RamShield® W-Beam Guardrail
Providing Safe Vehicle Containment & Redirection
RamShield® W-Beam Guardrail
MASH Test Level 3 Guardrail for Shielding Roadside Hazards
RamShield® W-Beam is a steel guardrail barrier crash tested and evaluated to Test Level 3 (TL3) of the Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH), with additional crash testing carried out at 110 km/h. RamShield® W-Beam is recommended for acceptance by the Austroads Safety Barrier Assessment Panel (ASBAP) and approved by all Australian state road agencies.
The RamShield® post features a patented tab design that controls the release of the w-beam guardrail during a vehicle collision, limiting dynamic deflection and facilitating stable vehicle redirection. The direct connection of the w-beam guardrail to the post eliminates the requirement for blocking pieces, reducing the system width to just 180 mm and increasing vehicle recovery width on the roadside.
The lightweight RamShield® posts are designed to collapse during a vehicle collision, reducing the potential for wheel snag, and providing lower occupant ride-down decelerations when compared to traditional guardrail systems.
RamShield® W-Beam is an economical road safety barrier system with fewer components, allowing more metres of barrier to be installed per Australian public dollar. RamShield® W-Beam is compatible with the MSKT guardrail end terminal and may be connected directly to RamShield® High Containment or the RamShield® Transition.
Crash Test Evaluation
Barrier Configuration |
Vehicle Type |
Vehicle Mass |
Impact Speed |
Impact Angle |
Impact Energy |
Dynamic Deflection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Posts at 2m Centres200mm from 2:1 embankment |
1700kilograms |
110km/h |
25degrees |
141.7kilojoules |
1.50metres |
|
Posts at 2m Centres |
2270kilograms |
100km/h |
25degrees |
156.4kilojoules |
1.56metres |
Installation
Post Type |
Standard Post Spacing |
Post Embedment |
Beam Type |
System Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driven Post | 2.0 m | 810 mm | W-Beam | 800 mm |
Key Features
- MASH TL3 compliant, with additional crash testing at 110 km/h
- Maximum dynamic deflection: 1.56 m
- System width: 180 mm
- Crash-tested at rail heights between 730 mm and 820 mm
- Crash-tested for bi-directional impacts
- Standard post spacing: 2 m centres
- Recommended for acceptance by ASBAP
Downloads
Video
Frequently Asked Questions
How does RamShield® W-Beam Work?
The W-Beam guardrail is bolted to each post through a patented release tab. During a vehicle collision, the tab will pull forward before tearing from the post, remaining connected to the rear of the W-Beam guardrail. The posts, when contacted by the errant vehicle, will yield by bending proximate to ground level.
The tab regulates the forces required to release the rail, maintaining rail elevation during the vehicle collision and providing stable vehicle containment and redirection.
What is the recommended clearance to a roadside hazard?
The recorded dynamic deflection during the MASH TL3 crash test was 1.56 m with posts positioned at 2 m centres. This impact was undertaken with a 2270 kg pickup truck travelling at 100 km/h and 25 degrees. If the road formation cannot accommodate the crash test deflection result, the barrier may be stiffened by reducing the post spacing to 1 m centres.
Can I reduce the clearance between barrier and hazard if the posted speed is lower than 100km/h?
It is preferable to maintain the MASH TL3 crash test deflection where possible. However, analysis of RamShield® W-Beam has been undertaken to calculate deflections at lower speeds and shallower impact angles.
Can the posts be installed on a concrete strip footing?
Yes. If underground hazards prevent the installation of driven posts, a concrete strip footing may be constructed for the attachment of posts with baseplates.
Is RamShield® W-Beam suitable for undivided roadways?
Yes. The extensive crash test evaluation of RamShield® W-Beam included a reverse direction impact to replicate installation on an undivided roadway. The vehicle impact direction does not change the rail release mechanism or the yielding behaviour of the posts.
Can posts be omitted where they conflict with an underground service?
Yes. Where an underground obstruction is encountered, two (2) posts may be omitted, creating a maximum span of 6 m. The omitted posts are required to be positioned either side of the 6 m span at 1 m centres. Sufficient clearance behind the barrier must be maintained to accommodate the expected dynamic deflection.
Can RamShield® W-Beam be connected directly to a concrete barrier?
No. The attachment of RamShield® W-Beam to a concrete barrier or similar rigid barrier is achieved using the RamShield® Transition, which progressively stiffens the barrier, reducing the potential for vehicle pocketing and snagging.
Can the installation of RamShield® W-Beam accommodate future asphalt overlays?
Yes. RamShield® W-Beam has been crash tested in accordance with MASH TL3 with the w-beam guardrail positioned 730 mm and 820 mm above road level, providing a wide working range. An initial installation with the W-beam guardrail measuring 820 mm above road level and positioned in the bottom of the mounting slot will accommodate an asphalt overlay of up to 138 mm by simply lifting the rail within the post slot.
What design features reduce the risk to vulnerable road users?
The RamShield® W-Beam posts feature rounded edges and corners. The mounting position of the W-Beam guardrail is positioned approximately 50 mm above the top of the post to shield this snag point. In addition, post caps are available for RamShield® W-Beam installations adjacent to pedestrian pathways or cycleways.
Can a motorcycle protection barrier be installed with it?
Yes. RamShield® W-Beam is compatible with BikerShield, which shields the supporting posts from a sliding, dismounted rider. The lightweight BikerShield panels absorb rider impact energy and do not change the behaviour of the RamShield® W-Beam system during a vehicle collision.
What is MASH?
The Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) presents uniform guidelines for the assessment of permanent and temporary roadside safety hardware.
