AU2020100713A4

AU2020100713A4 - Improved temporary roadside barrier system

Info

Publication number: AU2020100713A4
Application number: AU2020100713A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Russell Hood
Original assignee: Safe Barriers Dev Co Pte Ltd
Current assignee: Safe Barriers Development Co Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2020-05-05
Filing date: 2020-05-05
Publication date: 2020-06-18
Anticipated expiration: 2028-05-05

Abstract

A temporary roadside barrier system is provided that is resistant to rolling or leaning. The barrier system comprises: a housing defining a base from which a barrier portion upwardly extends, the base defining one or more anchor points, for anchoring the base, and thereby the housing, to the ground; and one or more shear anchors, for anchoring the base to the ground by the one or more anchor points. The shear anchor comprises a ground anchor portion, for engaging with the ground, a barrier anchor portion, for engaging with the housing, and a shear portion, intermediate the ground anchor portion and the barrier anchor portion, configured to shear when an impact force is applied to the barrier portion that is above a pre-defined threshold. 120 Figure 3 Figure 4

Description

IMPROVED TEMPORARY ROADSIDE BARRIER SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to temporary roadside barriers, and in particular, although not exclusively, to anchoring of galvanised steel roadside barriers.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Roadside barriers are commonly used along roadways around worksites to protect workers by preventing vehicles from inadvertently entering the worksite. Traditionally, these barriers have been around 1m high, and are configured to deflect vehicles back onto the roadway. An example of one such barrier is the Jersey Barrier, which is generally formed of concrete segments that may be joined in a lengthwise arrangement to produce a long barrier.

[0003] More recently, lightweight galvanised steel barriers have become more commonly used, as these are generally longer lasting, higher performing and more easily deployed than solid concrete barriers. These barriers generally use anchor pins to secure the barrier to the road surface to replicate the mass of concrete barriers, and to prevent lateral deflection of the barrier.

[0004] A problem, however, is that such barriers are prone to leaning or rolling, which can cause a vehicle to vault over the barrier. In particular, an anchor pin on an opposite side of the barrier to an impacting vehicle can cause the barrier to remain fixed at that point, causing the impacting vehicle side of the barrier to lift, resulting in the barrier rolling (or leaning), and thereby ultimately causing the vehicle to vault over the barrier. The inventor believes that this problem is particularly relevant for larger vehicles, such as 10-ton box van trucks and similar vehicles.

[0005] As such, there is clearly a need for improved roadside barriers.

[0006] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] The present invention is directed to temporary roadside barriers, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0008] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a temporary roadside barrier system comprising:

2020100713 05 May 2020 a housing defining a base from which a barrier portion upwardly extends, the base defining one or more anchor points, for anchoring the base, and thereby the housing, to the ground;

one or more shear anchors, for anchoring the base to the ground by the one or more anchor points, the shear anchor comprising a ground anchor portion, for engaging with the ground, a barrier anchor portion, for engaging with the housing, and a shear portion, intermediate the ground anchor portion and the barrier anchor portion, configured to shear when an impact force is applied to the barrier portion that is above a pre-defined threshold.

[0009] Advantageously, the temporary roadside barrier system is resistant to rolling or leaning on impact, as the shear anchor is able to shear. This in turn enables lateral deflection of the housing, thereby dissipating energy from the impact.

[0010] Preferably, the anchor comprises an anchor bolt. The barrier anchor portion may comprise a head of the bolt. The ground anchor portion may comprise a threaded shaft of the bolt.

[0011] The shear portion may be narrower than the ground anchor portion.

[0012] The bolt may comprise an M20 bolt, wherein the shear portion is about 16mm in diameter.

[0013] The bolt head may engage with the housing using a washer. The washer may distribute a load between the bolt head and the housing.

[0014] The threaded shaft may engage with the ground using a threaded socket. The threaded socket may be epoxied into the ground.

[0015] The base may extend outwardly from respective sides of the barrier portion. The anchor portions may be defined on respective sides of the barrier portion.

[0016] The housing may be substantially symmetrical.

[0017] The housing may include an underside, configured to be supported by the ground. The anchor portions may be defined in the underside.

[0018] The anchor portions may comprise apertures. The apertures may be elongate.

[0019] The housing may define one or more drain portions. The anchor points may be defined in the drain portions.

2020100713 05 May 2020

[0020] The housing may be defined by a plurality of housing modules, joined in a lengthwise arrangement.

[0021 ] The shear anchors may be spaced along a length of the housing. The shear anchors may be positioned at intervals of between about 6m and 70m.

[0022] The housing may be formed of sheet metal. The housing may comprise galvanised steel sheeting.

[0023] The housing may have an inverted T-shape in cross section.

[0024] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0025] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a portion of a temporary barrier system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the portion of the temporary barrier system of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 illustrates an upper perspective view of the portion of the temporary barrier system of Figure 1.

[0030] Figure 4 illustrates a side view of a shear bolt 130, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031 ] Figure 5 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the shear bolt of Figure 4, anchoring a barrier to the ground or roadside.

[0032] Figure 6 illustrates an upper perspective view of the shear bolt of Figure 4, anchoring a barrier to the ground or roadside.

[0033] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned

2020100713 05 May 2020 from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention are disclosed which provide a temporary roadside barrier that is resistant to rolling or leaning.

[0035] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a portion of a temporary barrier system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the portion of the temporary barrier system 100, and Figure 3 illustrates an upper perspective view of the portion of the temporary barrier system 100.

[0036] As outlined in further detail below, the portion illustrated in Figures 1-3 comprises a barrier module, which may be joined lengthwise to form a long barrier.

[0037] The temporary barrier system 100 comprises a housing 105 formed of one or more pressed metal sheets, supported by an internal frame. The housing 105 defines a base 110, from which a barrier portion 115 upwardly extends. The base 110 extends outwardly from opposing sides of the barrier portion 115, and thereby supports the housing 105 directly on the road or ground.

[0038] Barrier drains 120 are provided at the base 110 of the housing 105, that extend through the housing 105 from one side to another. A lower edge of each of the drains 120 comprises a lower edge of the housing 105, which supports the housing 105 directly on the road or ground. Each barrier drain 120 is about 220mm wide.

[0039] The lower edge of each barrier drain 120 includes an elongate aperture 125 on each side of the housing 105. The elongate aperture 125 extends in a direction along a length of the housing, and enables the housing 105, and thereby the barrier system, to be anchored to the road or ground.

[0040] Shear bolts 130 are then provided in the apertures 125 to anchor the housing 105, and thereby the barrier system 100, to the road or ground. The shear bolts 130 are bolted to a threaded socket, which is epoxied (or otherwise anchored) to the road or ground.

[0041] The shear bolts 130 are configured to shear (i.e. break) when there is a significant impact with the barrier system 100, that would otherwise potentially cause the barrier system 100 to roll or lean. As a result, the barrier system 100 is able to dissipate energy from an impact

2020100713 05 May 2020 through lateral movement of the barrier at the point of impact, rather than rolling or leaning, which may ultimately cause the vehicle to vault over the barrier.

[0042] Figure 4 illustrates a side view of a shear bolt 130, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The shear bolt 130 includes a threaded portion 405, a hexagonal head 410 coupled to the threaded portion 405, and a relatively narrow shear portion 415 intermediate the head 410 and threaded portion 405.

[0043] Figure 5 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a shear bolt 130, anchoring a barrier to the ground or roadside. Figure 6 illustrates an upper perspective view of the shear bolt 130, anchoring a barrier to the ground or roadside.

[0044] As best illustrated in Figure 5, a threaded socket 505 is epoxied into the ground 510, and the shear bolt 130 is bolted into the threaded socked, and through the aperture 125. A washer 515 is provided under the head 410 of the bolt 130, to distribute load between the bolt 130 and the housing 105.

[0045] When installed, the narrow shear portion 415 is located at least partly intermediate the housing 105 and the ground 510. As such, when significant force is applied to the housing 105, the head 410 is able to shear from the threated portion 405, thereby enabling the housing to move laterally, while dissipating energy from the impact.

[0046] The shear bolt 130 comprises an M20 galvanised bolt, with a 16mm diameter narrow shear portion. The skilled addressee will readily appreciate that other sizes may be used. As an illustrative example, if a stronger material is used for the bolt, a narrower shear portion may be required to achieve a similar result.

[0047] The barrier system 100 may be configured such that the shear bolt 130 shears when a force of between 75kN and 105kN is applied to the housing 105. As such, the barrier system may accept the impact from a 2270kg pickup truck, for example, without the shear bolt 130 shearing, and to shear when impacted by the 10-ton box van truck.

[0048] In the case of a 10-ton box van truck impacting the barrier system, the anchor bolts closest to impact may shear, and possibly the next set of anchors (which may be 7.8m - 9.15m downstream of first anchor set, for example). After the first two sets of anchors, enough energy will be dissipated and the truck will be redirected, and no more anchors will reach the shear load.

[0049] While a shear bolt has been illustrated, other any suitable ground or mechanical anchor may be used. Importantly, the top of the anchor (e.g. a bolt head) shears from the base of the anchor. Similarly, while a bolt having a narrow “neck” has been illustrated, the skilled

2020100713 05 May 2020 addressee will readily appreciate that other shaped bolts may be used that shear at a desired impact.

[0050] The barrier may comprise any suitable barrier, but generally comprises a galvanised steel barrier. In use, multiple barrier modules may be coupled in a lengthwise arrangement to provide a long barrier. The barrier modules may each comprise a coupling mechanism at their ends, to enable the barrier modules to provide a continuous barrier.

[0051] Figure 7 illustrates a top view of a plurality of barrier modules 705 coupled in a lengthwise arrangement. Figure 8 illustrates a side view of the plurality of barrier modules 705. Each of the barrier modules 705 may be similar or identical to the housing 105.

[0052] As can be seen in Figures 7 and 8, not all anchor points (apertures 125) are used to anchor the modules 705 to the ground. In particular, shear bolts 130 are spread out at a rate of between 6m and 70m. As each barrier module 705 is connected to the next, not even each barrier module 705 needs to be directly anchored, but may be anchored by an adjacent barrier module 705.

[0053] In the embodiments described above, the anchors (i.e. shear bolts 130) are placed symmetrically along a length of the barrier. The skilled addressee will readily appreciate that such configuration is not essential, and that anchors may be positioned at different positions depending on whether on the traffic or non-traffic side of the barrier.

[0054] Similarly, the above embodiments illustrate the use of shear bolts only. The skilled addressee will readily appreciate that shear bolts may be used together with ordinary bolts.

[0055] Advantageously, the embodiments described above include shear anchors, which are configured to shear (i.e. break) when there is a significant impact with the barrier system, that would otherwise potentially cause the barrier system to roll or lean. As a result, the barrier systems described above are able to dissipate energy from an impact through lateral movement of the barrier at the point of impact, rather than rolling or leaning, which may ultimately cause the vehicle to vault over the barrier.

[0056] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0057] Reference throughout this specification to One embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the

2020100713 05 May 2020 appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0058] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A temporary roadside barrier system comprising:

a housing defining a base from which a barrier portion upwardly extends, the base defining one or more anchor points, for anchoring the base, and thereby the housing, to the ground;

2. The temporary roadside barrier of claim 1, wherein the anchor comprises an anchor bolt, the barrier anchor portion comprising a head of the bolt and the ground anchor portion comprising a threaded shaft of the bolt.

3. The temporary roadside barrier of claim 1, wherein the base extends outwardly from respective sides of the barrier portion, and wherein the anchor portions are defined on respective sides of the barrier portion.

4. The temporary roadside barrier of claim 1, wherein the housing is defined by a plurality of housing modules, joined in a lengthwise arrangement.

5. The temporary roadside barrier of claim 1, wherein the shear anchors are spaced along a length of the housing at intervals of between about 6m and 70m.