Door Industry Journal - Summer 2020

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Automated Gates & Barriers solutions are temporary, consideration of the subsurface and the materials specified do not need to be addressed, as no physical fixings are required to keep the blockers in place. This also offers significant cost and resource savings throughout the lifetime of the project, whilst ensuring the continued adaptability of the systems to best meet the specified requirements and intentions of the environment as it evolves. The benefit of a solution that can be arranged individually, in rows or offset, offers a completely flexible system that does not require any compromises to be made to the initial design plans and can adapt to meet the specific needs of the space. For example, narrow pavements or cycle paths can be effectively secured with a single blocker unit, whilst a sluice or slalom arrangement can create defined passage points for emergency and rescue vehicles. Professionals should also look to explore blockers that feature axisymmetric geometry as they have no predefined impact side. This means the angle of the collision is inconsequential, providing the highest levels of security, regardless of the direction the vehicle is travelling from. Temporary solutions may also be an effective consideration for the retrofitting of anti-terrorism systems at historical or sensitive sites, such as conservation areas, where fixed solutions would impact the physical design and integrity of the site. To ensure compliance with all relevant legislations and provide a clear audit trail of due diligence, professionals must specify hostile vehicle mitigation solutions that have been certified according to internationally recognised standards and standardised crash tests. This will evidence the products can withstand the force of a specific test weight and speed, enabling architects to specify solutions that are tailored to meet the integrity requirements of each specific project. By taking a proactive approach from the initial concept stages and working closely with manufacturers, individuals can ensure the anti-terrorism solutions they specify are not only fit for purpose, but have minimal impact on the overall design intentions of the project. For more information on Hörmann’s exterior perimeter protection systems, visit www.hormann.co.uk or call 01530 516868.