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Composite crash baffler niti be too expensive for UK roa
Page 12
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• by Brian Waatherley A crash barrier which is said to withstand the impact of an 18-tonner has been developed in the UK by Euro-Projects—but it could be too expensive for the Department of Transport to use on our roads.
The energy-absorbing composite barrier system will be marketed by Langer, Nottinghamshire-based Omnia. This is the company that was set up to develop and market thermo-plastics products, in collaboration with bodybuilder and trailer manufacturer Southfields ( CM3-9 Oct).
The Omnia barrier is designed to replace Armco-type fixed metal dividing barriers. It consists of a composite/plastic rail which is attached to a revolutionary support arm, In the event of a major impact the support arm pivots downwards into an energy absorbing 'crush cone' which helps dissipate the immense kinetic energy generated by a fast moving HGV.
Under tests the barrier has withstood the impact of a 55seat coach—equivalent to an 18-tonner rigid. However, the higher capital cost of the new composite system compared with existing barriers is such that it is unlikely to be adopted by UK road authorities, although it could be used on high-risk motorways in Italy and Switzerland where governments are prepared to spend more on safety bamers. The current UK spedfication for barriers says that they should "contair tonne vehicle; striking at 70mph; at an of 20`." They are not designed to with the impact of a much heavier HGV, wl then able to smash through the c reservation into the path of oncoming with potentially horrific results.
The UK's Highways Agency is cur revising the required specification crash barriers following the investi into the Selby disaster it carried out wl Health & Safety Executive.
• Omnia has also developed a lang which is designed to break oft at gr level in the event of a severe impact.' part of a project which was partly f by the Department of Trade and Indust