To ensure safety, barriers in car parks must meet strict performance standards to prevent incidents that may result in vehicles falling from car parks or elevated places. Barriers should be designed, installed, and tested in accordance with BS 6180:2011, ‘Code of Practice for Barriers in and about Buildings’.
The performance of a barrier system can only be verified through in-situ testing of the completed installation. This testing ensures that all components function together as intended.
BS 6180:2011 specifies the requirements for such testing, which may involve applying loads of up to 150kN per 1.5m run, depending on the barrier type. These high loads require purpose-built equipment capable of applying uniform forces and monitoring deflection during and after the load application.
Additionally, fixing bolts for barrier systems can be independently tested before the installation of new or refurbished barriers.
Barrier testing/inspection would normally cover the following:
- Dimensional surveying and condition assessments to confirm dimensions for test loads calculations and to inspect for mechanical and/or impact damage, corrosion, etc
- Load /deflection testing, based on the dimensions of the barrier panels and the requirements of the particular standard involved. Specialised equipment is required to provide equivalent uniformly distributed loads along the required number of panels and to monitor the deflection both as the load is applied and after it has been removed.
