RamShield W-Beam
RamShield W-Beam has significantly advanced the containment level of guardrail by introducing patented technology into the behaviour of the post during impact. This results in a safer barrier design with fewer components allowing more metres of barrier to be deployed per public dollar to protect Australian motorists.
RamShield W-Beam achieves a controlled redirection of errant vehicles by releasing the rail from the post at an optimal load to retain rail height, limit dynamic deflection and to allow the post to collapse without tripping the vehicle. The separation of the rail from the post is achieved by a release tab incorporated into the post. The RamShield posts have been designed to collapse upon impact, yielding proximate to the ground surface.
Crash Test Evaluation
Barrier Configuation
Vehicle Type
Vehicle Mass
impact speed
impact angle
impact energy
Dynamic Deflection
Posts at 2m Centres
200mm from 2:1 embankment
Posts at 2m Centres
Barrier Configuation
Posts at 2m Centres
200mm from 2:1 embankment
Vehicle Type
Vehicle Mass
impact speed
impact angle
impact energy
Dynamic Deflection
Barrier Configuation
Posts at 2m Centres
Vehicle Type
Vehicle Mass
impact speed
impact angle
impact energy
Dynamic Deflection
Installation
Post Type
Standard Post Spacing
Post Embedment
Beam Type
System Height
Driven Post
2.0 m
810 mm
W-Beam
800 mm
Post Type
Driven Post
Standard Post Spacing
2.0 m
Post Embedment
810 mm
Beam Type
W-Beam
System Height
800 mm
Product Features
MASH TL3 Compliant
Containment of a 2270 kg pickup truck travelling at 100 km/h and 25 degrees.
Innovative Design
Narrow width of just 180 mm.
Stable Vehicle Containment
The RamShield tab controls the release of the w-beam within the impact zone.
Australian Designed
Intellectual property developed and owned by Safe Direction.
Product Gallery
Downloads
Product Manual
Product Data Sheet
Drawings
Related Products
BikerShield Motorcycle Protection Barrier provides safe rider containment and redirection through the combination of spring mounting brackets and lightweight, corrugated panels.
The RamShield Transition provides a smooth, snag-free connection between steel guardrail barriers and rigid barriers, such as at bridge parapets.
The MAX-Tension Terminal is an energy-absorbing, tangential guardrail end terminal, designed to minimise the severity of impacts occurring at the end of the safety barrier system.
Designed for attachment directly to RamShield W-Beam guardrail, the MSKT is latest advancement in guardrail end terminal technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does RamShield W-Beam work?
RamShield W-Beam achieves a controlled redirection of errant vehicles by releasing the w-beam guardrail from the post at an optimal load to retain rail height, limit dynamic deflection and to allow the post to collapse without tripping the vehicle. The separation of the w-beam guardrail from the post is achieved by a release tab incorporated into the post. The tab is designed to pull forward and tear from the post and remains connected to the rail to ensure there is no debris from the system that may otherwise present as a danger to other motorists.
RamShield W-Beam uses standard w-beam guardrails and standard guardrail fasteners.
What is the recommended clearance between RamShield W-Beam and a fixed hazard?
The maximum dynamic deflection of RamShield W-Beam during MASH TL3 crash testing was 1.56 m. This result was recorded during an impact with a 2270 kg pick-up truck travelling at 100 km/h and 25 degrees.Â
Can RamShield W-Beam be installed with closer post spacing to reduce dynamic deflection?
Yes. At constrained sites where the available clearance between the barrier and the roadside hazard is limited and insufficient to accommodate the standard barrier deflection, the spacing of the posts may be reduced to 1.0 m centres. Please refer to the Product Manual and Drawings for design guidance.
Can RamShield W-Beam posts be installed on a concrete strip footing?
Yes. In circumstances where an underground service or obstruction prevents RamShield W-Beam from being installed with posts driven into the ground, a concrete strip footing may be constructed to accommodate posts with base plates. Please refer to the Product Manual and Drawings for design guidance.
Is RamShield W-Beam suitable for installation on undivided roadways?
Yes. Crash testing of RamShield W-Beam included a reverse direction vehicle impact. The successful outcome demonstrated that the RamShield tab provides controlled release of the w-beam guardrail regardless of the post orientation. Therefore, RamShield W-Beam is suitable for undivided roadways where bi-directional impact can occur.Â
Is it permissible to omit posts due to conflict with an underground service or obstruction?
Yes. In circumstances where the underground service cannot be relocated, or the barrier realigned to avoid the service, RamShield W-Beam may be installed with two posts omitted creating a 6 m span. Please refer to the Product Manual and Drawings for design guidance.
Can RamShield W-Beam be directly connected to a concrete barrier?
Wherever it is necessary to join an installation of RamShield W-Beam to a rigid barrier, including a bridge parapet, the RamShield Transition provides a smooth, snag-free connection by gradually increasing the stiffness of the system reducing the potential for vehicle pocketing. Please refer to the Product Manual and Drawings for design guidance.
Can the installation RamShield W-Beam accommodate future asphalt overlays?
Yes. RamShield W-Beam has been crash tested to MASH Test Level 3 at w-beam guardrail heights of between 730 mm and 820 mm. If future asphalt overlays are predicted, Safe Direction recommends setting the initial height of the w-beam rail to 820 mm above road level while positioned in the bottom of the mounting slot. The 90 mm height differential together with lifting the guardrail to the top of the mounting slot will provide a 138 mm height adjustment.
What are the RamShield W-Beam design considerations to reduce the risk to vulnerable road users?
The design of RamShield W-Beam considers vulnerable road users as follows:
- The post design features rounded edges and corners.
- The mounting position of the w-beam rail is approximately 50 mm above the top of the post shielding a dangerous snag point.
- Post caps are available when the barrier is installed adjacent to a pedestrian pathway.
Can RamShield W-Beam be installed with a motorcycle protection barrier?
Yes. RamShield W-Beam may be installed with BikerShield which is positioned beneath the w-beam guardrail and prevents a dismounted motorcyclist from contacting the supporting posts of the guardrail barrier. The BikerShield spring brackets attach directly to the w-beam mid-span between posts and absorb the impact energy of the sliding rider. Please refer to the Product Manual and Drawings for design guidance.
