This paper deals with empirical formulae predicting the perforation of reinforced concrete barriers. These formulae are usually validated for hard impacts only. Consequently, on the one hand, a simple method is proposed in case of soft impacts. For various tests, experimental and model predictions of perforation show a good agreement. On the other hand, recent tests at the material scale show that the behaviour of concrete under high confinement does not depend on the unconfined compressive strength of concrete after 28 days, fc28. Therefore analytical models based on fc28 need to be considered with caution. © 2012 Phimeca Engineering.