Combining high security barriers and electronic detection to create active barrier structures

Typical perimeter security systems may be identified as some sort of barrier structure combined with an electronic detection system applied in proximity to it. The paper describes the combination of a simple high security fence base structure with modified topping devices and electronic detection systems such as taut wire and microphonic detectors. The combined structure is designed as a single active barrier system, which is simple and cheap to install and returns up to 36% of the asset-protected area to the client. A novel load and vibration-sensing scheme for palisade barriers up to 5 m high is also described. This technology takes active barrier structures into the 21/sup st/ century of perimeter detection systems.