Hot-rolled steel crash barriers: installation techniques and best practices

Hot-rolled steel, such as JSW Steel Hot Rolled coil IS 2062:2011 E250A steel, is produced at high temperatures, typically above 1650 degrees Celsius. Silicon is often added to steel as an alloying element to improve strength and toughness. However, low silicon content is desirable in specific applications, mainly where weldability is a concern. Low-silicon steel is often easier to weld because it produces less slag and spatter during welding. 

Hot Rolled Low Silicon Steel is a specialised steel category with low silicon content. The hot-rolled steel must demonstrate excellent impact resistance to effectively absorb and dissipate kinetic energy upon impact and be used for crash barriers. This property is crucial for preventing vehicle intrusion and minimising the risk of injury to occupants. 

JSW Steel Hot Rolled coil IS 2062:2011 E250A steel grade typically exhibits good ductility, allowing it to deform plastically without fracturing under stress. These coils are passed through a slitting machine. The slitting process is normally precise, and you can create strips of various widths according to your requirements.

E250A steel complies with the requirements specified in the IS 2062:2011 standard set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Carbon (C) is present at 0.23%, manganese (Mn) at 1.5%, sulphur (S) at 0.045%, phosphorus (P) at 0.045%, and traces of other elements.

Installation techniques and best practices:

Site assessment and planning:

• Before installation, you will need to conduct a thorough site assessment to determine the most suitable locations for the barriers.
• Identify potential hazards, such as sharp curves, steep slopes, bridges, or areas with high traffic volume.
• Plan the layout of the barriers to provide maximum protection while allowing for easy access and visibility.
   

Compliance with regulations:

• Ensure compliance with local regulations, standards, and guidelines for barrier installation, such as those set by transportation departments or safety agencies.
• Follow manufacturer specifications and recommendations for proper installation techniques.
   

Proper foundation preparation:

• Prepare the foundation according to engineering specifications provided by the manufacturer.
• Ensure the ground is levelled and compacted to provide a stable barrier base.
• You can use appropriate materials to backfill around the posts to prevent shifting or settling.
   

Correct installation techniques:

• Heavy machinery, such as cranes or forklifts, handles and positions the barriers safely.
• Please install the barriers at the recommended height and distance from the edge of the roadway to effectively keep vehicles in case of a crash.
• Secure the barriers to their posts using appropriate fasteners or bolts to withstand impact forces.
   

Maintain proper alignment:

• Maintain proper alignment of the barriers to ensure continuous protection along the length of the roadway.
• Use string lines or laser levels during installation to achieve straight and consistent alignment.
   

Regular inspection and maintenance:

• Schedule regular inspections of the barriers to check for signs of damage, corrosion, or structural weakness.
• Repair or replace damaged barriers promptly to maintain their effectiveness.
• Clear vegetation and debris around the barriers to ensure visibility and prevent obstruction.

Safety precautions:

• Implement safety measures during installation, such as using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and following safety protocols.
• Provide adequate signage and traffic control measures to alert motorists to construction activities.
• Documentation and record-keeping:
  Keep detailed records of the installation process, including site assessments, engineering plans, and inspection reports.
• Document any modifications or repairs made to the barriers for future reference.
   

By following these installation techniques and best practices, you can ensure that HR steel crash barriers are installed effectively and enhance road safety for motorists and pedestrians. Contrary to common belief, crash barriers are intentionally designed to deform upon impact rather than remain rigid. This deliberate deformation serves several purposes: first, it mitigates the g-force experienced by the occupants of a vehicle by preventing an abrupt halt upon collision. Secondly, it disperses the energy generated by the impact across multiple sections of the barrier, thereby reducing the strain on any single point of contact. Additionally, this design minimises the risk of sharp metal sections breaking off and becoming hazardous projectiles. However, the effectiveness of these barriers hinges on various factors, including the type of vehicle, its velocity, and its mass, all of which contribute to the force exerted upon impact.