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Metalith™ security benefitsMetalith protective barriers were designed as protective physical security barriers offering both blast mitigation and containment protection as well as anti-ram vehicle protection shielding troops, civilians, and critical infrastructure from the impact of vehicle borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) and other explosive devices. However, these are not the only benefits provided by the Metalith perimeter security barriers. These security benefits include its:
Comprehensive physical security system componentThe Metalith physical security barriers are one of a number of critical components needed to provide a comprehensive physical security system to protect critical infrastructure and offer force protection capabilities. The key components of a comprehensive system include:
Each of these critical components are necessary to ensure that a perimeter can be well secured. Utilization of only part of the needed components will not provide complete physical perimeter security. The Metalith barrier walls are designed to replace cyclone fences, concrete walls, and Jersey barrier installations, by offering superior blast attenuation and containment capabilities coupled with its U.S. Department of State K12 certified anti-ram vehicle capabilities. No other product on the market offers these combined benefits - at any price!
Blast mitigation protectionInfrastructure Defense Technologies' Metalith protective barrier systems have been subjected to independent testing at the Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center (EMRTC) located in Socorro, New Mexico. EMRTC personnel used Ammonium Nitrate-Fuel Oil (ANFO) to create high order detonations used to test the Metalith barriers for physical protection and blast attenuation. Based on the results of these independent blast tests, it can be concluded that the Metalith barriers:
View more detailed information on the EMRTC blast tests. Click to view blast test video.
Blast wave reformation attenuation capabilitiesThe Metalith physical perimeter barrier wall system was designed to "knock down" the initial blast wave and then attenuating the blast wave reformation to a level that can save the lives of deployed forces and civilians, reduce blast wave trauma effects on personnel, and reduce blast wave impact on critical infrastructure. Blast wave reformation attenuation simulations were performed using the LS-DYNA software developed by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to initially measure the impact on nuclear explosions on hardened bunkers. These simulation results indicated that the use of Metalith barriers reduced the reformed shockwave pressures by over 50%, providing tremendous extra protection for facilities and personnel! Today, the LS-DYNA software is used to model vehicle crashes of all types, blast effects, manufacturing process results, and many other activities involving force and impact.
Shrapnel absorption capabilitiesIn early 2004, Infrastructure Defense Technologies contacted a series of high order detonations blast tests at the Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center in Socorro, New Mexico.
EMRTC exploded high order detonations varying the standoff distances from pre-erected Metalith barriers. Subsequent to the blasts, visual inspection indicated the Metalith blast barrier walls provided complete, 100%, protection from thru shrapnel penetration, regardless of standoff distance, offering a new, better, and cost-effective way to protect critical infrastructure and personnel from the effects of VBIEDS and other blasts. The Metalith earth filled protective barrier system absorbed all fragmentary materials at 20 feet from a high order detonation! View more detailed information on the EMRTC blast test. Click to view blast test video.
Anti-ram vehicle protectionInfrastructure Defense Technologies' Metalith protective barrier systems have been subjected to independent testing required to achieve the U.S. Department of State's highest crash barrier rating, K12, at Karco Engineering located in Adelanto, California. Karco personnel used their DOS-approved facility equipment to accelerate a 15,000 lb. truck down a 900' concrete runway to impact the Metalith security barrier at 50 mph at a 90° angle. Based on the results of this independent crash certification test, it can be concluded that the Metalith barriers:
The simulation indicated a 50,000 lb. truck would penetrate 44" into the barrier, not even reaching the cargo bed! This would easily pass the U.S. Department of State K12 testing if performed in real life. Later, in 2006, we had the Metalith barriers tested versus a 65,000 lb. truck traveling at 50 mph. The Metalith barriers passed this difficult test. Click here to view information on the K50 crash testing. View more detailed information on the Karco K12 certification crash test. Click to view the K12 certification crash test video.
Protection against Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) threatsVehicle borne IEDs (VBIEDs) are devices that use a vehicle as the package or container of the device. VBIEDs come in many shapes and sizes from smaller sedans to large cargo trucks. They are a daily threat in Iraq and sometimes in Afghanistan, and the U.S. government, major corporations, and many types of critical infrastructure need protection from vehicle borne IEDs. The Metalith earth filled barrier system provides excellent VBIED protection acting as both a blast mitigation barrier and an anti-ram vehicle barrier. Metalith barriers will attenuate the blast of a VBIED by up to 90% and will totally absorb developed shrapnel from the blast. Metalith barriers have been blast tested and have successfully mitigated the effects of a high order detonation that could be vehicle borne by over 90%. Additionally, the U.S. Department of State has certified the Metalith as a K12-certified barrier system, their highest rating.
Recent VBIED attacks in Iraq have been using larger amounts of explosives, with the explosive charge raging from 100 lbs. to well over 1000 lbs. The Metalith will perform well against attacks of this size protecting critical infrastructure and providing needed force protection for military and civilian personnel. In addition to using the Metalith protective barriers, Infrastructure Defense Technologies recommends implementing the following security measures to help protect installations against VBIED attacks based on a recent Homeland Security (DHS) Information Bulletin:
View more detailed information on the Karco K12 certification crash test. Click to view the K12 certification crash test video.
Deterrence versus low-level forced entryThe Metalith barriers are designed to act as a deterrent against a low level forced entry. Unsophisticated attackers will have difficulty overcoming the Metalith's blast mitigation and anti-ram capabilities. When facing a more difficult target, a hardened target, low level attackers will move to a softer target.
Delay versus high-level forced entryA growing technique in VBIED attacks in Iraq has involved the use of multiple vehicles. A lead vehicle is used as a decoy or as a barrier buster. Once stopped or neutralized and with response forces start to deploy to inspect or detain, the main VBIED crashes though and into the area before detonating, increasing the casualty ratio. It is possible the second, or follow-on attack, force is not going to sacrifice itself, but instead instigate an attack after the first attackers have cleared an entry area or killed or wounded the initial response force. The Metalith earth filled protective barriers are designed to stop the first attack and either stop, or significantly delay, the follow-on attackers, providing time for responders to successfully repel the attempted high-level forced entry, safeguarding personnel and infrastructure assets.
Stop heavier gauge ordnance
Metalith barriers wall systems are made using 16 and 18-gauge steel and unlike sandbags or other less permanent barriers, can withstand multiple attacks. For more information about Infrastructure Defense Technologies' perimeter security products and applications, please call us at 1-800-621-5617, email us at info@themetalith.com, or fill out our contact form.
Metalith Product Info | Exterior Finishes | Benefits | Applications The Metalith Copyright ©2003-2010 Infrastructure Defense Technologies. |
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For more information about the Metalith blast mitigation and anti-ram physical security barriers, please request our FREE BROCHURE by mail. Or you can DOWNLOAD it here. |
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Provided up to 99% attenuation of a high order detonation for more distant standoff distances, providing increased critical infrastructure protection saving lives and protecting critical infrastructure assets.
Infrastructure Defense Technologies designed the testing to directly measure the effects of the front side and back side blast pressure attenuation and to visually determine the shrapnel absorption capabilities of the Metalith barriers when exposed to high order detonations. 
Easily survived the 15,000 lb. impact at 50 mph that represented the extreme end of DOS testing indicating the Metalith perimeter security barriers will provide excellent anti-ram protection. 
Infrastructure Defense Technologies contracted with Karagozian and Case, noted blast and simulation experts, to develop a simulation crashing a 50,000 lb. truck at 50 mph using the data from the 15,000 Department of State testing. Karagozian and Case used Lawrence Livermore developed LS-DYNA software to run the simulation. 
The Metalith offers significant protection from the blast as well as a vehicle impact into the barrier of a VBIED. 
The Metalith physical security barriers are designed to stop heavier gauge ordnance providing significant protection versus near miss general-purpose bombs, direct hit small, high explosive, shaped charges, and 50 caliber ballistic impacts. The Metalith barriers walls will provide protection from mortar explosion (outside the wall) and anti-tank rifles. 