Barrier Wall Styles and Uses

Jersey-shape barrier wall’s intended use was to reduce the risk of cars crossing medians on highways and causing head-on collisions. Over the years, Jersey barrier has grown to have different versions and multiple uses. Precast concrete barrier wall, or Portable Concrete Traffic Barrier (PCTB), is made with poured concrete that is reinforced with rebar and transported to the site to be installed.

Concrete barrier walls have been in use since at least the 1940s:

“Although it is not clear exactly when or where the first concrete median barriers were used, concrete barriers were used in the mid-1940s on US-99 on the descent from the Tehacapi Mountains to the central valley of south Bakersfield, California.”

--1997’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program’s Guardrail and Median Barrier Crashworthiness examination of highway practices.

PCTB wall was intended to serve as a traffic barrier, but has proven to be useful in many other instances, too. Some of the most common temporary uses of PCTB include security perimeters, site access blockage, traffic control and diversion, for protective barrier around construction zones including worker areas, pavement edge drop-offs, equipment storage zones, and more.

Used barrier wall is a product always in high demand. Keep reading to learn about different types and uses for precast concrete barrier wall.

Jersey

Jersey barrier wall, also referred to as New Jersey barrier wall, was developed in the early 1950s at the Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey. Its current shape was introduced in 1959. The aim was to reduce the risk of cars crossing medians on highways and causing head-on collisions. When a car hits the barrier at a shallow angle, the vehicle’s tires ride the lower sloped surface, and the vehicle is pivoted away from oncoming traffic.

The standard height of a section of Jersey barrier is 32 inches tall, with a 24-inch base. It is often six inches wide at the height of the unit.

Jersey barrier is a type of barrier commonly used by NJDOT and other department of transportation agencies for both permanent and temporary usage. Jersey barrier is commonly used in many states across the U.S. in construction for traffic dividers, especially along highways where expansions or repair work is being completed.

K-Rail

California’s version of the Jersey barrier, introduced around the 1960s, is the K-rail barrier wall. This variation of Jersey barrier is designed with an 18-inch-wide base. The barrier width at the top of the structure is half of the base (9 inches); this design was to direct vehicle tires over the slope, then back to the ground and in the right direction.

K-rail, or K-wall, is a term borrowed from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for PCTB wall. In the 1972, Caltrans conducted research for a movable alternative to traditional Jersey barrier that could be used in work zones. Designs were labeled with letters (A, B, C, etc.); design “K” was determined to be the best choice.

K-rail is used in many states for temporary situations like construction zones/traffic diversions, perimeter security, and defining walkways. It is the standard for usage in California and Florida for temporary usage to protect construction zones and workers, especially on or around bridges. In the state of Florida, K-rail is the only approved type of PCTB for bridge work where drop-offs are present and protecting drop-off and worker zones.

F-Shape

F-shape barrier wall is the result of a computer simulation (conducted in the 1970s by the Federal Highway Administration) that tested six potential profiles of barrier wall, labeled A-F. The style labeled “F” was predicted to be the most effective, and full-scale crash tests confirmed the computer’s predictions. The tests were conducted to find a variation that would limit vehicle damage upon collision and rollovers, especially to smaller cars.

The biggest difference in F-shape barrier and Jersey barrier is the distance from the ground to the slope-break point. While both types sport a 24-inch-wide base, F-shape’s slope break point is 10 inches from the ground, and Jersey barrier’s slope-break point sits at 13 inches.

Because of the widespread adoption of Jersey barrier and significant investment states and contractors already had in place, large-scale F-shape adoption has taken time. Several states have approved its use for temporary barriers, and many others are considering approval. Though adoption hasn’t been as wide-spread as Jersey barrier, F-shape barrier wall is also commonly used across the U.S. in construction and work zones along highways.

Low Profile

Low-profile barrier wall, commonly called low pro, is most commonly used along fence lines to prevent tractor trailer damage. It was developed for use in low-speed work zones. This type of barrier wall looks least like the original Jersey barrier – the typical height is only 18-20 inches.

Low-profile barrier protects drivers, workers, and pedestrians in low-speed (45 mph), urban and suburban work zones. The lower height improves visibility for all, while still providing a barrier to protect those in or near work zones like excavations, road-widening projects, and utility work. It also allows work crews to maintain access to side streets, parking lots, and businesses, reducing impact on existing traffic.

Single Slope

Single-slope barrier wall is a 42-inch-high version of Jersey wall that has a constant slope of 10.8 degrees from the bottom to top of the wall. Some also call this type of barrier Texas constant-slope wall, as it was developed in 1989 at Texas A&M University as a safer alternative to Jersey barrier, stating that additional paving on roadway changed the height and shape of Jersey barrier sections and reduced its effectiveness, whereas single-slope barrier does not become less effective with a lower height. It was designed for use in both permanent and temporary situations.

Similarly, constant-slope barrier wall was developed in California, with a 6-degree slope.

Many states have approved single-slope barrier wall for use as both permanent and temporary barrier. Single-slope and constant-slope may be used interchangeably, so be sure to purchase the correct type of barrier wall approved by your local Department of Transportation.

Buy and Sell Used Barrier Wall

Always check with your state Department of Transportation before purchasing or installing any type of precast concrete barrier wall; requirements may vary widely from state to state.

Eiffel Trading has a large selection of used barrier wall for sale in various shapes and lengths. All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.

Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.