RocketBloc
RocketBloc is a steel blocking piece designed for retrofitting to Australian Public Domain G4 W-Beam elevating compliance to MASH Test Level 3 (TL3). The development of RocketBloc follows feedback from asset owners seeking to upgrade the containment level of existing G4 W-Beam installations and provide compliance with MASH and AS/NZS 3845.
RocketBloc is manufactured from rectangular hollow section providing torsional strength and retains the same w-beam rail offset as the substituted C-block. The attachment of RocketBloc leaves the existing C-posts undisturbed and features elongated mounting slots allowing the w-beam guardrail to be lifted to a height of 800 mm above road level.
Crash Test Evaluation
Barrier Configuation
Vehicle Type
Vehicle Mass
impact speed
impact angle
impact energy
Dynamic Deflection
Posts at 2m Centres
Barrier Configuation
Posts at 2m Centres
Vehicle Type
Vehicle Mass
impact speed
impact angle
impact energy
Dynamic Deflection
Installation
Post Type
Standard Post Spacing
Block Width
Beam Type
System Height
Public Domain C-Post
2.0 m
150 mm
W-Beam
800 mm
Post Type
Public Domain C-Post
Standard Post Spacing
2.0 m
Block Width
150 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.
Retrofit Applications
Elevates the compliance of G4 public domain w-beam to MASH TL3.
Low Deflection
Recorded MASH TL3 deflection of just 0.99 m.
Australian Designed
Intellectual property developed and owned by Safe Direction.
Product Gallery
Downloads
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 system has a tension-based design along with an energy-absorbing coupler that utilises an innovative cutting-tooth technology.
An energy-absorbing, tangential end terminal, designed to minimise the severity of impacts occurring at the end of the safety barrier system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is public domain G4 W-Beam Guardrail?
G4 W-Beam featuring C-posts and C-blocking pieces was introduced in the mid-1990s and used extensively throughout Australia for new installations until the implementation of MASH compliance by State Road Agencies commencing in 2020. G4 W-Beam is now classified as Legacy Status and is no longer permitted for new installations, failing to demonstrate compliance with MASH TL3.
How does RocketBloc work?
RocketBloc achieves a controlled redirection of errant vehicles by regulating the force to release the rail throughout the impact zone, limiting dynamic deflection and to allow the C-post to collapse without tripping the vehicle. The separation of the w-beam rail during a vehicle collision is achieved by a release tab. This allows the guardrail to be disengaged at an optimal load, facilitating safe vehicle containment and redirection.
How is RocketBloc installed?
RocketBloc replaces the C-block and attaches directly to the existing C-posts. RocketBloc features elongated mounting slots allowing the w-beam guardrail to be lifted to a height of approximately 800 mm above road level.
Does the installation of RocketBlocs require disturbance of the C-post?
Retrofitting a G4 W-Beam installation with RocketBlocs does not require lifting or removal of the existing C-posts. The design of RocketBloc is suitable for attachment to a C-post measuring 660 mm to 760 mm above ground level to achieve a w-beam rail height of approximately 800 mm.
What is the advantage of installing RocketBloc for road asset owners?
Existing G4 W-Beam installations with C-blocking pieces do not comply with MASH. In 2018 the Austroads Safety Barrier Assessment Panel (ASBAP) notified industry of the adoption of MASH for new product submissions. Products not meeting MASH were subsequently reclassified by State Road Agencies as Legacy Status, meaning the product was no longer accepted for new installations.
The attachment of RocketBloc upgrades the containment level of existing G4 W-Beam installations and provide compliance with MASH and AS/NZS 3845. This increases the service life of existing installations and provides safe vehicle containment of the current Australian vehicle fleet featuring increasing high centre-of-gravity vehicles.
Why does RocketBloc feature a rectangular hollow section?
The use of a closed rectangular hollow section for the manufacture of RocketBloc provides torsional strength, reducing the potential for the block to deform during a vehicle impact. Retaining shape during a vehicle collision is an important design consideration to maintain rail height and facilitate controlled release of the w-beam rail.
Why is it important to lift the height of the w-beam during installation of the RocketBloc?
RocketBloc features elongated mounting slots allowing the block to lift above the top of the C-post, positioning the w-beam guardrail approximately 800 mm above road level. This w-beam guardrail rail height in combination with the RocketBloc release mechanism provides safe containment and redirection of the 2270 kg pick-up truck.
Why is the w-beam guardrail positioned 30 mm above the top of the RocketBloc?
Attachment of the RocketBloc positions the w-beam rail approximately 30 mm above the top of the RocketBloc shielding a potential snag point and providing consideration for vulnerable road users.
What are Abraham blocks? Are they equivalent to RocketBloc?
The installation of Abraham Blocks to raise the height of an existing G4 W-Beam installation does not provide MASH compliance. Abraham Blocks are not crash tested and are prone to the same design limitations as conventional C-blocking pieces.
Can G4 W-Beam with RocketBlocs be installed with a motorcycle protection barrier?
Yes. G4 W-Beam with RocketBlocs 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.
