ASTM F3038-21

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it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
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Designation: F3038 − 14 F3038 − 21
Standard Test Method for
Timed Evaluation of Forced-Entry-Resistant Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3038; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method sets forth the requirements and testing procedures to test forced-entry-resistant building components,
construction components, and specialty security equipment. This test method is intended primarily for manufacturers to test and
rate their windows, doors, modular panels, glazings, louvers, walls, seismic joints, roofs, roof hatches, grilles, and similar products
to ensure that all manufactured products meet the necessary requirements for forced-entry protection.
1.2 This test method is currently designed to simulate a spontaneous mob using readily available hand tools as the primary threat
for forced entry.
1.3 In order to receive a rating, all portions of the tested specimen must meet or exceed the test level.
1.4 Systems are required to be tested as complete units in a test frame or fielded conditions. Mulled systems must be tested in the
mulled condition. Test results only apply to the component or system as tested. Once a system is tested and deemed to satisfy the
requirements of this test method, no design change can be made without a retest.
1.5 Units—The values stated in this standard are SI units with the exception of the nominal descriptors for tools.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
E2771 Terminology for Homeland Security Applications
F1915 Test Methods for Glazing for Detention Facilities
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F12 on Security Systems and Equipment and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F12.10 on
Systems Products and Services.
Current edition approved April 15, 2014Oct. 15, 2021. Published May 2014November 2021. Originally approved in 2014. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as
F3038 – 14. DOI: 10.1520/F3038-14.10.1520/F3038-21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3038 − 21
2.2 Other Standards:
SD-STD-01.01 Forced-Entry and Ballistic-Resistance of Structural Systems, Rev. G (Amended)
ISO/IEC 17025:2005 General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 component—integral part of a forced entry test specimen such as: panels, frame, glazing, glazing bite, flanges, hinges, locks,
jamb/wall, jamb/strike mullions, and mounting devices of different shape, size, and material.
3.1.2 door, double—two-door assembly with an opening twice as wide as a single door with a common latch and lock edge.
3.1.3 independent test facility—testing laboratory accredited to perform the referenced testing procedures by a nationally
recognized accrediting agency in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025.
3.1.4 individual systems—individual doors, windows, louvers, hatches, grilles, or wall panels. Thepanels; the doors, windows, and
panels may have one transparency or two or more transparencies separated with a mullion.
3.1.5 louvers—angled and gapped slats which permit the passage of air through an otherwise impassable barrier. Whilebarrier;
while louvers usually are rigidly constructed, the slats may be moveable to seal off air passage.
3.1.5.1 manufacturer-delivered systems—includes both individual and mulled systems.
3.1.6 mullion—a component used to divide two parts of the same system and it can be vertical or horizontal, movable or fixed.
Forfixed; for purposes of this test method, a mullion does not include steel or concrete structural members (including seismic
joints) which are present in the building.
3.1.7 mulled—the physical connection together of two parts of the same system. Thesystem; the two systems may be anchored
directly to each other or have a mullion between them.
3.1.8 ready-to-install—fabricated, with an appropriate final finish such as galvanizing, paint, or anodizing. Theanodizing; the test
specimen shall consist of the entire fenestration assembly and contain all devices used to resist forced entry. Allentry; all parts of
the test specimen shall be full size, as specified for actual use, using the identical materials, details, and methods of construction.
3.1.9 system—the assembly of structural elements and devices which comprise the forced-entry-resistant barrier.
3.1.10 shop assembly drawing—a drawing which shows how a system is assembled including the locations, dimensions, and
arrangements of all assembly elements such as bolts, glazing stops, and glazing spacers.
3.1.11 Test:
3.1.11.1 concentrated assault—test of forced entry attack using test tools on one dissimilar component in an attempt to create
an opening and permit passage of the test shape.
3.1.11.2 failure criteria—any failure of the manufacturer’s recommended mounting hardware or penetration of any portion of
the system sufficient to permit passage of the test shape within the times of the FE concentrated assault test.
3.1.11.3 test director—the individual identified by the independent testing laboratory as being responsible to complete the
specified tests as required and to document the results, in accordance with this test method.
3.1.11.4 test facility—laboratory or other area where forced-entry testing is conducted.
3.1.11.5 test fixture—the structural assembly which holds the test specimen.
3.1.11.6 test levels—the increments to which systems are tested through manual attack with a specific set of tools and weapons.
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www.access.gpo.gov.
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Secretariat, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland, https://www.iso.org.
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3.1.11.7 test personnel/test team—those personnel actively engaged in the Concentrated Assault Test but not including the Test
Director, data recorders, or other supervisory personnel.
3.1.11.8 test plane—a plane parallel and contiguous to the face of the attack side of the test sample.
3.1.11.9 testing report—a report provided by the test facility that includes configuration documentation, any applicable
abnormality, forced-entry testing data and photographs, a certification of testing, a narrative summary of testing, time-stamped
drawings that have been validated to match the test specimen, and all video recording(s) of testing.
3.1.11.10 test shape—a non-compressible, rigid, elliptical cylinder made of solidly bonded particle board or medium-density
fiberboard (MDF) layers measuring 400 mm major axis by 225 mm minor axis and 300 mm in height.
3.1.11.11 test tools—the devices used by the test team during the concentrated assault tests.
3.1.12 Window:
3.1.12.1 view window—a window system which permits visual contact through an otherwise opaque host assembly.
3.1.12.2 window frame—the opaque portion of a transparent assembly into which the transparent element is mounted.
3.1.12.3 window grille—spaced, rigid bars which are mounted over exterior windows of the host structure to provide delay in
access.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 This test method establishes incremented timed levels of forced-entry protection via evaluation of a manual attack of a single
or mulled system by using a specific set of tools and weapons. The weapons and tools used in the attack are selected from a
prescribed list provided in Annex A1.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Within a given period of time, the success or failure of any attempt to forcibly enter a structure intended to resist that entry
is dependent upon three primary factors that collectively define the threat: (1) the tools and devices employed, (2) the number of
aggressors, and (3) the level of sophistication of the attack.
5.2 The procedures presented herein are based on field experience and are not intended to be used to establish or confirm the
absolute prevention of forced entries.
5.3 The test requirements specified herein have been established for use in evaluating the forced-entry resistance characteristics
of structures and assemblies to be used in commercial, government, and military installations.
5.4 The procedures of this test method are intended to evaluate the time necessary for personnel to create an opening of sufficient
size to permit passage of a test shape through it.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Apparatus to conduct these tests include test personnel, test fixture, test tools, and the test shape.
6.2 Test Personnel:
6.2.1 Test personnel in good health, and capable of executing the required rigorous tests.
6.2.2 The number of personnel shall be six.
6.3 Test Fixture:
6.3.1 The test fixture shall be in accordance with Test Methods F1915 or as specified by the authority having jurisdiction provided
it does not enhance or degrade the specimen.
6.4 The test fixture shall simulate installation in a permanent steel or concrete structure which neither enhances nor degrades the
forced-entry protection of the system.
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6.5 Forced Entry Test Tools:
6.5.1 The tools for forced-entry testing are listed in Annex A1.
6.6 Test Shape:
6.6.1 The test shape is defined in 3.1.11.10.
7. Test Specimens
7.1 Systems submitted for testing shall be full-size systems complete with all required anchor bolt system hardware and
representative of production systems.
7.2 Systems that move or operate (for example, doors, hatches, operable windows) shall, at minimum, include all devices required
for operation.
7.3 The test specimen shall be ready-to-install.
7.4 Test specimen size shall be selected by the end user.
8. Preparation of Apparatus
8.1 Forced-entry test specimens shall be mounted in accordance with all the requirements of this section.
8.1.1 The mounting of the test specimen must give no leverage advantages over the expected mounting conditions in the field.
8.1.2 The test specimen shall be mounted in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions with particular attention paid to the
threat and protected side orientation during mounting.
8.1.3 If the test specimen cannot be mounted according to the installation instructions submitted by manufacturer, then the test
shall not be conducted.
8.1.4 The test specimen shall be mounted in a test fixture, and the test fixture shall not influence the performance of the test
specimen.
8.1.5 If the tested product type is typically installed in an opening larger than the tested product size (for example, in a “rough
opening”), the test specimen shall be mounted in a rough opening of 5 6 2 mm larger on all sides than the test specimen.
8.1.6 For specimens that require footers, the test specimens shall be erected (including those cast in place) on footings and either
back-braced or capped with a simulated roof or ceiling panel to ensure that the bracing or capping reflect standard fielded
conditions.
9. Calibration and Standardization
9.1 Tools shall be inspected for defects prior to testing and be in good working condition and not defective.
10. Conditioning
10.1 Samples shall be conditioned prior to testing to a time agreed upon by the end user to ensure all components have reached
temperature equilibrium.
10.2 Testing shall be performed at an ambient temperature of 22 6 7°C.7 °C.
11. Test Director Role
11.1 The Test Director is responsible for safety and will ensure that all reasonable safety precautions are employed.
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11.2 The Test Director’s goal is to identify the most vulnerable areas of the test specimen and determine the tools and attack
methods that have the greatest chance of resulting in system failure prior to the specified test duration. The Test Director shall direct
assaults to exploit any dissimilar components or discontinuities of the test specimen. The Test Director shall be provided a full set
of plans prior to the test.
11.2.1 Attack methodology is provided in Appendix X3.
11.3 The Test Director shall, at a minimum, ensure the following:
11.3.1 Test times are met per 14.1;
11.3.2 Shall impress test personnel with a sense of urgency;
11.3.3 Tools are used safely and appropriately, as per the guidance of Appendix X3;
11.3.4 That test personnel neither discuss the progress of the concentrated assault nor inspect the test specimen prior to the test
or during any period of non-activity;
11.3.5 That test personnel do not step behind the test fixture or behind a plane parallel and contiguous to the face of the attack
side of the test specimen at any time before or during the tests;
11.3.6 All test data is collected and recorded, and any modifications made or tests not performed are documented in the test report;
11.3.7 Tool and sequencing modifications necessary for nonstandard systems are consistent with the intent of the testing criteria.
12. Test Tools, Personnel, and Interruptions
12.1 Test Tools:
12.1.1 Only those resources (tools) specified in Annex A1 may be applied to the test specimen once forced-entry testing has
commenced.
12.1.2 All tools in Annex A1 will be available for use by the forced-entry testing team during a test.
12.1.3 Each team member may select tools to use in order to maximize the chance that the test specimen will fail.
12.1.4 Test resources may not be applied during any interruption, inspection, or other period of non-activity.
12.1.5 Tools damaged as a result of the resilience of the test specimen may not be replaced during testing regardless of the
determination of the Test Director.
12.2 Test Personnel:
12.2.1 At the manufacturer’s request, only personnel who did not assist in the installation of the test specimen or in the
construction of test specimens manufactured at the test facility may participate in the performance testing.
12.2.2 During the test, test personnel may alternate attacking the test specimen in order to minimize fatigue.
12.2.3 The Test Director shall assign a team of test personnel in good health and able to carry out the rigorous tests. The number
of personnel shall be six.
12.3 Interruptions:
12.3.1 Once initiated, the test shall be conducted without interruption except for reasons of rest or safety as defined below.
12.3.2 Rests—Rests are allowed only when tests exceed 15 min. 15 min. For every 15 min of continuous activity, 5 min respite
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is allowed. The test team will not use rest time for planning purposes, discussion of attack techniques or test progress with the Test
Director, cleanup of the test area, or inspection of the test specimen.
12.3.3 Safety—The test may be interrupted for reasons of safety (imminent danger to or injury of test personnel). This time will
not be used for clearing away debris, such as glass fragments produced during testing, from the test specimen. Any modifications
to the test specimen made for safety reasons must be agreed to by all parties and must not in any way enhance or detract from
the sample’s forced-entry resistance.
13. Procedure for Panel Operability
13.1 Prior to forced-entry testing of the system, the panel shall have its operability measured and recorded. No assembly shall be
modified or enhanced once operability has been recorded.
13.2 Additional attachments that increase the strength of the connection between the operable locking devices and the system are
not permitted. Operation of the locking devices shall be done in a manner that will not cause collateral damage to the specimen.
13.3 Panel Operability Test:
13.3.1 Close and lock the panel of the test specimen. Submit each operable unit to five cycles of opening, closing, and locking
prior to testing.
13.3.2 While attempting to open the assembly, lift, push, pull, or otherwise manipulate with a concentrated load applied separately
to each member incorporating a locking device, at a point on the panel within 100 mm of the locking device, in a direction parallel
to the plane that would tend to open the panel.
13.3.3 After both panel operation test sequences, the test specimen shall be considered operable per the manufacturer’s written
installation instructions.
14. Procedure for Forced-Entry Testing
14.1 Forced-entry testing, regardless of the type of assembly being tested, shall consist of concentrated assault tests of edges and
other critical locations, for a product resistance time selected from the levels below:
14.1.1 Five (5) minutes;
14.1.2 Fifteen (15) minutes;
14.1.3 Thirty (30) minutes;
14.1.4 Sixty (60) minutes; or
14.1.5 User-specific time not shown in the levels above.
14.2 The concentrated assault will begin with one of the areas or dissimilar components predetermined by the Test Director to be
most vulnerable to forced-entry. Guidance on test locations and test procedures is provided in Appendix X3.
14.3 Perform this concentrated assault testing for the selected resistance time on each dissimilar component.
14.4 Guidance regarding the sequencing of the testing is provided in Appendix X3.
14.5 Only the test personnel defined in 6.3 and the tools shown in Annex A1 are allowed for use during the forced-entry tests.
14.6 Periods of non-activity (photography, safety inspection, etc.) are not to be charged to the required test times.
14.7 There is no restriction on the use of their hands during the execution of this test. This shall be charged to the required test
time.
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14.8 No part of any tool may be located or positioned behind the fixture or the plane parallel and contiguous to the face of the
attack side of the test specimen, nor can any tool that drops behind the fixture or plane be retrieved.
14.9 No repairs or replacement of damaged components are permissible during or between any forced-entry tests. However, after
the completion of a test with respect to one dissimilar component, the Test Director may direct limited repairs to features that have
been completely evaluated if he judges the repairs necessary to fairly evaluate the yet another dissimilar component. Any such
repair must not enhance or detract from the forced-entry resistance of the untested dissimilar component. All of these repairs shall
be documented.
15. Forced-Entry Test Times
15.1 Testing times shall be in accordance with Section 14.1.
15.2 Conduct forced-entry testing at each component until one of the following conditions is met:
15.2.1 The system fails due to any of the criteria in Section 16, or
15.2.2 The previously-selected forced-entry resistance protection level (time) is met without failure.
15.3 If the end user and manufacturer agree to perform additional testing after one of the above conditions is met, the test tools,
test personnel, test time, and results shall be documented in accordance with the provisions in Section 18.
16. Forced-Entry Failure Criteria
16.1 The goal of the testing is to create an opening that allows passage of the Test Shape behind the test specimen. The testing
is considered a failure if the following criteria is met:
16.1.1 The entire Test Shape is passed behind a plane parallel and contiguous to the face of the attack side of the test specimen
by a single attack team member, using only their hands.
16.2 Panel Operability Criteria:
16.2.1 Applic
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