Road Barriers FAQs
What are roadside barriers?
Roadside barriers are designed to shield motorists from hazards and provide safe vehicle containment and redirection. They shall be compliant to MASH when installed on the Australian classified road network.
Why do we use Road Barriers?
Road barriers are designed to contain and redirect an errant vehicle away from a roadside hazard.
Where are Road Barriers used?
There are numerous types of hazards that may require shielding with a roadside barrier:
- Trees
- Power poles
- Culverts
- Rock cuttings
- Steep embankments
- Bridge abutments
- Oncoming traffic
What types of Roadside Barriers are available?
Barriers are typically classified as rigid, semi-rigid or flexible. The classification is dependant upon the amount of barrier deflection when impacted by an errant vehicle. Whilst flexible barriers minimise impact severity, they may have larger deflections making them unsuitable in some situations.
What is barrier dynamic deflection?
Dynamic deflection is the lateral displacement of a barrier when it is impacted by an errant vehicle.
What is Working Width?
Working width is the sum of the dynamic deflection and vehicle roll as it impacts the barrier. Working width is the minimum distance required to adequately shield an object behind the safety barrier.
How are Road Barriers approved?
The Austroads Safety Barrier Assessment Panel (ASBAP) assesses the crashworthiness and suitability of road safety barriers, systems and devices for deployment on roads managed by Australian/New Zealand Road Agencies. The following jurisdictions participate in the Panel assessment:
What is the assessment criteria for Road Barriers?
All submissions received by the Austroads Safety Barrier Assessment Panel must be in accordance with MASH guidelines.
