Delta Scientific shows new truck barrier solution

What with suicide bombers in Iraq and Afghanistan using explosive-laden trucks to wreak death and havoc — the United States saw a glimpse of this threat more then ten years ago, when, on 19 April 1995, Timothy McVeigh exploded a truck filled with fertilizer outside a government building in Oklahoma City, killing 168 people — there is a growing interest in solutions which would stop such truck from reaching their target. On Monday we wrote about TTI certifying a vehicle “arrester” (see 11 February 2008 HSDW story). Today we note that Palmdale, California-based Delta Scientific, a specialist in counter-terrorist vehicle control systems, unveiled its new DSC650 Shallow Foundation Bollard arrays, a down-scaled version of the DSC600 arrays which the company announced in August of 2007. The new DSC650 fixed bollard modules will stop a 5,000-pound (2,300 kg) vehicle going 50 mph (80 kph). The DSC600 array stops a 15,000-pound (6,900 kg) vehicle going the same speed. The DSC650 module functions as a standalone module or part of an extended array on shallow substrates, including those that are not level or have turns. The company offers two modules. The first model provides a choice of having either one or two of the bollards being removable, to let vehicles through, and lockable so they cannot be removed by unauthorized people. The second is a corner module of 90 degrees featuring three bollards. Both versions need only a 12-inch (30.4 cm) foundation and both are available with Delta standard or custom decorative cast aluminum or fiberglass coverings.

There are many benfits to having a foundation only 12 inches (30.4 cm) deep, rather than the four foot (1.2 m) core typically required by crash-tested retractable bollards. The new shallow foundation system can be installed within sidewalks, on top of concrete deck truss bridges, or in planters, as well as conform to the inclines and turns of a locale. To make installation even easier, the DSC650 is supplied with steel reinforcing mesh welded in place so that no additional rebar is needed.

The company says that the new DSC650 bollard modules were tested in accordance with ASTM Designation F 2656-07 Standard Test Method for Vehicle Crash Testing of Perimeter Barriers-1 August 2007, with a rating of PU50/P1 with a 5,070 pound (2,300 kg) truck traveling 50 mph (80 kph). The certified dynamic and final penetrations were less than one meter. As a result, the DSC650 successfully meets the U.S. Department of State Specification, Revision A, which requires the bed of the attacking truck to go less than 39 inches (1 meter) beyond the point of impact. The new DSC650 aims to protect approaches to buildings, drop-off and passenger loading areas at transportation hubs, storefronts, sports arenas, office buildings, and other locations where vehicle bombers and errant drivers have no obstacles to stop them. Those facilities surrounded by streets, abutting sidewalks, and set back on lawns, such as many state capitals, other government structures, stadiums, theaters, and commercial buildings, can now be more effectively protected becasue of the system’s shallow foundations.

The DSC650 Shallow Foundation Bollards are also perfect for high water table locations and areas with corrosive soils. The shallow foundation obviates the concerns of interference with buried water, gas and fuel pipes, storm drains, power lines and fiber optic communication lines. This foundation also reduces installation complexity, time, materials and corresponding costs.

The new DSC650 Shallow Foundation Bollard modules are now available. More information is available at www.deltascientific.com or info@deltascientific.com.

About Delta Scientific

Delta Scientific Corporation is the leading manufacturer of vehicle access control equipment with over 260,000 square feet of production facilities in Palmdale, Calif. Delta’s three product lines consist of high-security vehicle barricade systems, parking control equipment and guard booths. Delta Scientific has been engineering and manufacturing vehicle access control equipment since 1974 and sells its products worldwide.

Corporate headquarters, equipment sales, systems engineering and technical service are located at 40355 Delta Lane, Palmdale, Calif. 93551. Phone is (661) 575-1100. Website is www.deltascientific.com. Product installation and maintenance services are provided through Delta’s Lorton, Va. office. European and Middle East inquiries can be directed to Delta Scientific Corporation (UK) Limited, phone 44-118 948 1133. Fax is 44-118 948 1122, or e-mail deltascuk@aol.com.

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NOTE TO EDITORS: A high-resolution downloadable photograph of Delta’s new DSC650 Shallow Foundation Bollard is available at www.brighamscully.com. Click Photographs/Delta.