Bank Vault Design and Manufacturing Process
– Bank vaults are custom orders and are usually the first aspect of a new bank building to be designed and built.
– The vault size, shape, controls, and location of the door are determined in consultation with the customer.
– The vault panels and door are manufactured based on the approved design.
– The vault is delivered and installed by the manufacturer.
– Bank vaults are typically made with steel-reinforced concrete, using a special blend of concrete and additives for extreme strength.
– The wall panels of a bank vault are molded using a special reinforced concrete mix.
– Additional materials such as metal shavings or abrasive materials may be added to resist drilling penetration of the slab.
– A network of reinforcing steel rods is manually placed into the damp mix.
– The molds are vibrated to settle the material and eliminate air pockets.
– The panels are removed from the mold and transported to the construction site.
– The vault door is also molded using special concrete and can be made in different ways.
– Some manufacturers use steel cladding as the mold and pour the concrete directly into it.
Bank Vault Door and Lock
– Round vault doors were popular in the early 20th century but fell out of favor due to manufacturing complexities, maintenance issues, and cost.
– A day gate, made of open metal mesh or glass, is a second door inside the main vault door frame used for limited vault protection.
– The main vault door is often clad in stainless steel.
– A vault door is secured with numerous massive metal bolts extending from the door into the surrounding frame.
– The lock is mounted on the inside of the door and is usually very difficult to access from the outside.
– Combination locks, similar to padlocks or safe doors, are commonly used in vaults.
– Some high-end vaults use a two-piece key in conjunction with a combination lock for added security.
– Dual control combination locks require two people to cooperate to open the door, increasing security.
Bank Vault Security Features
– Modern bank vaults are equipped with a wide array of alarms and anti-theft devices.
– Some older vaults were so well-built that they are difficult to destroy, even with specialized demolition equipment.
– Bank vaults are designed to protect contents from theft, unauthorized use, fire, natural disasters, and other threats.
– Vault walls are typically thick, made of steel-reinforced concrete, and can weigh hundreds of tons.
– There are public examples of vaults withstanding nuclear blasts, such as the Teikoku Bank in Hiroshima and a vault at the Nevada National Security Site.
– Modern vaults use technological countermeasures like listening devices and cameras.
– Alarm systems are present to alert local police if the door or lock is tampered with.
Bank Vault Installation and Resistance Standards
– Finished vault panels, door, and lock assembly are transported to the construction site.
– Panels are placed and welded together by the vault manufacturer’s workers.
– Alarm systems may be installed at the same time.
– US resistance standards are overseen by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL).
– Thickness of vault walls is no longer a measure of strength.
– Effectiveness of vaults is measured by performance against mock break-ins.
– Manufacturers conduct their own testing to ensure success in UL trials.
– UL-608 rating system is based on the time to breach the vault.
– European resistance standards are covered under Euronorm 1143-1:2012 (BS EN 1143-1: 2012).
– Tests cover safes, ATMs, strongrooms, and doors.
– Grades and resistance qualifiers are determined through tests.
– Test attack tools fall into five categories with increasing penetrative capability.
Bank Vault Technology Advancements and Maintenance
– Bank vault technology changed rapidly in the 1980s and 1990s.
– Improved concrete materials led to stronger vaults.
– Bank burglaries are no longer a substantial problem.
– Vault manufacturers continue to counter new break-in methods.
– Thermal lance is an issue in the 21st century, requiring close collaboration between manufacturers, the banking industry, and law enforcement.
– Regular inspection and maintenance routines are necessary for bank vault upkeep.
– Testing of security systems is conducted.
– Repair and replacement of damaged components are done as needed.
– Upgrading security technology is important.
– Compliance with safety regulations is necessary.Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bank_vault
