00
0

Saturday, May 18, 2013

The Venerable Jersey Barrier Still Protects the Roads

By Chris R Marx


A Jersey barrier is a section of low concrete wall formed in a specific shape in order to provide an effective barrier on roadways while minimizing damage to vehicles that come into glancing contact with it. Typically, a series of Jersey barrier wall sections are placed together to separate two directions of traffic on highways. They may also be used to protect pedestrians from road traffic - particularly during construction projects.

As the name suggests, Jersey barriers were first designed and implemented in New Jersey in the late 1950s as a highway barrier. Jersey barriers are made from steel-reinforced concrete. They are 32 inches high and have a sloped based that is carefully designed to redirect car wheels back onto the road should a vehicle drift into it. They are also strong enough to deflect a more direct collision, preventing the crashing vehicle from entering into oncoming traffic.

Jersey barriers are frequently used in places where a temporary but effective wall is needed, such as highway repair sites and construction projects. For more lasting installations, a reinforced steel tab is embedded in the end of the barrier to hook into its neighbour. Jersey barriers, for all their mass, are intended to be portable, so many variations feature slots on the bottom suitable for use with forklifts or loaders.

The United States military (and others) have adopted Jersey barriers (sometimes called "Qaddafi Blocks") for use in the field. Jersey barriers make excellent roadblocks and can protect military facilities from being rammed by vehicles loaded with explosives. Military versions of Jersey barriers, because they are frequently moved, often have eye-loops on the top, to enable lifting with cables.

Canada has its own version of the Jersey barrier, called the Ontario Tall Wall. Designed in the late 1960s, this barrier is taller than a Jersey barrier by 10 inches, although it has a very similar shape. Currently, Ontario Tall Walls are being used to replaces steel guard rails on major highways in Ontario.

Determining Jersey Barrier Cost is as simple as contacting various manufacturers. As a standard product that is normally created in large numbers, savings are available. Contact these firms for more details. Delivery of large numbers of Jersey barriers can no doubt be arranged. If custom features are required, this may affect the speed at which they can be shipped.

Plastic versions of the Jersey barriers exist. They are hollow, which makes them very easy to move (lifting equipment is not needed); once in place, they can be filled with water or sand in order to provide some protection. They do not provide the same level of protection as concrete, however; they will not deflect vehicles, and given enough force they can be breached.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment