Barrier tests caught on film

Filming took place recently at the ASafe factory in Halifax of tests to demonstrate the strength of polymer barrier set against an equivalent barrier manufactured from steel.

In the A-Safe factory there are two impact calibration rigs: a dynamic pendulum impact simulator and a static constant force simulator. The other visible, if slightly unorthodox method is to erect barriers and, under controlled safety conditions, bash them with a fork lift truck.

On the day of filming, all three tests were carried out. The dynamic rig tested in turn the Asafe traffic barrier and steel 'armco'.

The polymer barrier took six hits in succession without any discernable damage; the steel barrier endured three hits before A-Safe's product development manager advised it too dangerous to continue. The barrier buckled and the bolts were failing.

An A-Safe traffic barrier was erected and, under controlled conditions, several hits were made with a 3.5t Nissan FLT both at an angle and at 90°. There was a slight bend to one of the legs only. The test was repeated on an armco steel barrier bolted to the floor with an A-Safe specification bolt system. Similar hits showed severe damage to the steel barrier, although it did not fail completely. The base plate was badly distorted.