What This Requirement Covers
Approved Document K requires vehicle barriers at edges of floors and ramps in car parks and loading areas where vehicles could fall from a height. These barriers protect both vehicle occupants and pedestrians below.
Key Requirements
When Vehicle Barriers Are Required
- At all edges of floors and ramps in multi-storey car parks where the drop exceeds 600 mm
- At ramp edges and edges of raised parking decks
- At the edges of loading bays (in addition to pedestrian guarding)
- Where vehicles might otherwise leave the building or fall from an elevated level
Design Requirements
- Vehicle barriers must resist a horizontal force of at least 150 kN per metre (for car parks up to 2500 kg vehicle mass)
- The barrier height must be at least 375 mm (measured from the surface on which the vehicle travels) plus any additional pedestrian guarding above
- Where pedestrians also have access, a pedestrian guarding rail (minimum 1100 mm high) must be provided above or behind the vehicle barrier
- The vehicle barrier must be designed to deform in a controlled manner to absorb the impact energy without sudden collapse
Common Barrier Types
- Steel tubular barriers: Horizontal steel tubes at multiple heights, designed to arrest vehicle movement
- Concrete upstand barriers (Jersey barriers): Precast concrete barriers shaped to redirect vehicles
- Cable barriers: Tensioned steel cables that deform to absorb impact energy
- Integrated barriers: Structural concrete parapets forming part of the car park edge
Practical Compliance Tips
- Vehicle barrier design is a specialist task; appoint a structural engineer experienced in barrier design
- Ensure the barrier is designed for the actual vehicle class using the car park (standard cars, SUVs, or commercial vehicles)
- The barrier must be securely fixed to the structure; the fixings must be designed to resist the full impact force
- Combine vehicle and pedestrian barriers into a single integrated design where possible
- Inspect vehicle barriers regularly for damage from vehicle impacts and corrosion
- Provide clear signage for speed limits and hazard warnings in multi-storey car parks
- Consider the impact of vehicle barriers on the architectural appearance of the car park facade