Bollards and Barriers for Data Centers
TL;DR
Data center security is not only cyber. Vehicle approaches, service yards, and deliveries can create exposure if vehicle mitigation is not planned. This article explains how to use crash-rated bollards and barriers to protect four high-priority zones, and how to think about M30 vs M50 ratings as part of a layered plan.
- How to map your site into four zones (perimeter road, loading, generator yard, visitor entry) and select the right barrier type for each
- What ASTM F2656 ratings mean, and why M30 vs M50 should match approach conditions, not a default choice
- Where bollards work better than barriers, and where a gate plus an active barrier (such as a wedge) is the safer pattern
- A short checklist to align security, facilities, and operations before you specify equipment
Bollards and Barriers for Data Centers
Data centers are built for uptime. Most teams plan for redundancy in power, cooling, and network paths. Physical security deserves the same mindset, because you cannot separate digital availability from the facility that runs it.
CISA’s hostile vehicle guidance emphasizes that every site is different, and that mitigation should be planned based on the specific approach routes and conditions (see CISA Vehicle Incident Prevention and Mitigation Security Guide). NIST’s physical security guidance notes that facility failures can interrupt operations and cause physical damage to hardware or stored data (see NIST SP 800-12, Chapter 15).
This guide focuses on vehicle mitigation using crash-rated bollards and barriers, and how to apply them to four places where data center operations typically intersect with public or service vehicle access.
- Perimeter roads and drive lanes
- Loading docks and service entries
- Generator yards, fuel areas, and electrical support infrastructure
- Visitor, lobby, and pedestrian entries
Start With Zones, Not Products
Before you pick a rating or product family, map the site into zones based on what you are protecting and how a vehicle could realistically reach it (speed, distance, turns, and access control).
For operational areas like docks and service entries, the right solution usually combines passive protection (fixed bollards or barriers) with active entry control (gates and an active vehicle barrier at controlled entries).
What “Crash-Rated” Means, And Why ASTM F2656 Matters
When teams say “crash-rated,” they typically mean the system has been tested to a recognized standard. ASTM F2656 is widely referenced for vehicle security barriers. It provides a structured procedure to establish a penetration rating under defined impact conditions, to help owners select barriers for site-specific conditions. It also notes that the rating does not imply identical performance in all site conditions.
In practical terms, an ASTM rating tells you the test vehicle, the impact speed, and the measured penetration outcome. It does not mean the barrier will perform the same way in every approach route and site condition.
M30 vs M50: A Practical Way To Think About Rating Selection
For many data center sites, the M30 vs M50 decision comes down to approach conditions.
M30-type planning is often relevant where speed is naturally constrained (tight turns, short runs, controlled internal roads). M50-type planning becomes more relevant where a vehicle can build speed on a long, straight approach and the consequences of intrusion are high.
When teams say “crash-rated,” they typically mean the system has been tested to a recognized standard. ASTM F2656 is widely referenced for vehicle security barriers. It provides a structured procedure to establish a penetration rating under defined impact conditions, to help owners select barriers for site-specific conditions. It also notes that the rating does not imply identical performance in all site conditions.
Zone 1: Perimeter Roads And Drive Lanes
Perimeter roads are common at larger data center campuses. They are also where speed can become the hidden variable, especially on long, straight internal roads.
Bollards tend to fit where you need pedestrian movement and clear sightlines. Fixed barriers can be a better fit for longer continuous runs along road edges or yard boundaries. If deep excavation is difficult, shallow foundation options can be part of the conversation.
Design note: plan protected openings intentionally for fire lanes, maintenance pull-outs, and turning radii, rather than treating them as last-minute exceptions.
Zone 2: Loading Docks, Service Entries, And Receiving
Loading docks are where security and throughput collide. You cannot eliminate vehicles, because the facility depends on them.
This zone often calls for layered entry control: a crash-rated gate to manage normal flow, and an active vehicle barrier behind the gate (such as a wedge barricade) to stop a vehicle that breaches controls. Bollards can protect the pedestrian edge and dock face where people work close to moving vehicles.
Zone 3: Generator Yards, Fuel Areas, And Electrical Support Infrastructure
Generator yards and fuel areas are often fenced, but fencing alone does not solve vehicle intrusion if the approach is aligned or a service road runs nearby.
This zone is typically about standoff and continuity. Use fixed bollards or barriers to enforce distance, harden corners and transitions, and restrict access to controlled points where service vehicles must enter.
Zone 4: Visitor, Lobby, And Pedestrian Entries
Most data centers have at least one business-facing entry, even if the rest of the site is industrial. These entries often require pedestrian access and a more architectural presentation.
Bollards can work well here because they allow pedestrian flow and can integrate into the streetscape, while still providing physical vehicle security.
Design note: visitor entries are often close to parking. Even if approach speed is low, limited standoff can raise the stakes for spacing and placement.
When Bollards Are The Right Tool, And When They Are Not
Bollards are usually a strong fit where you need pedestrian access and clear sightlines. Barriers often win where you need continuous edge protection over a wide frontage.
Active systems become necessary at routine vehicle entry points. A loading dock entry is not the same problem as a lobby walkway, and it should not be treated like one.
A Fast Selection Checklist For Data Center Teams
Use this checklist to align security, facilities, and operations before you specify equipment.
- Where can a vehicle build speed on a straight approach?
- What assets are most critical in each zone (people, equipment, operations)?
- Where do service vehicles need routine access, and can access be consolidated?
- Are utilities or slab conditions limiting foundation depth?
- Are you documenting the test standard, vehicle class, speed, and penetration expectations in procurement language?
How Delta Fits: Building Blocks For A Layered Plan
This zone often calls for layered entry control: a crash-rated gate to manage normal flow, and an active vehicle barrier behind the gate (such as a wedge barricade) to stop a vehicle that breaches controls. Bollards can protect the pedestrian edge and dock face where people work close to moving vehicles.
Utilities and foundations also matter. For example, Delta’s DSC635 shallow foundation bollard is positioned for sites with underground utility and space constraints and is listed as tested to ASTM F2656-20 M50/P2.
Delta product examples to explore:
- High security bollards
- DSC635 shallow foundation bollard
- Crash-rated sliding gates
- TT300 crash-rated sliding gate example
- DSC207S wedge barricade
- TB100 portable bollard system
Conclusion And Next Step
Bollards and barriers are not cosmetic for data centers. They support uptime and continuity by reducing the likelihood that a vehicle can reach critical assets or high-occupancy areas.
Start by mapping the four zones, then match barrier types and crash ratings to real approach conditions. If you want help translating a site plan into a workable concept, Delta can review your layout and recommend a layered approach using tested systems.
If you want help translating a site plan into a workable concept, you can request a layout concept or talk to Delta about your perimeter, entries, and operational constraints.
FAQ
What rating should we use for data center bollards, M30 or M50?
It depends on approach conditions and risk. M30 may be appropriate where speed is naturally constrained.
M50 becomes more relevant where a vehicle can build speed on a long, straight approach and the consequences of intrusion are high. ASTM F2656 is intended to support site-specific selection.
Are bollards enough for loading docks?
Usually not by themselves. Loading docks often need controlled vehicle access, so a gate plus an active vehicle barrier (such as a wedge) is a common pattern, with bollards protecting pedestrian edges and the dock face.
Can we use shallow foundation bollards if we have underground utilities?
It depends on approach conditions and risk. M30 may be appropriate where speed is naturally constrained.
M50 becomes more relevant where a vehicle can build speed on a long, straight approach and the consequences of intrusion are high. ASTM F2656 is intended to support site-specific selection.
How do we avoid overbuilding?
Use a site-based approach: map vehicle approaches, identify the assets that matter most, and match barrier type and rating to real speed and access conditions. CISA emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution (see CISA guide).
When you need pedestrian flow systems that consistently perform under pressure, choose Delta Scientific’s barricade protection solutions.
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