Forced Entry Doors
Protection Against Burglary & Attacks
Virtually every type of building needs some sort of protection against forced entry. A door assembly or security doors is often a building’s first line of defense and can dramatically reduce the risk of an attack or burglary.
It’s important to determine what level of protection is appropriate for the building’s use and location. Government buildings are usually more at risk for physical attacks. Retail and commercial tenants tend to be more concerned with theft. Schools are often a hybrid of burglary prevention and safety.
Specifying Forced Entry Doors
When specifying forced entry doors and assemblies, design professionals should consider:
The budget
The severity of the risk
The risk of physical attack, burglary, or both
If bullet resistant doors would make sense
If they should specify one of the test methods below
ASTM F1233
Standard Test Method for Security Glazing Materials and Systems
The most commonly specified test criteria for non-government forced entry installations. Products are assigned a resistance rating from I through V. The ASTM F1233 tests range from 10 hits with a ballpein hammer to 50 impacts with a fire axe.
ASTM F3038
Standard Test Method for Timed Evaluation of Forced-Entry-Resistant Systems
Typically specified for high risk buildings, the ASTM F3038 test method allows one to specify forced entry prevention of 5, 15, 30, or 60 minutes. The test is comprised of six men attacking the door with everything from sledgehammers to battering rams.
US Department of State SD-STD-01.01
Forced Entry and Ballistic Resistance of Structural Systems
This test is similar to ASTM F3038 but is specific to government facilities.
Resources
SDI has developed a variety of forced entry door resources for architects, specifiers and distributors below.
Article
Doors & Hardware Magazine: Reducing the Risk of Forced Entry
Presentation
Forced Entry Doors & Assemblies