All RhinoStop car park barrier systems are full-scale crash tested to evaluate compliance with the impact loads set out in AS/NZS 1170.1, Clause 3.8. Crash testing evaluates vehicle impact behaviour, the capacity of the barrier and the structural adequacy of the anchor bolts. The impact severity of each test is calculated, allowing designers to compare performance across the RhinoStop range.
Impact Compliance
The importance of crash testing
A full-scale crash test is intended to represent a real-life impact scenario. The test vehicle is accelerated along a pulley system to the nominated speed, then released just before impact with the barrier. Onboard recording systems capture the vehicle’s mass, speed and impact angle, along with peak energy forces and its yaw, pitch and roll through the collision.
Following the crash test, barrier deflection is measured along with baseplate deformation, and the anchor bolts and surrounding concrete are inspected for damage. Crash testing lets designers see how the barrier behaves under impact and judge whether a RhinoStop system suits their project.
The ‘worst practical conditions’ approach
The philosophy behind selecting a crash test configuration is to represent worst practical conditions. Every parameter, including the test vehicle, impact speed, point of impact and barrier location, is chosen to reflect a critical impact condition.
The full range of RhinoStop barriers has been crash tested to this principle, using the following conditions:
Posts are positioned on the edge of a 150 mm thick cantilevered concrete slab representing an elevated parking structure. This configuration elevates the capacity of the anchors and the potential for concrete edge failure.
Barrier configurations are evaluated at vehicle impact speeds that significantly exceed those nominated by the Standard.
Short barrier lengths are crash tested, distributing impact loads over fewer posts when compared to most real-life installations.
30 kN
Light Traffic Area minimum (Type F)
240 kN
Type F, end of down-ramps over 20 m
40 kN
Medium Traffic Area (Type G)
2,000 kg
Average vehicle mass RhinoStop tests to
Australian Standard AS/NZS 1170.1
AS/NZS 1170.1 2002 Structural Design Actions, permanent, imposed and other actions, Clause 3.8 states that the horizontal imposed action on barriers required to withstand the accidental impact from vehicles during parking shall be taken as follows:
| Traffic Area | Type | Impact Force | Height Above Floor | Derived From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Traffic Area | Type F | 30 kN | 0.5 m | 1,500 kg vehicle at 2 m/s (7.2 km/h) |
| Light Traffic Area, end of down-ramps over 20 m | Type F | 240 kN | 0.5 m | 2,000 kg vehicle at 6 m/s (21.6 km/h) |
| Medium Traffic Area | Type G | 40 kN | 1.0 m | 2,000 kg vehicle at 2 m/s (7.2 km/h) |
Limitations of AS/NZS 1170.1
Designers often specify the 30 kN impact force for barriers on the perimeter edge of multi-storey car parks. But this condition, derived from a 1,500 kg vehicle travelling at just 7.2 km/h, may not reflect a real-life impact. Sound engineering allows for a factor of safety, so a barrier limited to 30 kN capacity can fail when hit by a heavier vehicle travelling faster.
That’s why the RhinoStop range is crash-tested to represent real-life impact conditions. We work closely with designers to understand the likely impact for each car park structure, factoring in barrier placement opposite down-ramps and at the end of straight aisles.
| AS/NZS 1170.1 Minimum | RhinoStop Crash-Tested Condition |
|---|---|
| 30 kN, derived from a 1,500 kg vehicle at 2 m/s (7.2 km/h) | Every RhinoStop barrier is crash tested with a 2,000 kg vehicle |
| Impact speed nominated by the Standard | Impact speeds that significantly exceed those nominated by the Standard |
| No specific slab-edge test condition | Tested on the edge of a 150 mm cantilevered slab, the worst practical condition for anchor loading |
The importance of 2,000 kg vehicle impacts
The average mass of new passenger vehicles sold in Australia is approximately 2,000 kg, as the fleet continues to shift toward high-centre-of-gravity SUVs and dual-cab utes.
That’s why every RhinoStop barrier is crash-tested with a 2,000 kg vehicle, giving designers confidence in performance against these heavier, more common vehicles.
Crash testing on the edge of a 150 mm slab?
An important consideration in the selection of a car park safety barrier is the ability to demonstrate safe vehicle containment when installed on the perimeter edge. RhinoStop barriers are full-scale crash tested when positioned on the edge of a 150 mm thick cantilevered concrete slab representing a multi-storey car park installation. This configuration increases demand on the anchor bolts and tests the system’s ability to absorb impact energy and limit damage to the concrete structure.
Comparing car park barrier systems
The impact severity of each RhinoStop crash test factors in vehicle mass, impact speed and impact angle. This energy rating lets designers compare systems side by side and confirm the right barrier capacity for their project.
Frequently Asked Questions
AS/NZS 2890.1 states that a crash barrier is required wherever the drop to a lower level exceeds 600 mm. The barrier must not be constructed from brickwork, unreinforced concrete, or any other materials that are likely to shatter upon impact. The barrier system must be designed to meet the structural loading requirements as specified in AS/NZS 1170.1.
The horizontal imposed action on barriers required to withstand the accidental impact from vehicles during parking shall be taken as follows:
a) For light traffic areas (Type F)
i. Barriers – 30 kN.
ii. Barriers at the end of straight ramps exceeding 20 m in length and intended for downward travel – 240 kN.
b) For barriers in medium traffic areas (Type G) – 40 kN.
The impact force should be distributed over a length of 1.5 m at any point along the barrier. For light traffic areas, the force is assumed to act 0.5 m above floor level, while for medium traffic areas, it is assumed to act 1.0 m above floor level.
AS/NZS 1170.1 defines a Light Traffic Area as parking areas, garages, driveways, and ramps designated for cars and light vans with a gross mass not exceeding 2,500 kg.
AS/NZS 1170.1 defines a Medium Traffic Area as areas such as driveways, ramps, repair workshops, footpaths accessible by vehicles, and car parking zones used by vehicles weighing between 2,500 kg and 10,000 kg.
The Supplementary to the Standard states that the 30 kN impact load is derived from a 1,500 kg vehicle travelling at 2 m/s (7.2 km/h).
The Supplementary to the Standard states that the 240 kN impact load is derived from a 2,000 kg vehicle travelling at 6 m/s (21.6 km/h).
The Supplementary to the Standard states that the 40 kN impact load is derived from a 2,000 kg vehicle travelling at 2 m/s (7.2 km/h).
See the full crash test data behind every RhinoStop barrier, or talk to our team about impact compliance for your site.
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