Radius Solution for Ironman Hybrid Barriers

Saferoads have developed a bespoke custom Ironman Hybrid Steel Wedge that enables the Ironman Hybrid Barriers to be deployed at a tighter radius, without compromise on worksite protection. The Ironman Steel Wedge is incorporated in-between individual Ironman Hybrid temporary barriers, allowing placement at a tighter radii. This improves safety and efficiency during construction periods and staged intersection deployments. The steel wedge has ASBAP approval to 60km/h.

How does the steel wedge work?

The Ironman Hybrid freestanding barrier is deployed by connecting individual barrier segments that interlock. The wedge fits and connects between these joints. The Saferoads steel wedge allows the deployment of the Ironman Hybrid Barriers on a tighter radius by adding the wedge piece in between barrier sections. Two connecting pins are required at each joint where a wedge is used. Spacers are also omitted.

The wedge can be used in the left or right orientation to enable the barriers to curve left or right. The Ironman Steel Wedge has a single lifting point and weigh 80kg each.

What angles can be achieved with the steel wedge?

The Ironman Hybrid Barrier can achieve a 78m radius, with a standard maximum 3 degrees angle at each joint. The steel wedge allows each joint to be deployed at an angle from 4 degrees, up to 26 degrees, enabling a deployment radius as tight as 10m when steel wedges are used in-between each Ironman Hybrid barrier.

Figure 1: Plan view of two barriers laid out with the wedge at 4 degrees

Figure 2: Plan view of two barriers laid out with the wedge at 26 degrees

Product Testing and Modelling

Saferoads have undertaken LS-Dyna Simulations (SIMs) to evaluate the performance of the Ironman Hybrid steel wedge under different scenarios. The SIMs evaluate the structural strength of the steel wedge, and how it interacts with the standard Ironman Hybrid Barriers. These simulations also show the behaviour and likely outcome of impact scenarios, yet to be tested by any safety barrier manufacturer.

Videos

The simulation shown in this video was performed on a 10m radius deployment with steel wedges, and a vehicle impacting at 60km/h. During the simulation, the layout of the barrier and wedge setup allowed the impact forces to be directed longitudinally along the barriers. This resulted in compression loading on the barriers instead of a bending load. This in turn allowed the wedge and barriers to remain intact, the vehicle was bought to a controlled stop and did not penetrate through the barriers. The use of the Steel Wedge with the Ironman Hybrid Barriers not only improves the ability to place barriers at a tighter radius, but it also reduces the severity of impact on the occupant of a vehicle when impacting the continuous barrier system.

For further guidance and assistance on the advantages and proper use of the Ironman Hybrid Steel Wedge,
contact the Saferoads team of road safety specialists on 1800 060 672.