If one were to guess where the most impenetrable fences in the world are, perhaps 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington DC would not be one of them with the history of White House breaches that have occurred in the past several years. However, when highly-secure fences are in place, one can bet there is something behind the fence-line that is being aggressively protected, for a variety of reasons.
And what would make a virtually-impenetrable fence so impenetrable? – Let’s find out.
Crash Barrier Fences
There are a variety of crash-rated barrier fences that are purposed to prevent one or more vehicles from ramming or crashing into a secured facility. Anti-ram barriers provide the ultimate in vehicle-stopping strength where buildings, equipment and hazardous materials, for example, might be targeted. One type of vehicle-stopping barrier that is a fence in its own right, is the pop-up bollard variety. Electrically-actuated bollards posses a range of crash ratings and aesthetic options. Manual versions of bollard systems can be upgraded to electric at any future time; and high-tech features can include battery backup, touch-screen controls and other computer-controlled options. The technology in some retractable barrier systems is so precise, the speed of one or more vehicles can be immediately detected to initiate the protrusion of bollards from the their underground casings. When not in use, electric bollards will flush into the pavement to offer maximized pedestrian movement.
Vehicle barriers of all types are rated as K4, K8 or K12. A K4 vehicle barrier will stop a 15,000-pound vehicle moving at 30 mph; a K8-rated barrier will halt that same vehicle traveling at 40 mph; and a K12 – the highest rating – will easily stop a 15,000 pound vehicle traveling at 50 mph. The “K” stands for kinetic energy. These ratings were established by the US State Department for anti-terrorism/force protection; and those ratings have, now, become industry standards.
Anti-Terrorism Cable Fences
Anti-terrorism cable is a vital component for defensive measures that are being widely used by, mainly, government institutions. Various cable systems can be embedded into the main structures of fences, with different sizes and types of cable being utilized. Anti-terrorism metal cable or beam reinforcements provide something that traditional types of cables do not: a ‘bend-but-don’t-break’ shield for invasive vehicles. These specialized cables offer a web of protection, as well as ‘give’, and will bend when pushed with force, whether produced by individuals or actual vehicles.
A high-security bar fence embedded with anti-terrorism cables is mightier and impressively more resilient than a standard bar fence. The cable component is made of heavy-weight wound metal that is supported by impasse rails, with the overall appearance simulating a metal split-rail fence. The cables are so strong they can withstand high-speed impacts without breakage. This, of course, allows the perpetrated property to respond against the invader. Surprisingly, anti-terrorism cables are not bulky nor are they view-obstructing.
Anti-Climb Fences
Anti-climb fences are just that: fences that are virtually impossible to scale. Traditional barbed wire or angled sections at the very top work beautifully to keep unwanted ‘guests’ out. The size of the posts plays a major role with the effectiveness of keeping perpetrators away from designated areas. Larger posts are very challenging to grasp, especially posts designed with hard, sharp edges. The tips of posts can, further, deter, intruders by offering an intimidatingly-dangerous design where body parts or clothing can become snagged.
Angling is important, too. High-risk facilities will make sure the fence top is angled outwards to make any invasion that much more difficult. Add to that, barbed wire or razor wire, and you have a very daunting ambiance that would deter many would-be perpetrators from the sheer appearance, alone. Combining as many of these components as possible as part of a single, impenetrable fence design would be crucial to ensure maximized protection.
Then, there are roller barriers that function as independently-rotating cups that ensure an unstable surface for anyone contemplating getting to the other side. The cups are designed to be sized so that anyone’s hand-grip becomes an impossibility. In a nutshell, the individual cups are moldings that operate in tandem with a central spindle, supported by brackets. The rotating cups in this impressive security design are self-extinguishing in case one planned to set the fence ablaze…amazing!
The United States Secret Service, NASA, the Treasury Department, petrochemical & nuclear plants and many more high-risk locations depend on top-tier security fencing to keep any unauthorized individual or nefarious groups, at bay. Fiber-optic motion sensors, security cameras, double-row fence systems with razor ribbon and concertina wire, cable reinforcement and bollard systems are only a few components of some of the most-impenetrable fences in the entire world. Why are impenetrable fences so important? – a critical asset that becomes crippled could become a national disaster.
After it’s all said and done, it’s astounding how security fences and barriers have made impressive advances from croc-filled moats that protected kingdoms in Medieval England!
