Precast reinforced concrete barriers are units used for physical separation and vehicle redirection in road and site layouts. In road safety applications, suitability depends not solely on the profile shape but on the verified performance of the system and on its installation details.
In these units, manufactured by the precast production method, control of the moulds, concrete, reinforcement and dimensions is ensured under factory conditions. The barrier units are placed one after another on a suitable concrete foundation or on prepared ground to create continuity along the line; the line layout and connection details are arranged according to the project requirements. In bridge and viaduct applications, the compatibility of the barrier with its connections, anchorage and the supporting structure is assessed separately.
Typical Areas of Use
- Central reservations of highways and dual carriageways
- Edge barrier lines on bridges and viaducts
- Slope crests, embankment edges and hazardous areas off the road platform
- Separation of side roads and service roads
- Road safety lines within industrial facilities
Key Advantages
- Controlled road safety approach: Helps to reduce the veering of vehicles towards hazardous areas, to reinforce lane separation and to manage impact effects in a more controlled way.
- Controlled production: Because dimensional, geometric and surface consistency is achieved under factory conditions, the aim in the installation is a more regular appearance and layout along the line.
- Fast installation: Reduces the need for in-situ formwork and lengthy on-site concrete work; placing the units one after another makes the installation process more predictable.
- System continuity: Continuity along the line is achieved through the successive placement of the units and their connection details; where required, the integrity of the installation is supported by start and transition units.
- Project compatibility: Allows solutions to be produced with double-sided or single-sided type options according to the road geometry and the area of installation.
Subcategories
Jersey (Type A) Barriers
Known in the industry as the “New Jersey barrier”, this type, with its profile geometry suited to double-sided use, is preferred on routes where there is a risk of impact from both directions. In central reservation applications, it provides a barrier solution that supports redirection behaviour along the line.
Single-Sided (Type L) Barriers
This is the barrier type offered for areas where impact is expected from one side only. The place of use is determined by assessing the system performance and the support and connection details. Suitability for use on a bridge or viaduct is not accepted on the basis of the L shape alone.