Vehicle barrier system

Abstract

A modular vehicle barrier system includes a reaction mass for installation in the earth; at least one post immovably anchored in the reaction mass and extending upwardly therefrom; the reaction mass having a forward member for confronting and compressing the surrounding earth and absorbing energy from the impact of the vehicle with the post.

1 . A modular vehicle barrier system comprising: 
 a reaction mass for installation in the earth;    at least one post immovably anchored in said reaction mass and extending upwardly therefrom;    said reaction mass having a forward member for confronting and compressing the surrounding earth and absorbing energy from the impact of the vehicle with said post.    
   
   
       2 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 1  in which said reaction mass extends rearwardly from said post under at least the forward portion of the vehicle for bearing a portion of the weight of the vehicle.  
   
   
       3 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 1  in which said post is closer to the forward end than the rearward end of said reaction mass.  
   
   
       4 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 1  in which there are a plurality of spaced posts anchored in said reaction mass.  
   
   
       5 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 1  in which each said post is made of metal.  
   
   
       6 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 1  in which each said post is made of metal and filled with concrete.  
   
   
       7 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 1  in which said reaction mass includes a metal framework.  
   
   
       8 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 7  in which said metal framework includes metal members welded or bolted together.  
   
   
       9 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 8  in which said post is made of metal and is welded to said framework.  
   
   
       10 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 7  in which said metal framework is filled with concrete.  
   
   
       11 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 10  in which said metal framework is filled with concrete in situ.  
   
   
       12 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 1  in which said reaction mass includes a thrust block at its forward end.  
   
   
       13 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 12  in which said thrust block includes a metal core.  
   
   
       14 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 12  in which said thrust block includes a concrete mass extending to confronting virgin earth.  
   
   
       15 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 14  in which said thrust block includes a concrete mass poured in situ.  
   
   
       16 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 1  in which the top of said reaction mass is below the surface.  
   
   
       17 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 1  in which the top of said reaction mass is flush with the surface.  
   
   
       18 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 1  in which the system is accompanied with hardscape environs and said posts form a part of the hardscape environs.  
   
   
       19 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 1  in which the system is accompanied with hardscape objects and said posts are integral with the hardscape objects.