Guardrails
What is a Guardrail?
A guardrail is a safety barrier system designed to safely contain and redirect errant vehicles away from roadside hazards. Guardrails typically comprise a steel beam supported by steel posts that are driven directly into the ground. As the guardrail beam deflects it absorbs the energy of the impacting vehicle preventing serious injury or harm to motorists.
Types of Guardrails
The classification of guardrails considers the deflection (movement) of the system during a vehicle collision and the type of hazard to be shielded.
1. Flexible Guardrail Systems
Designed for roadway applications and feature w-beam guardrails supported by lightweight steel posts. The larger dynamic deflection of these crash barriers during a vehicle collision maintains vehicle stability and reduces occupant risk.
- W-beam guardrails supported by lightweight posts.
- Safe vehicle containment and redirection.
- Compliant to MASH and AS/NZS 3845: 2015.
- Low occupant ride down decelerations.
2. Semi-Rigid Guardrail Systems
Designed for roadway applications and feature either w-beam or thrie-beam guardrails supported by strong steel posts. The strength of the posts increases lateral resistance of the crash barrier system during a vehicle collision, limiting dynamic deflection and shielding hazards within close proximity to the roadway.
- W-beam or thrie-beam guardrails supported by strong posts.
- Strength of the system limits dynamic deflection.
- Compliant to MASH and AS/NZS 3845: 2015.
- Shields hazards within close proximity to the roadway.
3. Cable Guardrail Systems
Cable barriers also known as wire rope safety barriers rely upon the tensile strength of wire cable to contain and redirect an errant vehicle. The large deflection maintains vehicle stability and reduces occupant risk.
- Tensioned wire rope cables supported by steel posts.
- Stable vehicle containment and redirection.
- Compliant to MASH and AS/NZS 3845: 2015.
- Posts installed in concrete sockets to facilitate ease of repair.
4. Pedestrian Guardrails
Pedestrian guardrails are often installed along footpaths near schools or urban areas and are designed to channel pedestrians to safe crossing locations. Their robust design creates confidence for nearby pedestrians.
- Restricts pedestrians from entering the roadway at unsafe locations.
- Features robust steel vertical balusters.
- May be powder coated to match the urban environment.
5. Car Park & Industrial Guardrails
Car park & industrial guardrails typically feature posts with base plates secured to a concrete foundation. There are designed to shield a drop to a lower level or restrict the passage of vehicles. Many car park & industrial guardrails designs consider pedestrians and feature handrails or fall protection panels.
- Designed to protect people, plant and equipment.
- Safe containment of low-speed vehicle impacts.
- Compliant to the vehicle impact loads described in AS/NZS 1170.1: 2002.
Guardrail Materials & Specifications
Item
Material
Finish
Thrie-Beam
HA350 to AS/NZS 1594
Hot dip galvanised to AS/NZS 4680
Wire Rope Cable
Steel wire to AS 3569
Galvanised to AS/NZS 4534
W-Beam
HA350 to AS/NZS 1594
Hot dip galvanised to AS/NZS 4680
Item
Thrie-Beam
Material
HA350 to AS/NZS 1594
Finish
Hot dip galvanised to AS/NZS 4680
Item
Wire Rope Cable
Material
Steel wire to AS 3569
Finish
Galvanised to AS/NZS 4534
Item
W-Beam
Material
HA350 to AS/NZS 1594
Finish
Hot dip galvanised to AS/NZS 4680
System
Performance Standard
Flexible Guardrail Systems
MASH Test Level 3 as per AS/NZS 3845:2015
Semi-Rigid Guardrail Systems
MASH Test Level 3 or Test Level 4 as per AS/NZS 3845:2015
Car Park & Industrial Guardrails
AS/NZS 1170.1 Clause 3.8
Cable Guardrail Systems
MASH Test Level 3 or Test Level 4 as per AS/NZS 3845:2015
System
Flexible Guardrail Systems
Performance Standard
MASH Test Level 3 as per AS/NZS 3845:2015
System
Semi-Rigid Guardrail Systems
Performance Standard
MASH Test Level 3 or Test Level 4 as per AS/NZS 3845:2015
System
Car Park & Industrial Guardrails
Performance Standard
AS/NZS 1170.1 Clause 3.8
System
Cable Guardrail Systems
Performance Standard
MASH Test Level 3 or Test Level 4 as per AS/NZS 3845:2015
Installation & Maintenance
Guardrails must be installed in accordance with manufacturers specifications. The installation process typically comprises the following:
- Site establishment including investigation of underground services and provision of traffic control.
- Installation of posts by either driving directly into the ground or bolting to a concrete foundation.
- Attachment of the guardrail beam and securing with fasteners.
- Inspection of the assembly as per manufacturer guidelines.
Regular inspection and maintenance of the guardrail barrier system is recommended.
- Damaged items are replaced.
- There is no debris around the system that may impede the barrier.
- The system is appropriate delineated.
- The system has not been modified.
Australian Compliance
Guardrail barriers used for roadway applications should be reviewed and accepted by the Austroads National Safety Barrier Assessment Panel (ASBAP) which assesses the crashworthiness and suitability of road safety barriers, systems and devices for deployment on roads managed by Australian/New Zealand transport agencies. Products submitted to ASBAP must demonstrate compliance with the following guidelines:
- The Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH)
- AS/NZS 3845:2015 Road Safety Barrier Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right guardrail system for my project?
The selection of a guardrail system should consider the location of the barrier, vehicle impact conditions and compliance requirements. A roadside guardrail is designed for high-speed vehicle impacts whilst a pedestrian or car park guardrail is designed for low-speed, nuisance impacts.
What is a compliant guardrail?
A guardrail system should be crash tested to demonstrate compliance with Australian Standards. Crash testing evaluates barrier performance and occupant risk.
What is the purpose of a guardrail?
A guardrail is designed to shield hazards and safely contain and redirect an errant vehicle. Guardrails are typically installed along roadways to prevent serious run-off-the-road accidents.
How are guardrails manufactured?
Guardrails are manufactured from steel and are classified as either w-beam or thrie-beam. Most guardrails are roll-formed and hot dip galvanised providing a durable finish.
Guardrail Products
Guardrail Barriers are steel, longitudinal barrier systems designed to contain and redirect errant vehicles away from roadside hazards. Guardrail barriers feature steel posts supporting w-beam or thrie-beam guardrail.
Bridge & culvert barriers are specifically designed to provide safe vehicle containment and redirection when installed along the edge of an elevated structure.
RhinoStop carpark barriers absorb vehicle impact energy, reducing the forces transferred to the anchor bolts and reducing the potential for damage to the carpark foundation.
RhinoStop warehouse barriers provide durable impact protection for factories and industrial sites, ensuring pedestrian safety, equipment protection, and vehicle containment.
Pedestrian fencing provides a physical barrier that separates pedestrians from moving traffic, reducing the likelihood of vehicle and pedestrian collisions.
The AASHTO Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) is an update to and supersedes NCHRP Report 350 for the purposes of evaluating new safety hardware devices.
