W-Beam safety barriers are indispensable components of road safety infrastructure, playing a crucial role in protecting motorists from the hazards posed by rigid structures. However, to ensure optimal performance, all installations must be appropriately terminated with suitable end treatments. These end treatments prevent the end rail from spearing vehicles upon impact and provide essential lateral and longitudinal support along the length of need.
BCTA / BCTB Terminals
In Victoria and Tasmania, the BCTA (Approach) and BCTB (Departure) Terminals have proved to be cost-effective solutions for terminating W-Beam Guardrail installations. These terminals offer a soft gating impact to cushion vehicle impacts and prevent spearing, enhancing overall safety. The BCTA, installed with breakaway posts offset to minimize vehicle penetration, serves the approach side, while the BCTB anchors the system on the departure side, outside the clear zone of opposing traffic. Notably, both the BCTA and BCTB Terminals are recognized as “deemed to comply” systems, ensuring adherence to safety standards.
MELT / Trailing Terminals
Similar to the BCTA Terminal, the Modified Eccentric Loader Terminal (MELT) is engineered to provide soft gating impact protection. Installed on an offset with rails resting on a shelf angle, MELT terminals minimize vehicle penetration, with diaphragms in the bullnose section aiding in maintaining shape upon impact. Utilizing all steel posts, MELT terminals offer enhanced durability and reduced maintenance costs. Trailing Terminals, positioned downstream of roadside barriers provide longitudinal support and anchoring for the safety barrier. Both MELT Terminal and Trailing Terminals are recognized as “deemed to comply” systems, ensuring adherence to safety standards.
Tangential End Terminals
The latest innovation in Guardrail End Treatments, Tangential End Terminals, offers fully crash-tested systems (Test Levels 2 & 3). These terminals can be installed in line with the W-Beam barrier or on a flare, providing effective solutions for various applications. Designed to mitigate problems associated with impacting vehicles, such as spearing, vaulting, and rollover, Tangential End Terminals serve as re-directive gating terminals, requiring a run-out area behind them.
ET2000 Plus
Engineered to absorb the kinetic energy of impacting vehicles, the ET2000 Plus offers unparalleled protection. As vehicles pass through the Extruder Head, the W-Beam Rail is flattened, effectively dissipating energy. Available in two sizes, the 7.62m system is NCHRP 350 Test Level 2 approved for all posted speeds of 70km/h, while the 15.24m system is Test Level 3 approved, offering robust protection across a range of speeds.