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Guardrail Barriers are a steel longitudinal barrier system designed to contain and redirect errant vehicles away from roadside hazards. Featuring steel posts that are driven directly into the ground supporting w-beam or thrie-beam guardrail.

The selection of a w-beam or thrie-beam system considers the design vehicle or available space between the guardrail barrier and roadside hazard.

The range of RamShield® Guardrail Barriers feature a patented release mechanism allowing the guardrail to separate from the post at an optimal load to retain rail height, limit dynamic deflection and to allow the post to collapse without tripping the vehicle. Each RamShield® Guardrail Barrier has been full-scale crash tested to demonstrate MASH compliance as required by the Austroads safety Barrier Assessment Panel (ASBAP).

Guardrail Barriers FAQs

How do I choose the most appropriate RamShield® Guardrail Barrier?

The selection of a guardrail barrier will consider site specific requirements including design vehicle and available clearance from the barrier to the roadside hazard. This distance is known as the barrier dynamic deflection or working width.

What is the definition of barrier dynamic deflection?

The dynamic deflection of a guardrail crash barrier is the largest lateral movement of the barrier from its original position, measured during crash testing. The barrier dynamic deflection is measured from the traffic face of the guardrail beam.

What is the definition of barrier working width?

The working width of a guardrail crash barrier includes the dynamic deflection of the barrier system plus the extra distance to allow for vehicle roll, typically observed during heavy vehicle impacts. 

Should I specify barrier dynamic deflection or working width?

When shielding roadside hazards including embankments, culverts or other hazards near ground level, dynamic deflection is the most appropriate design consideration.  If the roadside hazard can be contacted by the errant vehicle i.e. a support pole or bridge abutment, then working width should be specified.

Do RamShield® Guardrail Barriers require blocking pieces?

No. Typically blocking pieces are used to prevent wheel snag with the guardrail posts and maintain rail elevation as the posts started to yield. The innovative RamShield® tab design regulates the release of the guardrail beam from the post eliminating the need for blocking pieces.

Can I still use blocking pieces with RamShield® Guardrail?

RamShield® Low Deflection is available with a 150mm wide blocking piece positioned between the guardrail beam and post. The RamBloc® provides design consideration for projects where it is desirable to provide an offset between the face of the w-beam guardrail and the guardrail post.

How are guardrail barriers installed?

The guardrail posts typically spaced every 2m, are driven directly into the ground. There is no requirement for concrete. The guardrail beams, supplied in standard lengths of 4m sections are then bolted directly to the guardrail posts. The guardrail beams are spliced (joined) together using M16 bolts and nuts. Guardrail terminals are installed at the leading and trailing end of the guardrail barrier system.

What are guardrail barriers made from?

Guardrail barriers are manufactured from steel and are hot dip galvanised after manufacture providing a durable finish.