Putting the new BarrierGuard 800 to the test
10 February 2012
Check out the product page for the BG800 here
The BarrierGuard 800 is a rapidly deployable temporary steel barrier system for use at road works or any other application where a vehicle restraint system conforming to TL4 is required & is approved to this level by all the Australian state road authorities.
It is particularly useful as a temporary barrier at road works – making the BG800 versatile for a variety of applications such as road construction and maintenace, long term construction sites or even one day events.
The BG800 works in two ways: by absorbing the impact of a crash and by containing the vehicle - offering the driver a vastly-increased chance of recovering control of the wheel.
It consists of single elements of prefabricated 6.0m long. Two elements are bolted together at the factory providing 12.0m long or 6.0m long sections with male and female Quicklink connectors to facilitate speedy erection on site. Connection is achieved by simply lining up the barrier and locking the Quicklink connectors together.
The permissible length of the system is unlimited as the barrier attains its performance characteristics by a combination of torsion rigidity and self-weight.
The design features of the BarrierGuard 800 also enable it to be deployed as either a single or double sided barrier.
Interesting facts about the BG800:
- Impressive crash test results - a car driven into the barrier at 110km/h, at a 20deg angle of impact, was smoothly re-directed with minimal damage to the car or the barrier.
- The barrier’s flexible, steel design means it will contain a 7500kg truck impacting at 45deg, at 50km/h; and a 13000kg bus impacting at 20deg, at 70km/h.
- More efficient to transport to and from the work site – BarrierGuard 800 has a mass of only 90kg/m, compared with a concrete barrier at around 700kg/m. This offers an environmental benefit from significantly-reduced fuel costs.
- Quicker installation - reduced time on site limits the danger to both road workers and motorists, plus traffic congestion is minimised.
- Crash dynamics of steel carry much lower occupant risk. Traffic-flow benefits – the BG800's 110km/h safety rating negates any need for ``slow zones’’.
- Improved safety for motorcyclists because of its smooth surface - no gaps, protruding bolts or wire rope.
- More environmentally sensitive than plastic barriers that need filling with water.
- Suitable for structures that may not be able to take the weight of concrete barriers.
- Available with approved crash cushion end terminals. Approved by all Australian state governments.
Check out video below of the BG800 in action! Thanks to Highway Care International for the footage.