Technical Details

Technical Specifications

The Engineering Behind Your Peace of Mind

Uncompromising protection isn't a tagline; it's an engineering principle. Born from the necessity to protect our own assets after a break-in at our Auburn, WA, construction company, every Fortis system is a testament to our commitment to true resilience.

This page provides transparency into the engineering, materials, and methodologies that define Fortis Protection Systems. These specifications are the tangible proof of our promise: to deliver expertly engineered solutions that empower you with lasting security and peace of mind.

1. Core Design Philosophy & Engineering Methodology

Our designs are grounded in the most rigorous and respected standards in the industry, including the International Building Code (IBC) and the Post-Tensioning Institute (PTI). We employ a sophisticated, dual-approach methodology to ensure our systems perform predictably and effectively under real-world stress.

Integrated Analysis

Every barrier system is analyzed using both the Equivalent Static Load Method (simulating direct, sustained pressure) and the Dynamic Energy Method (analyzing how the system absorbs and dissipates the kinetic energy of a sudden impact). This is critical for accurately predicting performance, especially in short-span applications where dynamic forces are paramount.

Holistic System Engineering

We take full responsibility for the entire system as a single specialty company. This means all components—cables, anchors, and any required structural steel posts or angles—are engineered holistically to work in concert, ensuring load paths are managed effectively from the point of impact through to the building's structure.

Structural Compatibility

We provide a comprehensive load summary detailing all permanent and impact-related forces for verification by the project's Engineer of Record (EOR), ensuring seamless and safe integration with your structure.

2. Performance Standards & Capabilities

Our systems are engineered to meet and exceed stringent safety and performance benchmarks for both vehicle and pedestrian protection.

Vehicle Restraint

  • Impact Load Resistance

    Designed to withstand a single live load of 9,600 lbs applied horizontally over a 12"x12" area, simulating a 6,000 lbs impact with a 1.6 safety factor.

  • Dynamic Impact Performance

    Engineered to safely arrest a 5,000 lbs vehicle traveling at 5 mph by progressively absorbing its kinetic energy.

  • Controlled Deflection

    Under maximum impact load, deflection is limited to no more than 18 inches beyond the edge of the driving surface, with no permanent deformation or damage to the system.

  • Minimum Height & Sag Control

    Vehicular barriers maintain a minimum height of 33 inches, with pre-tensioning engineered to limit cable sag to less than 1/4 inch.

Pedestrian Safety

  • Fall Protection Height

    Top rail located at a minimum height of 42 inches where a fall risk of 30 inches or more exists.

  • Sphere Passage Prevention

    Cable spacing is engineered to prevent the passage of a 4-inch sphere up to 34 inches from the floor, and an 8-inch sphere from 34 to 42 inches.

  • Load Resistance

    Capable of withstanding a 200 lbs concentrated load at any point and a 50 lbs/linear foot load on the top rail.

3. Materials & Components: The Foundation of Strength

Durability is not an accident. We meticulously select materials known for their strength, longevity, and resilience.

High-Strength Steel Strands

  • Type

    7-wire, Galvanized Prestressed Concrete (GPC) strand

  • Specification

    Conforms to ASTM A475, Class A zinc coating weight

  • Strength & Diameter

    Minimum 1/2-inch nominal diameter with a Minimum Ultimate Tensile Strength (MUTS) of 250 Ksi or better

  • Fortis Standard—No Plastic Coatings

    We exclusively use galvanized steel strands, prohibiting the use of plastic or epoxy coatings which can trap moisture, hide corrosion, and compromise the long-term integrity of the system

Anchorage Systems

  • Anchors & Wedges

    Nonporous, high-strength ductile iron castings or machined steel barrel anchors paired with hardened carbon steel wedges

  • Inserts & Bearing Plates

    Utilize inserts with a minimum 2:1 safety ratio for ultimate pull-out and shear

  • Corrosion Protection

    All exposed system components are galvanized or zinc-plated

4. Quality Assurance & Installation

A superior design is only as effective as its installation. We ensure flawless execution through rigorous quality control and expert oversight.

Certified Professional Installation

Every installation is performed under the direct and permanent supervision of a PTI-Certified installer or a qualified lead technician with a minimum of three years of field experience on at least fifteen projects of similar scope.

Precision Stressing & Verification

  • Properly calibrated hydraulic jacks and gauges
  • All anchorages back-stressed to minimum 80% of MUTS
  • PE-Stamped shop drawings and calculations

Need More Information?

Contact our engineering team for project-specific submittals or technical inquiries

Contact Our Experts