There are several types of road barriers, each designed for different purposes such as traffic management, pedestrian safety, crash mitigation, and crowd control. Here is an overview of the most common types of road barriers and some standard models used globally:
1. Crash Barriers / Safety Barriers
Purpose: Minimize the impact of vehicle collisions and prevent vehicles from leaving the roadway.
Types & Models:
W-Beam Guardrails
Model: AASHTO M180 Description: Metal beams shaped like a “W” attached to posts. Used on highways to deflect vehicles safely back onto the road.
Concrete Barriers
Model: Jersey Barrier / F-Shape Barrier Description: Heavy concrete barriers used in medians or to separate lanes. F-Shape has better deflection properties than the older Jersey model.
Cable Barriers
Model: TL-4 Cable Barrier Description: Flexible steel cables strung along posts, absorbing impact and preventing vehicles from crossing into opposite lanes.
2. Pedestrian Barriers
Purpose: Ensure pedestrian safety and guide movement in urban areas or events.
Types & Models:
Steel Pedestrian Barriers
Model: Fixed Barrier with Cross Rails (2.5m x 1.1m) Description: Lightweight steel frames with vertical bars, often used in events or along roads to manage crowds.
Portable Plastic Barriers
Model: Rhino Model II Description: Plastic, interlocking barriers filled with sand or water for stability, used temporarily in public spaces.
3. Temporary Construction Barriers
Purpose: Protect workers and direct traffic during road construction.
Types & Models:
Water-Filled Barriers
Model: Yodock 2001 Series Description: Hollow plastic barriers filled with water or sand, providing crash protection and easy relocation.
Concrete Temporary Barriers
Model: K-Rail Description: Portable concrete barriers used to protect construction zones from passing traffic.
Cable Barriers
Model: TL-4 Cable Barrier Description: Flexible steel cables strung along posts, absorbing impact and preventing vehicles from crossing into opposite lanes.
4. Road Bollards and Posts
Purpose: Control or restrict vehicle access.
Types & Models:
Retractable Bollards
Model: FAAC J355 HA M30-P1 Description: Hydraulic bollards that retract into the ground, typically used in sensitive areas like embassies or pedestrian zones.
Flexible Delineator Posts
Model: 3M 570 Series Description: Plastic posts that bend under impact, used to delineate traffic lanes.
5. Crowd Control Barriers
Purpose: Manage people in public events or queues.
Types & Models:
Metal Crowd Control Barriers
Model: 2.3m Standard Barricade Description: Heavy-duty steel barriers with hooks to link multiple units, commonly used in concerts and festivals.
Expandable Barriers
Model: Flex-Pro Portable Expandable Barrier Description: Lightweight barriers that can extend to different lengths, ideal for temporary crowd control.
These barriers are selected based on factors like location, type of road, expected traffic load, safety standards, and temporary or permanent usage requirements.