Vehicle barriers are designed to restrict or stop a vehicle from entering a designated zone or space. The types of barriers include anti-ram barriers, crash fences, and concrete walls. The purpose of these barriers is to protect individuals and property from harm. A vehicle barrier must also be sturdy enough to withstand the weight and speed of a vehicle traveling through it.
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Work zone barriers
Work zone barriers protect workers and vehicles in different ways. They help to prevent accidents and injuries. They also help to keep traffic moving safely. In addition to their usefulness, work zone barriers can also reduce costs. In California, for example, a study found that highly mobile barriers save the state almost $1 million annually. Similarly, the USDOT has estimated the cost of one life to be nearly $9.6 million, so the positive protection they provide outweighs the costs.
There are three main types of work zone barriers. Each class has different characteristics and should be evaluated based on the area’s conditions and type of traffic. The primary features to be considered are the Runout Length (LR) and Lateral Extent (LH), which refer to the distance a vehicle must stop at the edge of a hazard.
Anti-ram barriers
Anti-ram barriers for vehicle barriers are the gold standard of protection. These barriers are tested to meet specific guidelines the Department of Defense sets. USACE’s Protective Design Center reviews and approves barriers that meet their criteria. If you’re planning a construction project in an area with a high-risk conflict, consider investing in a barrier that meets the same standards.
Vehicle barriers come in a variety of types and designs. These barriers are designed to protect both the vehicle and its people. The anti-ram type is used when a truck travels at high speeds and needs to be stopped.
Crash fences
Crash fences for vehicle barriers can be a helpful way to protect buildings and outdoor facilities. These barriers use highly resilient materials to prevent vehicles from striking sensitive areas. As such, they can help keep pedestrians, cyclists, and large vehicles safe. These barriers have a K12/M50 crash rating, which means they can stop a car of 15,000 lbs traveling 50 mph.
Most of the time, structural steel is used to build these barriers. They don’t require cable runs or intermediary poles. They may be set up at 30-foot intervals. These barriers also feature a top cap that secures and protects the horizontal crash beam. The crash beams are reinforced with rebar, which the company supplies.
Concrete walls
One of the best options for creating practical vehicle barriers is to use concrete walls. Concrete blocks make a sturdy and efficient barrier that is easy to install and reconfigure. These blocks can withstand the impact of most vehicles and are highly effective at preventing collisions. Additionally, these barriers are highly flexible.
The concrete barrier design can be placed next to steep slopes and on top of mechanically stabilized earth walls. This barrier is ideal for secure areas because it offers structural flexibility, significant stiffness, compatibility with connection systems, and inherent mass to prevent destructive impact. Moreover, it can also be reinforced to provide greater security and resilience than a conventional concrete barrier.
Flexible barriers
The design of flexible vehicle barriers has been studied extensively by researchers. One study from Monash University looked at the effect of loose obstacles during head-on and run-off crashes. Its design eliminates sharp edges and projections, reducing contact injury. Typical installation scenarios include pedestrian walkways, protecting door entrances and racking systems from vehicles, and limiting access to sensitive machinery.
A flexible vehicle barrier is a simple way to block access to city centers from vehicles. They are lightweight and easy to deploy. They are also perfect for city centers and hot zones. There are a variety of designs to choose from.
Speed bumps
Speed bumps are temporary barriers to speeding vehicles. They can be made of plastic or rubber. They are light and can be installed in several locations. They also have the benefit of being easily removed if necessary. A preferred embodiment includes a sensor for tracking the objects that pass over them. This tracking information can be used for various traffic improvement measures.
In many parts of the world, speed bumps are placed strategically to reduce vehicle speeds. In the UK, for example, they are positioned at regular intervals. These speed bumps minimize the risk to pedestrians and other road users. Speedbumps have earned many nicknames around the world. In France, they are called dos-d’ane, which means “humpback.” In New Zealand, they are called judder bars. In the United Kingdom, they are sometimes called sleeping police officers and road turtles.
