Vehicle barriers prevent or limit the speed or weight of vehicles that can be struck. These barriers can be classified according to threat levels by defining the vehicle’s weight and speed. They can also be categorized based on bed penetration to evaluate their stopping power. The following are some examples of vehicle barriers used for different purposes.
Crash attenuators
Crash attenuators are designed to absorb collision energy from vehicles. They can be used in various settings to protect people, buildings, and machinery. They are typically made of high-density polyethylene and collapse upon impact. Highway attenuators are usually placed on roadways.
The first type of attenuator is truck-mounted. It is similar to railcar buffers and is used in areas where trucks and cars frequently collide. Its design allows it to move easily and can be deployed and removed quickly. This barrier is often used during construction projects, where the obstacles are not permanently anchored. The more permanent, anchored walls are safer and can save lives. The truck-mounted attenuator is similar to a rectangular box. It can be parked on the side of the road while maintenance takes place, reducing the need to move the vehicle. Check protogetic.com to learn more about vehicle barriers.
Passive vehicle barriers
Passive vehicle barriers serve a purpose for both pedestrians and vehicles. Whether stationary or mobile, these barriers protect against forced-entry attacks and bombs. If you’re installing these barriers in a public area, you’ll need to choose a size and type that will protect both pedestrians and vehicles.
Unlike active barriers, passive barriers do not require a lot of maintenance. They can blend into a given architectural style but still offer the same level of protection. They also can be crash-tested and provide specific crash protection.
Hydraulic stop barriers
Hydraulic stop barriers for vehicle barriers use high-pressure cylinders to raise and lower enormous steel obstacles. These barriers typically deploy in five to 15 seconds, depending on the speed of the vehicles. In emergencies, the walls can deploy in less than two seconds. Unlike the mechanical alternatives, these barriers remain fully operable, even after the collision. Security personnel typically operate the barriers through an operator panel, which features 22mm pushbuttons, indicator lights, and a mushroom-style emergency pushbutton.
High-security vehicle barriers must be able to stop a vehicle in less than one-and-a-half seconds to ensure this. These barriers prevent a 7.5-tonne vehicle from traveling at 80 km/h (50 mph) or faster. The technology behind their actuation is essential.
Jersey barriers
A Jersey barrier is a safety barrier that protects a vehicle from an accident. Generally, these barriers have channels carved through their bottoms and steel connectors that can link multiple barriers together. Several standards have been developed for Jersey barriers, including ASTM C 825, which specifies the traditional version of the barrier. There are also newer versions with a thinner rise and a lower shoulder. A Jersey barrier can be made of plastic or concrete and is available for rental or purchase.
A multistage barrier is also available. This type of barrier features two sloped faces, one at the top and one at the bottom. When the car hits the upper sloped face, the front bumper will first contact the top of the barrier, lifting the vehicle. The lower sloped face will get the vehicle’s front suspension, compressing it. In addition, wheel-side-scrubbing forces can cause the car to rise further. It is essential to choose a barrier with a smooth surface and avoid ones with sharp edges or corners.
F-shape barriers
The F-shape vehicle barrier has a similar slope to the NJ-shape, but its overall height is lower than the latter. This lower height reduces its effectiveness against heavier vehicles. Nonetheless, the F-shape barrier has several advantages over its counterpart. For example, its slope can be adjusted to match the slopes in the road.
The F-shaped vehicle barrier’s most significant benefit is that it can be easily relocated from one place to another. This characteristic makes the F-shape barrier ideal for construction sites. It can be erected on a sloped surface without needing expensive and complex machinery.
Concrete barriers
Concrete barriers for vehicle barriers are designed to safely contain a vehicle and hold it in place by pressing the bumper downward. Concrete barriers for vehicle barriers are designed for high-speed intersections and work zones. They are available in several heights, including high-profile barriers. A high-profile concrete barrier is designed to resist the weight of a full-size pickup truck traveling at more than 72 mph.
The barriers have different features to ensure they remain functional. For example, the vertical reveal on the barrier’s face helps create a clean edge on the paved road. The face of the barrier has drainage openings to ensure vehicle stability.
