How does W Beam Crash Barrier help in Road Safety

W-Beam crash barriers are semi-rigid barriers that utilises the continuous beam action and ensures reduced defection with consistent performance when compared to more flexible barriers. W- Beam crash barriers are generally made with steel and zinc and consists of “C” post and spacer along with other elements to fabricate it, like anchorage systems and fasteners. 

An important attribute of these crash barriers are its high level of performance especially for vehicles on highways and expressways. When the vehicle runs on higher speed, the crash barrier provides with reduced deflection and better resistance to the vehicle from vaulting over or running under. The reduced dynamic deflection and maintenance demand makes W-Beam crash barriers ideal for vehicles on highways and expressways on a high speed traffic. 

W-beam crash barriers are available in various forms and level of protection. Generally they are of four types. 

1. Single-side single 
2. Single-side double
3. Double-side single
4. Double-side double

The above sequence is based on the level of protection respectively. 

Other than the mentioned utilisations of Metal W-Beam crash barriers, there are many other uses of it as follows:

1. As containment barriers on medians and grade separators of four/six lane roads.
2. As protection barriers/ containment barriers for hilly terrains and ghat roads.
3. As race car crash guards on car racing tracks.
4. As fencing barriers for country border lines, expanse, lands, water bodies, bridge piers, signposts, rocky areas etc.

Ideally, in order to provide with maximum safety and economical solution, the crash barriers should have the following features:

• For providing a quality material, the crash barriers should be tested properly. FOr the best, the tests must include Galvanization Test, Tensile Test, Hardness Test.
• Should ensure minimum damage to the vehicle and its occupants.
• During the collision the crash barrier should absorb maximum energy by flattening out and laterally restraining  the vehicle from veering over.
• Should provide  a good visual guide to the drivers especially in the night.
• Should be viable to  quick repairs in case of accidents.
• All components should be hot dip galvanized for longer life & special High Grade Zinc (99.99%) must be used. 
• High visibility 
• Should be produced with an ‘in-line’ infill bar arrangement and a visibility gap in the upper section of the panel.
• Should have a galvanized finish as standard. 

When looking for crash barriers, one should always confirm that the product conforms to road safety standard & norms such as “MORTH” & “AASHTO M180”. It assures good quality and durability of the product and also minimizes the disastrous result of an accident. Also for longer life of the product, all components should be hot dip galvanized, as it provides complete protection against weather conditions and special High Grade Zinc (99.99%) should be used.

Metal beam crash barriers are not only used in highways and expressways but also other possible ways, like inside airports and also facilities carrying hazardous chemicals, mines, collieries etc. It alerts the driver and the riders to refrain such speeds during bends and turns. It boosts the confidence of the driver of that errant vehicle and helps him to redirect the vehicle in the continuous normal flow of traffic. The purpose and applicability of efficient Metal Beam Crash Barrier has enhanced its vitality on the roads. It enables quick repairs in case of accidents.