Pre-Cast Concrete Barrier Wall Requirements in British Columbia

Tips & Advice

In British Columbia, F-shape barriers, constant slope barriers, and vertical face barriers are all allowed types of pre-cast concrete barrier systems. Currently, Jersey shape barrier is not permitted unless previously installed as a part of an older road project and properly maintained. Each of the permitted types of pre-cast concrete barrier walls must meet stringent requirements and must be originally manufactured by an approved distributer.

Below are the distributors who make pre-cast concrete barrier walls that meet British Columbia’s requirements:

  • Coast Range Concrete Ltd.

  • Grosso Precast DBA Northern Vac Services

  • Kemp Concrete Products

  • Kon Kast Products (2005) Ltd.

  • Skeena Concrete Products Ltd.

  • Tri-Kon Precast Concrete Products Ltd.

  • Eagle West Truck & Crane Inc.

  • Surespan Structures

These manufacturers must clearly mark approved barrier walls with their name or trade mark, the year of manufacture, and the form number.

The British Columbia Ministry of Transportation stipulates that the concrete used to make any barrier walls must meet certain requirements. Here’s what you should know about concrete standards:

  • The quality of concrete needs to conform to CSA Standard CAN3-A23.1-M.

  • Concrete strength must be 30 MPa, with no individual cylinder less than 27 MPa.

  • Concrete testing cylinders need to be cast by precast suppliers or by an authorized supplier representative at the time the concrete is placed.

  • Calcium chloride or any mixtures that contain calcium chloride must not be used, as they may compromise the quality of the concrete.

  • The minimum cement content of concrete should be 320 kg per cubic meter.

  • The maximum water/cement ratio should be: 0.45.

  • The course aggregate of a nominal maximum size should not exceed 28 mm.

  • There should be a slump of 50 mm ± 20 mm.

In addition to these concrete specifics, the province also requires the following for reinforcing steel, attachment hardware, and fibrillated fibers:

  • Welded steel and mesh reinforcements should be installed according to details in BC Ministry of Transportation’s SS 412.

  • Fibrillated fibers may be used as a substitute for welded wire mesh. However, they need to meet ASTM C 1116 Type 3 requirements.

  • Fibers should be a minimum of 50 mm in length, added at a dosage rate of 1kg/m3.

  • Fibers should be mixed with concrete before it is placed into forms.

  • Fibers should have a minimum tensile strength of 350 MPa in addition to a minimum modulus elasticity of 4.2 GPa.

  • All suppliers of fibers should furnish proof that they meet ASTM C 1018 or ASTM C 1399 requirements.

  • Reinforcing steel used in bent or hooked connections should be CSA CAN3-G40.21-M Grade 260W.

  • Pick-up points for handling units should be made with rigid PVC pipe, recessed 15mm.

And here are some general notes about the proper placing of pre-cast concrete barrier systems, according to BC regulations:

  • Concrete should be placed in forms according to CSA CAN3-A23.4-M, Clause 19 standards.

  • Curing and protection should be done according to CSA CAN3-A23.4-M, Clause 21 standards.

  • Exposed surfaces should be uniform in color/texture. Formwork should possess well-maintained steel.

  • Patching must be authorized. The area in need of repair needs to be saturated with water and patched up with cement paste filled with mortar.

  • All end connection surfaces should be cleared out.

  • End connections must be compatible with the particular type of barrier wall being used.

For more details about the proper use of pre-cast concrete barrier walls in British Columbia, see the BC Ministry of Transportation’s official Standard Specifications for Highway Construction. And please note that it is always better to check in with an expert from the Ministry of Transportation before you begin using any kind of pre-cast barrier wall you believe may not meet the agency’s requirements.

To learn more about barrier wall, check out our blog titled "Barrier Wall Styles and Uses"

BUY AND SELL WITH EIFFEL TRADING

In addition to used barrier wall, Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace has a wide variety of heavy civil materials, including used steel plates, used HDPE pipe, and used H Pile beams. Plus, our online marketplace has a host of used equipment, ranging from used dump trucks to used excavators and much more.

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.