Performance ranges from 32kph (20mph) to 80kph (50mph) with a variety of vehicle types. As a road barrier, rather than as an HVM product, some of these products have been tested up to 1500kg, 110kph at 20°, this may be important if the barrier is required to be installed close to general traffic flow.
Many longitudinal barrier products are suitable for temporary as well as permanent use as they can be easily transported to site. it is possible to install up to 2500 linear metres within an 8 hour period. The barrier can be anchored by drilling and pinning into the ground or by using freestanding ‘dead weights’. Most products that can be installed and removed quickly for temporary use have been tested to the level of a 7500kg vehicle travelling at 50kph with a 90° impact angle.
These barriers are well suited to perimeter protection where different length runs of barrier with different performance characteristics are required as it is possible to have different levels of performance installed at different locations within the run of barrier to address varying threat identification, yet all still interconnected. It is also possible to incorporate gate, barriers, pedestrian portals, bollards and HVM fences within the run as certain of these products have been tested connected.
For temporary uses such as 1 or 2-day events (political meetings, festivals, demonstrations, sporting/music events, etc,.) locations can be assessed and specific layouts can be designed to mitigate the effect of any possible threats. This is helped by the fact that various products can traverse inclines and cope with varying surface terrains. Corners and even curves can be coped with.
Longitudinal barriers are not normally associated with aesthetic appeal as they are largely about providing a clear presence and deterrence factor whilst being capable of performance if necessary.
This presence can be expanded to deter personnel intrusion as well as vehicles as it is possible to combine some barriers with HVM rated fences to resist pedestrian attack.
Longitudinal barriers should only be installed by trained installers operating strictly in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and installation should only begin after a full risk assessment has been carried out.
Selection of what type of barrier to use and of what main material will depend on various factors including site location, accessibility and topography. The benefits, features and limitations of the main product types are considered below:
