Author: KarabloK staff

January 31, 2018

Stadiums need flexible hostile vehicle mitigation systems

Stadiums around the world are rapidly adding hostile vehicle mitigation systems (HVM) to their security measures. But these need to be movable so they can be redeployed in different positions to cope with the needs of 21st century, says KarabloK director Gareth Neale.

“The problem is that many hostile vehicle mitigation systems are fixed in place and that doesn’t always suit the way more forward-looking stadiums operate today – particularly the bigger ones,” said Gareth Neale.

“Stadiums may have been built for specific events such as Football, American Football and Track and Field. But that’s just their primary function. Many take advantage of their commercial potential to host numerous other events, like concerts, festivals or the occasional mega-sporting event.

“These kinds of events often feature additional corporate hospitality and merchandise sellers outside the grounds. They also draw bigger crowds into the areas beyond the stadium perimeter and outside the zone protected by fixed hostile vehicle mitigation systems.

“But movable HVM systems, such as KarabloK, provide the flexibility needed to overcome this. They can be repositioned to wherever they are needed. Or they can simply be introduced as additional, temporary measures.”

Gareth points outs that, while any event can be a target for terrorists, the less routine events, such as cup finals and sell-out concerts, are more obvious targets as they are usually larger and higher-profile.

“The volume of corporate hospitality at some major sporting events now is unbelievable. And it looks set to continue growing as it is such a big revenue steam and we seem to have an insatiable appetite for it,” he said.

“It has led to large tented villages springing up in car parks and open spaces outside stadiums. There are also longer queues of visitors beyond the protected zone because of increased security searches. These are emerging features of stadium pop concerts too. So it is vital that operators and event organisers protect these areas too.”

Make HVM at stadiums look less scary

He is also concerned that stadium operators – determined not to make venues look like fortresses – could compromise the level of safety they offer by choosing hostile vehicle mitigation systems that not only look less imposing but also offer less protection.

“I totally understand why those choosing HVM systems want them to look ‘nice and friendly’,” he said.

“Nobody in their right minds would want to put visitors off or scare them as they arrive for a big event. That in itself could easily lead to other security issues.

“But we must remember the primary function of any hostile vehicle mitigation system is to protect people from terrorist car and truck attacks. If it’s a piece of street furniture with a small tree planted in it and some seating round the edge, it might help. But it’s not designed to stop a determined terrorist.

“When choosing the right HVM system, you must start by choosing one that is fit for purpose. So first, choose one that will definitely stop vehicles; second, make sure it is quick and easy to install and remove again after the event; then third, work out how to make HVM look less scary. And, with KarabloK, that’s easily achievable.”

KarabloK barriers are formed from a series of precast concrete units. These are 1.2m high, 2.1m long and 1.4m wide (48ins x 83ins x 55ins). They are pinned together with a unique and patented system.

Together, they form a crash-proof and blast-proof barrier that’s been independently tested and shown to stop a 7.2 tonne truck at 50mph.

“Each one of these units weighs 3.5 tonnes (7,720lb). You need something that substantial to do the job properly but they are also designed to be visually softened,” said Gareth Neale.

“Each has a large cavity which is normally backfilled local material, such as sand or gravel, in fitted bags. But the tops of these cavities can be used for planting shrubs or trailing plants. In that sense it is just like street furniture in our town and city centres.

“They also come in a range of very high quality finishes. These can be painted with designs fitting to the event or covered in posters and billboards – think of them as an advertising opportunity.

“And the barrier is also designed to have attachments quickly and securely bolted to the top. This is often another layer of blocks or a security fence but could just as easily be posts for flags and banners, billboards or signs.”

Easy installation and removal

The easy installation and removal of the KarabloK hostile vehicle mitigation system is one of its unique selling points.

“There are no footings required – they just sit on the surface – so there is no disruption to any underground services,” said Gareth Neale.

“This surprises some people who feel there needs to be some sort of ground-fixing for a barrier to work. But KarabloK’s unique pinning system enables it to stop big trucks travelling at speed.

“Of course, it depends on the specific site but – as a rule of thumb – one small team can install around 100m of KarabloK’s in a normal working day. The blocks are hoisted into position, then pinned together and the bags slipped in and filled with ballast. Removal is just the reverse operation and is even quicker.

“This flexibility makes KarabloK well suited to the needs of stadium operators and event organisers. They take security seriously. There is no room for compromise. But KarabloK could make their operations much easier.”

For further information on KarabloK hostile vehicle mitigation systems for stadiums and events, call Gareth Neale on 07545 455 005.

November 14, 2017

Make sure hostile vehicle mitigation really protects Christmas market shoppers

Christmas market organisers across the UK may have been urged to protect shoppers from terrorist truck attacks but it is important that they choose a hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) system that offers real protection, says KarabloK director Gareth Neale.

He fears many of the barriers and bollards being sold as hostile vehicle mitigation systems would leave Christmas market shoppers totally vulnerable.

“Some of the systems I’ve seen at events in the UK in the last 12 months won’t even stop a car, let alone a truck,” said Gareth Neale.

“Others boast that they can stop a 2.5 tonne vehicle travelling at 30mph but there are plenty of bigger trucks travelling much faster than that around our town and city centres.

“If you want to stop a truck with a temporary barrier you need something substantial – there’s no getting away from that.”

The call to take extra security measures came after the attack on the Berlin Christmas market in December 2016, which left 12 dead and 56 injured, prompting the UK Government to warn Christmas market organisers they need to protect against vehicle attacks.
Gareth Neale said: “KarabloK units are both crash-proof and blast-proof and designed to stop a 7.2 tonne truck travelling at 50mph. They have been independently tested and shown to do so.

“They are quick to install and take up again for reuse somewhere else. There are no footings required – they just sit on the surface – so there is no disruption to any underground services.

“And to allay any fears of turning our valuable public spaces into fortresses, KarabloKs can be painted, decorated or planted up to soften their appearance. You could even use holly, ivy, artificial snow and Christmas lights to make them blend in with the festive theme.

“All this makes them ideal for temporary events, such as Christmas markets, where they really will do their job: protecting people.”

Some local authorities and other organisations have chosen bollards – some which can be can be raised and lowered – rather than barriers to stop trucks. Any bollards capable of stopping a speeding truck need permanent and significant anchoring to the ground which makes them expensive to install.

But the biggest drawback of bollards is the limited protection they offer.

“Your HVM system may stop the vehicle getting in among Christmas market shoppers but that’s only half the job done,” explained Gareth Neale.

“What if the truck is packed with explosives or the people inside are armed with guns? How much protection will it offer then?

“This is a very real threat: homemade explosives have been used with devastating effect for decades by all sorts of people – from the Oklahoma bombers to the IRA and now Islamic State terrorists – and they are all too easy to make with materials bought online or from a local DIY store.

“A solid precast concrete barrier like KarabloK offers blast protection which bollards don’t. And again, KarabloKs have been independently tested against a variety of explosives and each time passed with flying colours.

“Each unit itself is four feet high and barriers can be securely fixed in multiple courses if more height is needed.”

The KarabloK system is designed to form straight barriers or run around bends and special units form corners, junctions and gateways. And it can be installed as a single barrier or as chicanes on roads to slow vehicles down.

“We will work with security advisors, such as the police, to provide full and quick design advice.”

“Each system is then made to order in the UK and could be deployed within two or three weeks of receiving the order. And because the units are so robust they are reusable time and again and so very cost-effective.

“If organisers want to give Christmas market shoppers genuine protection as well as peace of mind, they need to do it properly and make sure they use a barrier that works.”

For further information on hostile vehicle mitigation systems, call Gareth Neale on 07545 455 005.

October 2, 2017

Transport planners consider KarabloK for bridge safety

Question: When is a hostile vehicle mitigation system not a hostile vehicle mitigation system? Answer: when the vehicles it is designed to stop are not hostile. And in this case, when it’s intended to improve bridge safety.

Whether a vehicle is driven with menace by terrorists intent on crashing or simply heading for danger with a hapless driver at the wheel, the principle is the same: we put a barrier in place to stop that vehicle.

This has formed the basis of an enquiry by a road bridge builder in the UK who is looking for a way of improving bridge safety – especially around the sides of bridges already built – and is very interested in KarabloK.

Accidents of this kind have happened all too frequently, such as the Great Heck rail crash in the UK in 2001.

Obviously the structure needs to be able to withstand the impact of the sort of vehicles crossing that bridge. This could include large vehicles travelling at speed, similar to those used in truck attacks in continental Europe and in the Middle East.

And although primarily functional, bridge design often involves an aesthetic element. While some bridges may not be considered a thing of beauty, they cannot be an eyesore and neither can any components added to them after their construction.

These points make KarabloK a suitable option. It is the only surface mounted precast concrete barrier system in the world that is certified for an impact load of 7.2 tonnes (16,000lb) at 50mph.

The KarabloK barrier is made of interlocking precast concrete blocks which measure nearly four feet tall, seven feet long and more than four-and-a-half feet wide (120 x 210 x 140cm) with a central rectangular space which is filled with local ballast material, such as gravel or sand. They weigh 7,720lb (3.5 tonnes) before filling.

Units are positioned by crane and joined by unique system in which steel pins lock through each block’s internal reinforcement cage. This not only locks the units together but also provides vital flexibility which enables the barrier to withstand such large impact forces. You can find out more about the unique way KarabloK units are joined together to form a highly effective barrier here.

The barrier can also be built several units high, the same system that locks individual units together horizontally also locks them vertically. And adaptations to the basic KarabloK unit have been made for end-of-wall units, gateways, right angles and junctions allowing up to four walls to meet at a single point.

The barrier needs no foundations or ground fixing which makes it quick and cheap to install. Typically, around 110 yards (or 100m) can be laid in a day. This also makes it appropriate for use as a temporary barrier as it can also be taken apart and stored just as easily as it is assembled.

Finally, when it comes to keeping up appearances, the KarabloK units are made to look good and can be cast in a variety of finishes to match materials already used in the bridge or the surrounding area.

And if that is not enough, the top of the central cavity can also be planted up with the sorts of trailing plants and shrubs widely used by local authorities, to soften their visual impact even further.

You can see why civil engineers are now interested in using the KarabloK system to improve bridge safety; barriers save lives.

September 19, 2017

Hostile vehicle mitigation without turning our streets into a fortress

Hostile vehicle mitigation systems don’t have to turn our public spaces into ugly, oppressive, intimidating fortresses, as this one shows … if you can see it.

It’s easy to miss it at first glance but this computer-generated image shows an entrance to Paddington Station with a KarabloK HVM system protecting it.

Planted with flowers and shrubs it actually brings welcome cheer to an otherwise gloomy and strictly functional corner of one of London’s busiest places.

Proven against crashes, blasts and canon fire

Of course, something that is going to stop terrorists using cars and trucks to mow down innocent people in the street is going to be pretty significant.

And, when it comes to its hostile vehicle mitigation role, this precast concrete barrier system – designed by British engineers – has been tried, tested and proven to stop a 7.5 tonne truck travelling at 50mph, as this video shows.

It has also been tested against a range of explosives as well as canon fire and is proven to meet sections of NATO’s exacting STANAG 2280 standard for ballistic, blast and impact barriers.

A softer look for hostile vehicle mitigation

Yet the visual impact of this otherwise imposing precast concrete barrier has simply been transformed to make it look like a bright and cheerful piece of street furniture – the sorts of municipal flower beds seen in towns and cities across the land.

“Living and thriving in the free world is what we’re trying to achieve here but making town and city centres look like war zones does not meet our goals.”

“We’re fighting to preserve our way of life so any hostile vehicle mitigation system that makes ordinary people feel anxious or apprehensive, intimidated or vulnerable, is failing – it’s letting the bad guys win.”

“We need to feel confident and relaxed when we attend public events in parks and stadiums. We should feel at ease when travelling on our transport networks.”

“The KarabloK hostile vehicle mitigation system sets out to protect people in key public places without adding to the tension. It allows us to safely get on with our business as usual.”

“Unlike some systems that look like municipal benches and flower beds and call themselves HVM systems, KarabloK has been tested and shown to be big enough and strong enough to stop big vehicles dead in their tracks. Yet, despite this very serious role, it can easily brighten a place up rather than turn it into a fortress.”

Units can be planted up to soften their impact

The blocks have hollow centres which are fitted with purpose made bags normally filled with ballast. The top few inches of the ballast, however, can be removed so the units can be planted up to soften their impact, using the sorts of flowers and shrubs local authorities routinely grow in tubs and hanging baskets.

Trailing plants can almost completely hide the units but the precast concrete surface also comes in a range of different finishes so when they are visible they blend in with other local buildings.

As the KarabloK system is quick to install – needing no ground fixing or foundations – and just as quick to remove again, it is also ideal for temporary locations, such as festival sites. Here, units could also be painted and decorated to completely tune in with their environment.

“It doesn’t take a lot of effort or imagination to turn a KarabloK barrier, with a very serious function, into something positive and aesthetically pleasing,” added Gareth Neale.

“The bottom line is that these barriers save lives; they shouldn’t spoil them.”

September 15, 2017

Is your hostile vehicle mitigation system blast protective too?

Hostile vehicle mitigation systems (HVMs) are becoming an increasingly common site on our streets as a host of public and private sector organisations ramp up anti-terrorist measures. But are they making the right choices?

Their focus has largely been on stopping trucks and cars that have recently been the favoured choice of weapon among terrorists, used to indiscriminately mow down innocent people.

There are a host of different HVMs to choose from – ranging from simple metal bollards to concrete or metal barriers – and some are more effective at stopping vehicles than others.

But, unlike the KarabloK hostile vehicle mitigation barrier, few of them are also blast-proof. And that could be leaving the door open to terrorists who have long-used truck and car bombs.

Why blast protective hostile vehicle mitigation barriers are needed

The Bishopsgate bombing in the City of London in 1993 saw the IRA detonate a powerful truck bomb. In 1995, a truck loaded with a home-made fertiliser bomb killed 168 people in Oklahoma City.

Truck bombs are also widely used in places where both temporary and permanent barriers have long been deployed to keep vehicles at bay. This two-phase attack seems the terrible, natural progression for terrorists: they first use the truck as a weapon and then blow it up, extending their deadly reach well beyond the barrier.

In May 2017 at least 150 people were killed in one such attack – a truck-bomb explosion in the highly fortified diplomatic quarter of Kabul, Afghanistan – after breaking through barriers and killing at least 12 police officers who tried to stop it.

It is clear that even if we succeed in stopping a vehicle attack on our streets, the threat is not yet removed.

A blast protective and bullet protective HVM system

So if you’re going to invest in hostile vehicle mitigation system, it makes sense to also consider the secondary threat, the explosive device the vehicle may contain.

Here, the precast concrete KarabloK unit comes into its own as they are not only designed for hostile vehicle mitigation but also as blast protective barriers.

They have been successfully independently tested against a variety of explosive devices and found to be effective against:
● 36kg of High Explosive
● Swingfire warhead
● 155 NATO warhead
● Milan warhead
● 30mm HE Rounds

These results prove KarabloK units to be compliant with elements of STANAG 2280 – NATO’s own standard for ballistic, blast and impact barriers.

As well as providing protection against explosive devices, the solid barriers also shield people against bullets.
The blast protective, crash protective and anti-ballistic properties of KarabloK are further enhanced when the barrier is built more than one unit high.

Other considerations in choosing a hostile vehicle mitigation system

With the genuine need to avoid turning our public spaces into fortresses, KarabloK has been designed with aesthetics in mind. The top of the central cavity – normally filled with ballast – can be planted up with shrubs or herbaceous plants to soften their visual impact. A range of factory finishes are available for the units themselves.

With no ground-fixing or foundations needed, they can not only be installed relatively cheaply but also quickly. And they are just as quickly taken down for storage and reuse, making them suitable for both temporary and permanent applications.

There is a lot to consider when choosing an HVM system. But to offer full protection to people in your location, it makes sense to choose a barrier that is blast protective too, like KarabloK.

See the blast tests on the KarabloK units

How KarabloK’s unique coupling system creates a blast-proof, crash-proof barrier

June 23, 2017

Vehicle crash barrier test standards made simple

Are you confused by ASTM F 2656, IWA 14, PAS 68 and the different vehicle crash barrier test standards? This article sets out explain these so potential users can understand what standards a product has been tested to.

The increased use of trucks as terrorist weapons has led to a global proliferation in hostile vehicle mitigation systems. But different countries and different companies use different standards to describe their products. These include the American K system, ASTM F 2656, IWA 14, PAS 68, PAS 69 and CWA 16221.

KarabloK, whose parent company is based in the UK, is tested and certified to IWA 14 standards. This system was set up to overcome any confusion. It is recognised all over the world and by the International Standards Organisation (ISO).

Most tests performed to assess and grade a vehicle crash barrier use the same principle: a truck of a set weight and travelling at a set speed is crashed into the barrier. The resilience of the barrier is then assessed by measuring the penetration ie how much it is pushed in.

KarabloK has been tested using the IWA 14 standards and this table shows how – based on that test – we would expect it to perform if tested to other standards.

Test	Vehicle weight	Vehicle speed	Expression of standard
American K system	6.8 tonnes (15,000lb)	80kmph (50mph)	K12
ASTM F 2656	6.8 tonnes (15,000lb)	80kmph (50mph)	M50 P1
IWA 14	7.2 tonnes (15,900lb)	80kmph (50mph)	IWA 14-1 V/7200[N3C]/80/90:1.1
PAS 68	7.5 tonnes (16,500lb)	80kmph (50mph)	PAS68:2010 V/7500[N3C]/80/90.0/1.1/0
PAS 69	provides guidance on the use of PAS 68 certified barriers
CWA 16221	7.5 tonnes (16,500lb)	80kmph (50mph)	–

However, it is important to note that barriers tested and accredited with one standard can not be said to have achieved other “equivalent” or similar vehicle crash barrier test standards. Yet manufacturers of other systems sometimes suggest their products have achieved a whole host of standards when they have not been accredited with them.

Here are some brief explanations of the main vehicle crash test barrier standards:

IWA 14 vehicle crash barrier test standards

International Workshop Agreement 14 (IWA 14) – is increasingly used around the world. This system was developed by government agencies, military bodies and private companies from countries including USA, UK, Germany, Norway, Oman, Singapore and Syria.

The workshop contributors also used existing standards – ASTM F 2656, CWA 16221, PAS 68 and PAS 69 – to reach their new set of standards. These would be easily recognisable and meaningful all over the world. The resulting IWA 14 came into effect in November 2013.

There are two sections; IWA 14-1 describes the performance requirements of the barrier while IWA 14-2 offers guidance for its use.

The KarabloK barrier was independently tested by MIRA in the UK. The main test used a 7,200kg truck travelling at 80kmph. The impact, at 90^o, resulted in the barrier being pushed back up to 1.1m. This is expressed as “IWA 14-1 V/7200[N3C]/80/90:1.1”. It was also tested at 64kmph resulting in a 0.4m penetration or “IWA 14-1 V/7200[N3C]/64/90:0.4”.

Further information on the scope of this standards and the implementation of the tests can be found here on the ISO website https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:std:iso:iwa:14:-1:ed-1:v2:en.

American K12

This standard was developed in 1985 by the US Department of State. The test vehicle weighed 6,800kg (15,000lb). Impacts were assessed at different speeds (eg 50kmph, 65kmph and 80kmph) by measuring penetration of the vehicle into the barrier.

The K rating the barrier received depended on the distance the truck penetrated the barrier and the speed at which it was tested. The best was K12 which indicated the test vehicle travelling at 80kmph had gone no more than 1m into the barrier. This test system was eventually replaced by ASTM F 2656. However, some older products still quote the K system.

ASTM F 2656

This was developed by ASTM International – formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials – to replace the K system. It uses a 6,800kg (15 000lb) truck at either 50 or 80kmph (30 or 50mph).

Measurements of the barrier penetration, however, were slightly different and resulted in a ratings system of: P1 for up to 1.00m (3.3ft) penetration, P2 for 1.01-7.00m (3.31-23.0ft), P3 for 7.01-30.00m (23.1-98.0ft) and P4 for 30.01m (98ft) or greater.

The speed is expressed too, as M50 or M30. So, for example, a barrier which allowed a truck travelling at 30mph to penetrate 1.5m would be rated as “M30 P2”.

PAS 68 and PAS 69

These were developed by the BSI (British Standards Institution) and are still widely used in the UK. The PAS or “Publicly Available Specification” is the specification against which perimeter security equipment is tested.

Like the IWA 14 standard, PAS 68 defines the vehicle type, penetration, dispersion of debris and records the angle of vehicle’s approach. So, for example, a fixed bollard hit at a 90^o angle by a 3000kg van travelling at 48kmph and resulting in a vehicle penetration of 1.1m with significant debris scattered up to 8.1m away will be expressed as “Fixed Bollard V 3000 / 48 / 90 : 1.1 / 8.1”.

BSi PAS 69 simply provides guidance on the product’s use including installation.

CWA 16221

This is a standard produced by the European CEN (the European Committee for Standardization) which is recognised across 34 European countries. It combines the detail from BSI PAS 68 and PAS 69 to provide guidance on assessment of vehicle security barrier performance and on their installation and use.

For more information on KarabloK test standards, call director Gareth Neale on +44 (0) 7545 455 005.

March 29, 2017

KarabloK sparks interest at DPRTE

We had lots of interest in KarabloK at the DPRTE exhibition in Cardiff on Tuesday.

This is the UK’s leading defence procurement and supply chain exhibition and there were some impressive and high level figures there from different areas of the defence and security industries.

Apparently, more than 1,500 people visited the show at the Motorpoint Arena, which was terrific.

We made loads of contacts, had some very interesting enquiries and have made a lot of interesting connections from this event.

I came away feeling this has certainly helped raise the awareness of KarabloK and what our blast-proof, crash-proof barrier can offer as a hostile vehicle mitigation system.

January 27, 2017

KarabloK Australia subsidiary launched

A new Australian company – KarabloK Australia Proprietary Ltd – has been set up to run the blast-proof, crash-proof security barrier business in Australia and other parts of Australasia.

The company, which is a subsidiary of the UK-based KarabloK Holdings, is located at Bondi Junction in New South Wales and will initially deal with the licensing of the KarabloK barrier.

The innovative precast concrete system, with patent pending in Australia, was launched at the World of Concrete trade show in Las Vegas.

It has applications in both the military and security sectors as an anti-terrorist barrier and also in industry to protect personnel and property from explosions.

It acts as both a hostile vehicle mitigation system – stopping a 7.5 tonne vehicle travelling at 50mph – and provides protection against blasts. Independent test results have enabled it to achieve IWA14-1:2013 Barrier standards and STANAG 2280.

Yet KarabloK needs no foundations or ground fixing. It is quick to deploy and also to remove and store until needed once more, making it suitable as either a permanent barrier or a temporary one to provide protection and security at major events.

The first KarabloK barrier to be installed has just been completed, protecting the entrance to a power station in the UK.

KarabloK director Gareth Neale said: “We all know the world is not a safe place. Everywhere is blighted by terrorism these days but the introduction of the crash-proof, blast-proof KarabloK security barrier can go a long way to making potential targets a lot safer.

“One of the deadliest methods of attack by terrorists in the last two years has been the use of trucks – with or without explosives – as weapons. And trucks are everywhere, easy to get hold of and drive so, sadly, terrorists intent on this mode of attack could strike anywhere. But KarabloK is designed to protect against this.

“We have already had enquiries from potential customers in Australia and are now looking for partnerships with Australian precast manufacturers. Once we’ve reached agreement with them we will grant them licences to manufacture and sell the KarabloK system in Australia.”

If you are interested in a licence and want to know more about Karablok Australia, or if you are looking for a blast-proof, crash-proof barrier, contact Gareth Neale on (+61) 1 800 600 007 or email him using the form on our Contact page.

January 16, 2017

Utility defence role for KarabloK

One of the main industrial applications for the KarabloK security barrier is utility defence, based on the blast-proof, crash-proof properties of the system.

KarabloK units were originally designed to provide effective anti-ballistic and blast-walling for military applications and consequently were successfully tested to be compliant with STANAG 2280, the NATO standard for ballistic, blast and impact barriers.

But utilities are also potential targets for terrorists, intent on destroying infrastructure with bombs and bullets or through truck attacks. And KarabloK’s blast-proof nature also lends itself to the protection of people and property in the event of accidental industrial explosions.

In addition to this, KarabloK barriers have a four-hour fire-rating*, meaning they can remain erect and hold back fires for four hours or more after an industrial accident, providing vital time for personnel to be evacuated and fire crews to take action.

KarabloK barriers can be either permanent or short-term structures. They are erected quickly and simply with no need for groundwork or footings. And they can be just as quickly dismantled again and stored for re-use.

You can see how the barrier fits together in this video on our YouTube channel which also shows how it can be topped with additional security fencing.

The unique pinning system that locks adjacent blocks together in one tier of a barrier also enables multiple tiers to be locked together, providing barriers several courses high to offer more extensive blast protection.

We’re currently in discussion with several utilities regarding the use of KarabloK for utility defence. In fact, the first KarabloK barrier installed in the UK has been built to provide a hostile vehicle mitigation system at the gateway to a power station.

For more information on KarabloK’s use for blast protection or as a hostile vehicle mitigation system at a utility site, visit our Contact page and email us using the form on that page or select the appropriate telephone number from the list to speak directly to us.

* The calculations for this rating were provided by structural engineering specialists CLP Structures Ltd, of Bristol, UK, and are based on a KarabloK barrier 4.8m high with no in-fill material in place.

December 21, 2016

Truck attacks like Berlin could be prevented by KarabloK

Densely populated pedestrian areas, like the Berlin Christmas Market, are always going to be a target for terrorists but the KarabloK system can go a long way to preventing truck attacks.

The attack, which has so far claimed the lives of 12 people, and left scores injured, was carried out by terrorists who crashed a large truck into the crowded market.

But further terrorist truck attacks could be averted if proper road blocks, such as the KarabloK hostile vehicle mitigation system, were deployed.

Gareth Neale, Director of KarabloK, said: “We’ve been busily reclaiming our town and city centres and turning them into pedestrian-friendly areas. And if it’s not Christmas markets, it’s everyday markets or other public events. It’s the way we live – and we want to keep on living this way – but they do present a soft target to terrorists.

“In short, it is designed to stop terrorist truck attacks like those in Berlin and earlier this year in Nice. Sadly, it looks as if such attacks could become a regular feature in Europe – unless we do something to stop it, by making it difficult for terrorists to reach their targets. And that is what KarabloK is designed to do.

“At the moment it’s just too easy for terrorists. There are countless thousands of large trucks on our roads and any one of them could be turned into a weapon by these people. We can’t do anything to change that but we can protect public places from truck attacks.

“The KarabloK hostile vehicle mitigation system stops a 7.5 tonne truck travelling at 50mph in its tracks in a MIRA test. It is quick to deploy and equally quick to remove again. It needs no footings or ground fixing. And it is designed to look good too, so we don’t feel like we’re walking into a war zone.”

The system is made up of large, individual precast concrete blocks which are filled with ballast, such as hardcore, and pinned together with a unique coupling system. Special blocks allow gateways, corners and angles so the system can form different sorts of barriers, from flat walls to chicanes and gateways. And after an event, the individual blocks can be taken away, stored and reused.

“KarabloK is the only precast concrete barrier system in the world that is certified for an impact load of 7.6 tonnes (17,000lb) at 50mph,” added Gareth Neale.

“In the independent tests we had carried out, the truck actually disintegrates while the single layer of blocks remains intact. You can see a video of the truck being stopped by the KarabloK barrier on our YouTube channel.

“The first KarabloK barrier to be deployed has just been built to protect the entrance at a sensitive utility in the UK. Others are already in the pipeline and we are in the process of allocating licences to partners all over the world so blocks can be made locally.”