Innovation award for vehicle restraint system
Delta Bloc UK win British Precast Innovation award for M4 precast concrete road safety barriers
VEHICLE Restraint System manufacturers and installers Delta Bloc UK have been awarded British Precast’s Innovation award for 2012 for their precast concrete road safety barrier project on the M4 in South Wales.
Offering an alternative to cast in situ concrete step barriers, Delta Bloc UK have provided an innovative, cost-effective and, most importantly, extremely safe barrier solution for vehicle restraint.
Rigorous tests were carried out on the barrier in accordance with European Standard EN 1317, demonstrating that it is capable of preventing vehicle cross-over incidents, which are responsible for more than 30 fatalities a year on UK roads.
The 3km length of precast barrier was put in place between Christchurch Overbridge and the Brynglas Tunnel to repair existing degrading steel barriers at a rate far faster than would have been possible with cast in-situ concrete.
Moreover, drainage and movement issues were easily dealt with and the installation was completely unhindered by adverse weather conditions due to the off-site nature of precast concrete production.
Commenting on the project, the judges said: ‘This initial 3km scheme to install precast concrete safety barriers was a real life-saver, and an excellent new version of an established concrete solution. This is a most important innovation for all road users.
‘The embedded precast units were fast and easy to install, with a good-quality finish, but most importantly the Delta Bloc barriers specified will provide the additional safety levels now required to meet current road-restraint system requirements to successfully prevent cross-over accidents in the central reserve.’
