Three primary factors define the success or failure of any attempt to forcibly penetrate a security fence system: the tools and devices employed, the number of aggressors and their level of sophistication. A newly approved ASTM International standard can be used to measure the resistance of fence systems to such an attempt.

According to Charles Naegele, P.E., an F14 member, ASTM F2781 will provide a test that allows users to differentiate levels of effectiveness among the many types of security fence systems currently available. Potential users of the standard include the military, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, industry and utilities.

ASTM International standards can be purchased from Customer Service (Phone: 610-832-9585; https://www.astm.org/contact/) or at www.astm.org. ASTM International welcomes and encourages participation in the development of its standards. For more information on becoming an ASTM member, visit www.astm.org/JOIN.

ASTM Committee F14 Next Meeting: Feb. 16, 2010, in conjunction with American Fence Association, FENCETECH 2010, Orlando, Fla.

Technical Contact: Charles Naegele, P.E., Allied Consulting Inc., Clarks Summit, Pa., Phone: 570-586-7260; canaegele@aol.com

ASTM Staff Contact: Thomas O’Toole, Phone: 610-832-9739; totoole@astm.org

ASTM PR Contact: Barbara Schindler, Phone: 610-832-9603; bschindl@astm.org

Release #8427/Dec2009