforcedconcrete,asspecifiedin
6.3 – 6.3.2.2, and
3.5 equivalent—a term applied to two or more methods,
4.3.1.2 Use vault door(s) bearing the label: “Underwriters
procedures, materials, devices, and so forth, expected to give
Laboratories Inc. Burglary Resistant Vault Door, Class M,”
the same average results.
(see ANSI/UL 608).
3.6 fastening—the connection or attachment, or both, of a
4.3.2 Type 1 Vault—Construct Type 1 vault as follows:
device within its intended opening.
4.3.2.1 Use 12 in. (30 cm) reinforced concrete, as specified
in 6.4 – 6.4.2.2, and
3.7 forced entry—an entry by destructive means.
4.3.2.2 Use vault door(s) bearing the label: “Underwriters
3.8 generic construction—commonly available construction
LaboratoriesInc.BurglaryResistantVaultDoor,Class1,’’(see
materials not protected by trademark registration.
ANSI/UL 608).
4.3.3 Type 2 Vault—Construct Type 2 vault as follows:
3.9 heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC)
4.3.3.1 Use 18 in. (46 cm) reinforced concrete, as specified
port—an assembly constructed of intrusion-resistant materials
in 6.5 – 6.5.2.3, and
providing an opening for the intake or exhaust of air.
4.3.3.2 Use vault door(s) bearing the label: “Underwriters
3.10 intrusion resistant—constructedtopreventasuccessful
Laboratories Inc. Burglary Resistant Vault Door, Class 2,” (see
penetration by means and techniques as described inANSI/UL
ANSI/UL 608).
608.
4.3.4 Type 3 Vault—Construct Type 3 vault as follows:
2 2
3.11 manhole size opening—a96in. (620 cm ) opening,
4.3.4.1 Use 27 in. (68 cm) reinforced concrete as specified
the smallest dimension of which is not less than 6 in. (15 cm).
in 6.6 – 6.6.2.4, and
4.3.4.2 Use vault door(s) bearing the label: “Underwriters
3.12 modify—any change in the design or construction of a
Laboratories Inc. Burglary Resistant Vault Door, Class 3,” (see
vault.
ANSI/UL 608).
3.13 modular panel—wall, floor, or ceiling components,
manufactured of intrusion resistant material, that are intended
5. Materials and Manufacture
for assembly at the place of use and that are capable of being
5.1 The materials used in the construction of the vault shall
disassembled and relocated.
meet the minimum requirements as specified in 5.2 – 5.8.
3.14 monolithic—an enclosure formed or composed of ma-
5.2 Concrete—Concrete shall develop an ultimate compres-
terials without “true” joints or seams, excepting “cold” con-
2 2
sion strength of at least 4000 lb/in. (4000 psi (281 kg/cm )) at
crete seams necessitated by construction technique.
28 days, in accordance with ACI 318.
3.15 prefabrication—a generic vault constructed at a site
5.3 Concrete Reinforcement—Concrete used for the vault
other than the location of its intended use.
shall be reinforced using the following materials:
3.16 snap (form) ties—any factory-fabricated adjustable- 5.3.1 Deformedsteelbars(seeSpecificationA615/A615M),
lengthsnapofforremovablemetaltiedesignedtopreventform number five (#5) Imperial type or number fifteen (#15) metric
deflection and spalling concrete surfaces on removal. type ( ⁄8 in. (16 mm) diameter, Grade 40), or
F1247 − 89 (2018)
5.3.2 Expanded steel bank vault mesh (see Specification 6.3.2.1 Thefirstgridshallbe2in.(5cm)fromtheouterface
2 2
A635/A635M), weighing at least 6 lb/ft (30 kg/m ) and of the concrete as measured to the center line of the grid.
having a diamond pattern not more than 3 by 8 in. (8 by 20
6.3.2.2 The second grid shall be spaced 5 in. (13 cm) on
cm).
center from the first grid.
5.4 Spacing between reinforcing grids within (horizontal)
6.4 Type 1—Construct the vault of reinforced concrete at
ceilings and floors shall be accomplished with the use of bar
least 12 in. (30 cm) thick.
supports. The use of concrete bricks and blocks or other solid
6.4.1 Provide three grids of reinforcing bars in a staggered
objects shall be prohibited. 1
manner with successive grids offset 1 ⁄3 in. (33 mm) on center
in the same two directions as the offset on the preceding grid,
5.5 Spacing between reinforcing grids in (vertical) walls
as shown in Fig. X3.3.
shallbeaccomplishedbywiretieing-offtospacersorsnapties.
The portion of the tie remaining within the concrete after 6.4.1.1 Thefirstgridshallbe2in.(5cm)fromtheouterface
of the concrete as measured to the center line of the grid.
removal shall be 1 to 1 ⁄2 in. (25 to 38 mm) inside the concrete,
and shall not leave holes larger than 1 in. (25 mm) diameter in 6.4.1.2 The second grid shall be spaced 4 in. (10 cm) on
the concrete surface.
center from the first grid.
6.4.1.3 Thethirdgridshallbespaced4in.(10cm)oncenter
5.6 Conduit and Other Piping—Conduit and other piping
1 from the second grid; or
shall be rigid and uninterrupted, and shall not exceed 1 ⁄2 in.
6.4.2 Provide two grids of expanded steel mesh in a
(38 mm), outside diameter.
staggered manner with the second grid offset 1 ⁄2 in. (38 mm)
5.7 Devices shall have, as a minimum, the equivalent
short way of diamond (swd) from the first grid, as shown in
classification as the vault enclosure, in accordance with
Fig. X3.2.
ANSI/UL 608 and ANSI/UL 680.
6.4.2.1 The first grid shall be 2 ⁄2 in. (6 cm) from the outer
5.8 Grout—Grout shall be a high-strength, non-shrink,
face of the concrete as measured to the center line of the grid.
epoxy-based patching material, at least fifty percent (50 %)
6.4.2.2 The second grid shall be spaced 7 in. (18 cm) on
greater in strength (psi) to the concrete used in the vault
center from the first grid.
enclosure.
6.5 Type 2—Construct the vault of reinforced concrete at
least 18 in. (6 cm) thick.
6. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations
6.5.1 Provide four grids of reinforcing bars in a staggered
6.1 Useofthevaultenclosureasabuildingcomponentshall
manner with successive grids offset 1 in. (25 mm) on center in
not diminish the intrusion resistance of the vault.
the same two directions as the offset on the preceding grid, as
6.2 Grids—Place deformed steel bars as follows:
shown in Fig. X3.4.
6.2.1 In vault walls, space 4 in. (10 cm)
...