Crash barriers
Planning and trial of proprietary crash barriers for the safety of motorway users
The crash barriers along the A22 are constructed from Corten steel (S355J0WP as per UNI EN 10025-5), a stainless and resistant alloy (of carbon, manganese, silicon, phosphor, sulphur, nickel, chromium and copper) which oxidises when exposed to the elements. The patina, a thin, homogenous and resistant layer of rust, protects the steel underneath from corrosion and its colour blends well with the surrounding landscape. All “Brenner Motorway” crash barriers have been subject to crash tests and the majority are currently undergoing the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport’s homologation process. The company is currently piloting its proprietary crash barriers in order to improve their performance.
Typologies
H2 - Designation: lateral delineation on raised stretches of the motorway with restricted height and potentially hazardous, intermittent obstructions. Criteria of the successful crash test:
- vehicle weight 900 kg – impact speed 100 km/h – impact angle 20°;
- bus weight 13,000 kg – impact speed 70 km/h – impact angle 20°.
H3 - Designation: lateral delineation on raised stretches of the motorway with great height and near potentially hazardous, intermittent obstructions or retaining walls. Criteria of the successful crash test:
- passenger vehicle weight 900 kg – impact speed 100 km/h – impact angle 20°;
- truck weight 16,000 kg – impact speed 80 km/h – impact angle 20°.
H4 - Designation: on curb of motorway flyovers or noise protection walls. Criteria of the successful crash test:
- passenger vehicle weight 900 kg – impact speed 100 km/h – impact angle 20°;
- truck weight 38,000 kg – impact speed 65 km/h – impact angle 20°.
Central barrier H4 - Designation: central crash barriers between the two carriageways of the motorway. Criteria of the successful crash test:
- passenger vehicle weight 900 kg – impact speed 100 km/h – impact angle 20°;
- semi-trailer truck weight 38,000 kg – impact speed 65 km/h – impact angle 20°.
Integrated crash barrier - this is an integrated crash barrier/noise protection wall with the combined containment properties of an H4 crash barrier and noise absorption properties of a noise protection wall. This crash barrier is intended for use on the side of motorway bridges and flyovers. Criteria of the successful crash test:
- passenger vehicle weight 900 kg – impact speed 100 km/h – impact angle 20°;
- semi-trailer truck weight 38,000 kg – impact speed 65 km/h – impact angle 20°.
Containment section - Designation: Initial section of the crash barrier. Criteria of the successful crash test:
- passenger vehicle weight 1,100 kg – impact speed 110 km/h – impact angle 90°;
- passenger vehicle weight 1,100 kg – impact speed 110 km/h – impact angle 15°;
- passenger vehicle weight 900 kg – impact speed 100 km/h – impact angle 65°;
- passenger vehicle weight 900 kg – impact speed 100 km/h – slightly offset frontal impact.
Diversion route
The moveable system for the closing of thoroughfares is a crash barrier installed at regular intervals along the motorway network and which enables maintenance work and the diversion of traffic in the event of accidents, work or various requirements for the convenient and safe diversion of traffic onto the opposite carriageway.