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 metal 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 forward member includes distal portions proximate its lower and upper ends. 
     
     
         3 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 1  in which said reaction mass includes at least one claw proximate its rearward end for engaging an impacting vehicle upon rotation of said reaction mass. 
     
     
         4 . 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 concrete forward member for confronting and compressing the surrounding earth and absorbing energy from the impact of the vehicle with said post.   
     
     
         5 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 4  in which said forward member includes the forward surface of said reaction mass. 
     
     
         6 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 5  in which said forward surface includes at least some pre-cast concrete. 
     
     
         7 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 5  in which said forward surface includes at least some concrete poured in situ. 
     
     
         8 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 4  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. 
     
     
         9 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 4  in which said post is closer to the forward end than the rearward end of said reaction mass. 
     
     
         10 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 4  in which there are a plurality of spaced post's anchored in said reaction mass. 
     
     
         11 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 4  in which each said post is made of metal. 
     
     
         12 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 4  in which each said post is made of metal and filled with concrete. 
     
     
         13 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 4  in which said reaction mass includes a metal framework. 
     
     
         14 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 13  in which said metal framework includes metal members welded or bolted together. 
     
     
         15 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 14  in which said post is made of metal and is welded to said framework. 
     
     
         16 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 13  in which said metal framework is filled with concrete. 
     
     
         17 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 16  in which said metal framework is filled with concrete in situ. 
     
     
         18 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 4  in which said reaction mass includes a thrust block at its forward end. 
     
     
         19 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 18  in which said thrust block includes a metal core. 
     
     
         20 . The modular vehicle barrier system of  claim 4  in which the system is accompanied with hardscape environs and said posts form a part of the hardscape environs.