Crash beam barriers

Installing any of these crash beam barriers involves the excavation of a pit approximately forty-eight inches deep for both the hinge and the receiver footings. Due to the depth of excavation, the site should be inspected for underground utilities before digging begins. Table 9.2 lists the pros and cons of crash beams. 

In contrast to wedge barriers and crash beams, which are typically installed separately from a fence line, gates are often integrated units of a perimeter fence or wall around a facility. Gates are basically movable pieces of fencing that can be opened and... 

Requires little maintenance, while providing long-term durability. Crash beams have a slower response time (normally 9.5-15.3 seconds, but can be reduced to 7-10 seconds in emergency situations) than do other types of active security barriers, such as wedge barriers. Because emergency activation of the barrier causes more wear and tear on the system than does normal activation, it is recommended for use only in true emergency situations. 

No excavation is required in the roadway itself to install crash beams. All three crash beam designs possess a low crash rating relative to other types of barriers, such as wedge barriers, and thus they typically are used for lower-security applications. 

Portable/removable barriers, which can include removable crash beams and wedge barriers, are mobile obstacles that can be moved in and out of position on a roadway. For example, a crash beam may be completely removed and stored off-site when it is not needed. An additional example would be wedge barriers that are equipped with wheels that can be removed after the barricade is towed into place. 

Certain crash barriers may not be visible to oncoming traffic and therefore may require additional lighting and/or other warning markings to reduce the potential for traffic to accidentally run into the beam. 

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