One of Hardstaff Barriers’ most popular and effective roadside safety systems has been redeveloped to ensure best value while retaining the same barrier performance.
The REBLOC RB84XEA.3 is a permanent precast concrete vehicle restraint system (VRS) designed to protect road users from barrier breakthroughs on motorways and high-speed roads.
The original barrier was installed by Hardstaff on numerous routes across the UK, with the most notable installation between junctions 24 and 25 of the M5 motorway, in Somerset in 2019.
The Rebloc barrier was installed by Barrier Services along a 6.5km stretch, as part of a project to replace the old steel central reserve barrier on the busy road.
Highways England, which manages the M5, has a policy to replace steel central reserve barriers with concrete alternatives on motorways and busy dual carriageways when they are coming to the end of their working life.
Tested to European Standard EN1317, the barrier has a high containment performance class of H2 and can safely contain and redirect the impact of a 13-tonne bus travelling at 80km/h (50 mph) and impacting at 20 degrees.
The REBLOC system forms a high strength continuous chain of barrier that provides high containment and safely transfers energy and impact forces.
The system was also installed with integrated drainage channels, allowing water to drain through the barrier.
The embedded barrier was the ideal option for this project, with the ability to deviate around and protect existing structures in place on the M5 central reserve, and to serve as a foundation for matrix signs.
The barrier was also easily connected to an existing steel barrier in place at the end of the system, making the RB84XEA.3 a highly adaptable and flexible choice.
Nigel Bullock, Solutions Manager, at Hardstaff Barriers said: “This system can be installed onto just 200mm of asphalt or concrete. The minimal foundation requirements provide an advantage by a reduction in the ground preparation works that are required to host the barrier and thus a lower scheme cost.
“Our installation team can install over 700m of RB84XEA.3 barrier in a four-hour working window. Our capability to install the barrier at this rate achieves reduced time on site, reduced exposure and reduced risk.”
“Our installation team can install over 700m of RB84XEA.3 barrier in a four-hour working window. Our capability to install the barrier at this rate achieves reduced time on site, reduced exposure and reduced risk.”Nigel Bullock, Hardstaff Barriers
To find out more about the RB84XEA.3 or to request a quote download the brochure or contact enquiries@hardstaffbarriers.com
