Wedge Barrier Systems

Controls are complex as they include programming the sequence of operations, impact multiple pieces of equipment including safety sensors, obstruction loops, vehicle barriers, integrated gates, traffic arms, signal lights, warning systems and other aspects of the barrier systems.

Very important question! Security barriers are life safety equipment that should be installed by a contractor with at least 5 installations of similar equipment already completed. Every site is different and barrier manufacturers may not be able to anticipate challenges that will occur if you use their barrier. Manufacturers generally have one location and a few technicians that provide support worldwide. At any given moment, barrier manufacturers have a difficult time responding quickly to service issues. Barrier manufacturers provide commissioning support which you pay for by the daily rate typically. Barrier installations are complex and issues come up during the layout, off-loading, assembly, excavation, installation, rebar installation, conduit installation, concrete pour, assembly and other stages along the way. Sloan provides services from the off-loading of equipment through installation and commissioning and can take care of any issues that occur along the way.

We can help you select, procure, design, install, and maintain your vehicle barriers, regardless of your situation and location(s).

There are a tremendous variety of systems currently on the market with new companies and products being introduced constantly. Sloan Security Group keeps a close watch on these new technologies and can help you select from amongst all of the options available. Our experience designing and installing a vehicle barriers across North America at a wide range of facilities including chemical/oil/gas, port, airport, and military facilities helps us to analyze your individual situation and ascertain which barrier solution will be most secure, cost-effective, and maintenance free solution for your situation.

Barriers which have been engineered by a particular entity to stop the attack of a particular vehicle traveling at a certain speed within a strict set of guidelines. No field testing has been performed on these barriers however. These barriers are less favorable and should only be utilized when there is no equivalent Standard or Modified Crash-Rated Barrier available.

Crash-Rated Barriers which need to be changed in some minor way to fit a particular site’s characteristics. The changes to the barriers should be carefully analyzed to ensure that the barrier’s effectiveness will not be affected by the changes.

Barriers which have been certified by a rating agency as having passed a full field crash test where a particular barrier is certified to stop the attack of a particular vehicle traveling at a certain speed within a strict set of guidelines. This rating does not serve as a guarantee but only as evidence of capabilities.

Sloan can provide engineered calculations for the maximum potential speed a vehicle can achieve at all points around your facility.

AVB = Active Vehicle Barrier

1. Utilized for active vehicle entrances, sally ports, unmanned entrances


2. Wedges, bollards, sliding, rising or pivoting horizontal beams, integrated into gates etc.


3. Hydraulically, electrically, pneumatically, or manually operated


4. May be surface-mounted, shallow-mounted, or standard depth installation



SVB = Static Vehicle Barrier

1. Utilized for fence lines, permanently closed gate openings, temporarily closed gate openings


2. Cable-type barriers, bollards, berms, trenches, walls, street furniture, vegetation, concrete barriers, guard rails etc.

2 seconds

3 to 5 seconds

8 to 14 feet wide

No. Sloan would recommend Automated Bollards in areas with a lot of pedestrian traffic.