Sentry W-Beam
Sentry W-Beam is a MASH TL3 guardrail barrier designed to safely contain and redirect heavy passenger vehicles and shield roadside hazards. Sentry W-Beam features innovative technology providing controlled release of the w-beam guardrail from the support posts during a vehicle collision. The system has been developed to produce no debris during an impact, with all posts designed to remain firmly located in the soil and the connection details to remain attached to the w-beam guardrail.
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
positioned on the hinge point of a 1:1 weak soil embedment
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
850 mm
W-Beam
800 mm
Post Type
Driven Post
Standard Post Spacing
2.0 m
Post Embedment
850 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
Controlled release of the w-beam guardrail within the impact zone.
Consideration for Vulnerable Road Users
The Sentry W-Beam posts feature rounded edges.
Simple Installation
The assembly of Sentry W-Beam adopts standard w-beam guardrail and standard fasteners.
Product Gallery
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does Sentry W-Beam work?
Sentry 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 deformable washer securing the w-beam guardrail to the post. Sentry W-Beam uses standard w-beam guardrails and standard guardrail fasteners.
What is the installed height of Sentry W-Beam?
The w-beam guardrail is positioned at a height of 800 mm above ground level.
What is the standard post spacing when installing Sentry W-Beam?
The standard post spacing for the installation of Sentry W-Beam is 2 m centres.
Can Sentry W-Beam be installed with closer post spacing to reduce dynamic deflection?
Yes. At constrained sites where the available clearance between the barrier and 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.
What is the standard post embedment depth when installing Sentry W-Beam?
The standard post embedment depth for the installation of Sentry W-Beam is 850 mm.
Can Sentry W-Beam posts be installed on a concrete strip footing?
Yes. In circumstances where an underground service or obstruction prevents the Sentry W-Beam system 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.
Can Sentry W-Beam be directly connected to a concrete barrier?
Wherever it is necessary to join an installation of Sentry W-Beam to a rigid barrier, including a bridge parapet, the public domain Austroads SBTA 21-005 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.
What are the Sentry W-Beam design considerations to reduce the risk to vulnerable road users?
The design of Sentry 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 10 mm above the top of the post shielding a dangerous snag point.
Can Sentry W-Beam be installed with a motorcycle protection barrier?
Yes. Sentry W-Beam may be installed with RiderPro which is positioned beneath the w-beam guardrail and prevents a dismounted motorcyclist from contacting the supporting posts of the guardrail barrier. The RiderPro spring brackets attach directly to the posts and absorb the impact energy of the sliding rider. Please refer to the Product Manual and Drawings for design guidance.
