Concrete barriers in the median or along
the verge of a roadway or bridge are never really noticed or considered until
an unexpected collision brings one to the reality of what’s expected of these
Vehicle Restraint Systems (VRS).
Rocla, part of the IS group of companies,
partnered with REBLOC, the International Leader in precast concrete road
barrier technology, based in Austria, as exclusive license holder for their
portfolio of products to the Southern African region.
The REBLOC system includes a patented
coupling and tension bar system, cast into the concrete, creating a continuous
barrier chain, capable of harnessing and distributing the large energy forces
associated with a vehicle collision. European and South African codes, EU1317
and SANS 51317 respectively, provide a list of different collisions to be used
by vehicle restraint system designers and roads Engineers. REBLOC has a range
of products to accommodate the full list, from lowest to highest containment
levels.
To be certified accordingly, each
barrier system must be crash tested to observe critical data for each test
scenario relating to barrier movement, passenger safety and also to confirm
that the system does not break up, stopping the vehicle from passing through
into oncoming traffic.
Casting all the components into the
concrete section ensures there are no loose parts or accessories requiring safe
storage during construction and subject to theft or vandalism during lifecycle
of the barrier system. After a collision with the barriers, a maintenance
vehicle must realign the barriers into a straight line and then assess damage
to the concrete section. Depending on the severity of impact / damage, the
barrier can then be left as is, repaired in situ or replaced with a new unit.
Justin Kretzmar, group sales engineer commented
“Replacement of barrier elements is generally only required if damage is such
that the concrete has spalled to an extent that the reinforcement within the
barrier is visible. It is critical that road designers consult the relevant
SANS / EU code/s list of internationally recognised ‘Containment Level’
guidelines and assess the risk level for that particular road. REBLOC
vehicle restraint barriers, have been crash tested in Europe in order to
conform to the EN code requirements and also obtain, amongst other things, the
‘working width’ and ASI (Acceleration Severity Index) data, specific to each
barrier system and containment level tested.”.
“Rocla have supplied the REBLOC systems
on many projects across South Africa and Botswana, some of which have
successfully sustained a considerable number of collisions. With the roads of
South Africa constantly requiring increased safety for pedestrians and
passengers, the REBLOC system, with its low maintenance and vandal-proof
design, is perfectly positioned to make our roads a safer place.” said
Kretzmar.
Rocla barriers can also be utilised for
security installations such as airports or railways, to block off road access
for safety, illegal dumping or during construction projects and even for bulk
material storage purposes.
Rocla is part of ISG which also
comprises Technicrete.
More information from Malebusa Sebatane,
Tel: 011 670 7600 / email:malebusa.sebatane@isgroup.co.za
