SFIA member ClarkDietrich has introduced two barrier mesh wall systems with third-party testing for impact resistance. The 9-gauge (BM50-9-Modified) and 13-gauge (BM50-13-Modified) systems achieved ASTM F2322 impact resistance Grade 3 and Grade 4, respectively, within cold-formed steel (CFS) framed assemblies.
- Grade 4 assembly used 54 mil CFS studs spaced 16 inches on center
- Grade 3 assembly used 97 mil CFS framing spaced 12 inches on center
ASTM F2322 Evaluates Wall Assemblies
ASTM F2322 is the only known standard for evaluating the resistance of secure wall assemblies to physical assault. The standard was developed for detention and correctional applications. It subjects complete wall specimens to repeated impact loading that simulates aggressive physical attack.
ASTM F2322 impact grades indicate increasing levels of resistance to physical assault. Higher grades require wall assemblies to withstand repeated impacts from blunt and sharp weighted objects.
- Grade 3 indicates 200 impacts within 20 minutes
- Grade 4 indicates 100 impacts within 10 minutes
Intertek conducted ASTM F2322 testing on complete cold-formed steel (CFS) wall assemblies to verify impact resistance performance.
The testing agency may reposition the impactor throughout the test. It challenges joints, edges, fastener lines, framing locations and other potential weak points. The standard evaluates the performance of the complete wall assembly rather than single components.
“The mesh is only one piece of the equation,” says Christopher Little, senior category manager for ClarkDietrich. “If the framing is undersized or improperly detailed, the wall can fail at the studs or connections even when the mesh stays intact.”
“The only way to know a system truly performs is through documented, third-party testing of the complete assembly, framing included,” says Little.
Third Party Testing Verifies Performance
Intertek Testing Laboratory in York, Pennsylvania, conducted the testing March 9-13, 2026. The published rating applies only to the tested assembly, including framing, reinforcement, mesh, attachments, finishes and transitions. Full test results are available upon request.
Read the full news release from ClarkDietrich.
About ClarkDietrichClarkDietrich® is the leading manufacturer of a full line of drywall studs and accessories, structural studs and joists, metal lath and accessories, shaft wall studs and track, interior and exterior finishing products, and connectors and accessories for commercial and residential construction. Quality manufacturing, a full-line offering, national distribution, engineering services and responsive customer service position ClarkDietrich as the largest manufacturer of cold-formed steel framing in North America.
Clarkwestern Dietrich Building Systems is a 75/25 joint venture with Marubeni-Itochu Steel America Inc. (MISA) and Worthington Enterprises, Inc.
For more information, visit clarkdietrich.com.
Additional Resources
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- ClarkDietrich Cuts Emissions to Help Builders Procure Lower-Carbon Products
- How to Specify Low Embodied Carbon Steel Framing for Construction Projects