Tips & Advice Posts

The F-shape barrier is a concrete crash barrier used to divide lanes of traffic on a highway. Much like the widely-used Jersey barriers, F-shape barriers are designed to prevent head-on collisions while at the same time minimizing damage to incoming vehicles and preventing vehicle rollovers. F-shape barriers were designed as a modification on the Jersey barrier and are generally considered safer, though they are not as widely used.

1) F-Shape Barriers are Not Jersey Barriers (But They’re Similar)

Before the concrete highway barrier, wooden guardrails were used to divide lanes of highway traffic. Though these wooden beams managed to stop small accidents, they weren’t all that effective in preventing serious head-on collisions, since vehicles could easily crash through the wood at high speeds. As a solution, the first concrete road barriers were introduced in California in 1946, and their design was quickly adapted and improved by the state of New Jersey. Today, we call these barriers "Jersey barriers", and they’re the most widely used concrete barriers on highways and in road construction.The F-shape barrier serves all the same functions as a Jersey barrier, and is in fact merely an improvement on the Jersey barrier’s design. F-shape barriers are generally better at preventing rollover accidents and are considered safer.

2) F-Shape Barriers Are Safer than Jersey Barriers

When Jersey barriers were introduced, they were designed not only to stop head-on collisions, but also to minimize the damage to incoming cars. In shallow-angle hits, a car’s tires will ride up the sloped face of the barrier, which forces the car to pivot away from oncoming traffic and back into its original direction. Furthermore, this “slide” prevents vehicles from rolling over. The problem is that if a car is too small, Jersey barriers are less effective, and the car might roll over anyway. For this reason, the F-shape barrier was created.At a glance, F-shape barriers and Jersey barriers look the same. They both have the same 3-inch-high base and feature a sloping side. The difference is that the F-shape barrier features a side that slopes 10 inches above the pavement, while the Jersey barrier has a 13-inch slope. This three inch difference allows the F-shape barrier to better absorb proportional impacts from smaller vehicles. A series of studies (both computer simulated tests and real-life, full-scale crash tests) have proven that this tweak to the F-shape barrier design does indeed improve performance.

3) The F-Shape Barrier Is Not Shaped Like an F

Oddly, an F-shape barrier looks more like a T. Its name, however, isn’t arbitrary. When researchers were testing the efficacy of the F-shape barrier design, they created a series of computer simulations with profiles labeled A through F. The result showed that the profile labeled F performed better than the others (including the Jersey barrier), hence the name “F-shape.”

4) The F-Shape Barrier Is Not As Widely Used

Despite its higher safety ratings, the F-shape barrier has yet to supplant the Jersey barrier. Since Jersey barriers are already widely in use and meet standard crash-test criteria, state contractors choose to keep them rather than spend the money replacing them. Similarly, most states have already invested in the Jersey-shape casting forms, and states believe that changing the profiles would cost too much money.

5) Jersey Barriers Can Be Modified Into an F-Shape

Jersey barriers and F-shape barriers are similar in design—it’s only the distance from the ground to their slope break points that differs. (The break point of the F-shape is 10 inches, while the Jersey barrier break point is 13 inches). This lower slope break point is what reduces a vehicle’s lift and therefore reduces the chance of a rollover.Because the two designs are so similar, asphalt resurfacing can convert the Jersey shape barrier into a more F-shape-like barrier that is safer for smaller cars. The only issue is that increasing the layers of asphalt will reduce the working height of the barrier, which in turn reduces its effectiveness for larger vehicles.To learn more about other types of barrier wall, check out this blog on "Barrier Wall Styles and Uses."

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Jersey barriers are tapered, concrete barriers commonly seen along highway medians. While they have many functions, their main purpose is to prevent out-of-control vehicles from crossing over into oncoming traffic and causing a head-on collision. Though jersey barriers have been around for decades, their name often raises questions. So why, exactly, is it called a Jersey barrier?

The Jersey Barrier’s Origins

Before the Jersey barrier, highways often utilized weaker wooden guardrails to separate lanes of traffic. While these wooden dividers managed to stop minor crashes, they weren’t strong enough to prevent serious head-on collisions, particularly as speed limits continued to rise and the average vehicle velocity increased. As a response to this issue, concrete barriers were installed in their place.The first concrete road barrier was introduced in California in 1946 along a dangerous stretch of highway nicknamed “Dead Man’s Curve,” which was notorious for causing deadly head-on collisions due to its deeply sloped, curved nature. The original concrete barriers used to divide Dead Man’s Curve were short—no taller than 18 inches—but they managed to decrease the number of deadly accidents and were a first step in evolving highway safety methods.

The State of New Jersey Expanded Upon the Idea

A few years after the introduction of concrete partitions in California, the state of New Jersey decided that it wanted to develop similar structures for their own highways. Engineers used the basic concept of a concrete divider as a starting point, creating progressively larger, safer and more effective models. They began reinforcing the barriers with embedded steel that protrudes from each end of a segment, allowing the barriers to be linked together with additional concrete that can be poured on site. (In this way, the barriers can be made permanent). Similarly, engineers progressively increased the height of the barriers from 19 inches to 32 inches, and tweaked the side slope to minimize the damage to incoming cars. These barriers developed in New Jersey are the same barriers we now see today, hence the name “Jersey barrier.”As an interesting side note, the first concrete barriers developed in New Jersey were not tested in a controlled setting. Instead, New Jersey simply installed the barriers on highways and used real-world crash data to make decisions on their continued improvement and redesign.

The Evolution of Jersey Barriers Today

Today, Jersey barriers are more technologically advanced than they seem. Not only do they stop head-on collisions, but they also mitigate the damage to the incoming car. Jersey barriers are designed in such a way that if a vehicle careens into the concrete, its tires will ride up the sloped face of the barrier, forcing the vehicle to turn away from oncoming traffic and back in the direction it’s meant to go. Similarly, this “sliding” effect up the side of the barrier reduces damage to the car (since the wheels take most of the hit) and can prevent cars from rolling over.Though Jersey barriers were initially developed as highway partitions, they now serve a wide range of functions. They’re commonly used as dividers during construction projects or to temporarily reroute traffic where needed. Even the U.S. military has found a use for Jersey barriers—they are sometimes seen on military bases to slow traffic, and have been used in warzones to ward against bomb threats.

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The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) details requirements for precast, temporary concrete barrier wall in Section 619 of their Department’s Standard Specification for temporary concrete barrier. NYSDOT section 619 deals with protection and maintenance of traffic specifically. According to New York regulations, barrier walls must adhere to the requirements of the DOT’s Standard Sheets or approved Material Details. Based on Section 619, here’s some info about the types of barrier walls currently approved in New York:

1. New Jersey Shape

This includes 3658 mm (12'-0") long, 6096 mm (20'-0") long, and 3048 mm (10'-0") long varieties of New Jersey shape barrier. It also includes barrier that is a combination of 3658 mm (12'-0") and 6096 (20'-0") long, if the components are properly connected. The following model numbers are approved: MB12-PC, MB10-PC, MB20-PC, and 1220-PCB.All New Jersey shape barrier wall must be manufactured by J-J Hooks for use in New York following Easi-Set standards. Easi-Set Industries/J-J Hooks use the FHWA-approved dimensions, which are extensively crash tested. All New Jersey barrier wall must have Class AA concrete with a strength of at least 5,000 psi. Steel used must be ASTM A-36. Reinforcing bars should be ASTM A-615, Grade 60, and welded bars should be ASTM A-706, Grade 60. The barrier wall also needs to be cast in steel forms that have a standard weight aggregate and that have 5.0 to 9.0% entrained air content. Barriers need to be installed using maximum separation to reduce deflection upon impact. Additionally, any surfaces welded together need to have no moisture, rust, slag, or grease on their surfaces.

2. New York Tapered Jersey Style

This is the Jersey shaped end unit barrier approved for use in New York. It is 6086 mm (20'-0") long. Other specs include: Class AA concrete with 5,000 psi strength, ASTM A-36 steel, ASTM A-16, Grade 60 rebars, and ASTM A-706 welded bars. This barrier wall also must be produced by J-J Hooks using Easi-Set safety standards.

3. T-LOK F-Shape Barrier

This is a newer type of barrier with an F-shape that maximizes strength and safety in the event of a collision. It’s produced by T-LOK in Harrisburg, Virginia for specific use in the state of New York. The minimum compressive strength of its concrete at 28 days should be 4,000 psi. Reinforcement steel must be ASTM 615, Grade 60. T-LOK F-shape barrier can be cast anywhere from 12 feet to 20 feet in length in increments of two feet. This type of barrier needs to meet the requirements established by the N.Y.S. Steel Construction Manual. This type of barrier wall must never be mixed with New Jersey style. It must be used exclusively on its own. And, likewise, all New Jersey barrier wall must be used on its own. The two different types of barrier wall are incompatible to use with each other, and improperly mixing them together can create significant safety risks on roads and highways.Keep in mind that when purchasing barrier wall for the state of New York, the supplier is required to submit approved Materials Details (two copies of the details) by way of the contractor to the engineer in order to assure that the barrier wall is accepted for use in New York. This must be done at least ten days before any barrier wall is used on the road. This rule helps the NYSDOT guarantee that all precast concrete barrier wall is the proper kind before road projects begin. And, ultimately, it helps contractors and engineers avoid delays or difficulties due to having acquired the incorrect type of barrier.As temporary precast concrete barrier wall standards change from state to state, it is important to stay updated on the varying regulations. We previously published blogs defining the standards about precast barrier wall specifications in Ohio, barrier wall variations and regulations in Florida, etc. In addition, here is an overview of barrier wall styles and uses in general.

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Jersey barriers, also known as Jersey walls and Jersey bumps, are concrete or plastic barriers used to separate lanes of traffic. These barriers were originally designed to prevent highway vehicles from veering out of their lane and into oncoming traffic, but they’ve since been adapted for use in construction zones to protect workers, city sidewalks to protect pedestrians, and even in warzones to ward against attacks such as vehicle bombs. Here are seven things you should know about used Jersey barrier:

1) There’s a Story Behind Their Name

Before the Jersey Barrier, wooden beam guardrails were used to divide highway traffic. Unfortunately, these guardrails were weak and did little to stop serious head-on collisions. The first concrete road barriers were introduced in California in 1946 along “Dead Man’s Curve”—a dangerous, sloped stretch of road notorious for causing head-on collisions—as a solution to the growing issue of deadly accidents. A few years after the introduction of these concrete partitions, the state of New Jersey decided to invest in developing similar structures to use on their own hazardous stretches of highway. These barriers are now the standard we see today, hence the name “Jersey barrier.”

2) They’re Often Made of Concrete, But Not Always

A typical Jersey barrier is made of steel-reinforced poured concrete. The embedded steel reinforcements protrude from each end, allowing the barriers to be linked together with additional concrete that can be poured on site. In this way, the barriers can be made permanent.Some situations, however, call for barriers that are temporary or easy to move. In these cases, hollow polyethylene barriers may be used. These plastic barriers are usually filled with water or sand after being place on site to provide a level of crash protection and stability. Unlike their concrete counterparts, plastic Jersey barriers are not designed to deflect vehicles, and cars may still crash through them.

3) They’re More Sophisticated Than They Seem

Jersey barriers are not only designed to stop head-on collisions, but also to minimize the damage to the incoming car. In common shallow-angle hits, the vehicle’s tires ride up the lower sloped face of the barrier, which forces the vehicle to pivot away from oncoming traffic and back into its original direction. Furthermore, this “slide” and redirection up the side of the barrier can prevent vehicles from rolling over.

4) In Addition to Preventing Collisions, Jersey Barriers Save Money

When Jersey barriers were introduced, their function was twofold: they would minimize the number of out-of-control vehicles penetrating highway barriers while also eliminating the need for costly (and dangerous) repairs to damaged medians. This is particularly apt in highway locations with high accident rates and narrow medians. With the use of Jersey barriers, highways are not only safer for drivers, but they’re more cost-effective and safer for road workers, too.

5) They’ve Gotten Larger Over Time

Originally, Jersey barriers measured 19 inches high and 30 inches wide. Though the original barriers successfully reduced wrecks, New Jersey state highway engineers continued to improve the design, creating progressively larger models based on the number of accidents observed while the barriers were in use. (Interestingly, the barriers were not tested in a controlled setting before implementation, and data for their redesign was based on real-world crash statistics). Today, the standard Jersey barrier is 32 inches tall with a 13-inch side slope.

6) They Are Sometimes Confused with F-Shape Barriers

As mentioned above, Jersey barriers are designed to prevent rollover accidents. However, if a car is too small, Jersey barriers are less effective and the car might roll over anyway. For this reason, an alternate barrier was created, called the F-Shape barrier. F-Shape barriers have the same 3-inch-high base as a Jersey barrier, but they feature a side that slopes 10 inches above the pavement (rather than the 13-inch side slope of the Jersey barrier), which better allows them to absorb proportional impacts from smaller vehicles.

7) They’ve Been Adapted for a Wide Array of Uses

Though Jersey barriers began as a highway partition, they’ve since been adapted for a wide array of uses. Today, Jersey barriers are commonly employed as a generic, portable barrier during construction projects, or to temporarily reroute traffic on highways during rush hour. Similarly, the U.S. military nicknamed the barriers “Qaddafi Blocks” after truck bomb attacks in Beirut in 1982 resulted in more widespread use of the barriers in military operations. Jersey barriers are sometimes deployed to slow traffic arriving at a military base or other secure area.Not sure which barrier wall is permissible in your state? Check out our blogs on barrier wall variations and key regulations in Florida, Ohio, and Texas.

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We can help you save money on your next project! Our online marketplace has a wide variety of used jersey barrier, used k-rail barrier, and used f shape barrier, in addition to our selection of heavy equipment, including used dozers and used cranes for sale .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.

While many are familiar with the highly-common steel sheet pile, other sheet pile material options such as vinyl, concrete, and wood are also available. Because sheet pile is used for a wide variety of applications, there are many factors that go into choosing which type of piling material is best suited for your project. While steel sheet pile is much more mainstream than its vinyl counterpart, vinyl sheet piling has many unique benefits.

AVAILABILITY

Vinyl sheet piling is relatively new in comparison to other application types, as it came on the market in the 1990s. It is made of modified PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and is usually manufactured by general extrusion, where it is melted and pushed through a die. Because of its material makeup, vinyl sheet piling is relatively inexpensive in comparison to its counterparts. In addition, vinyl sheet piling can be manufactured in multiple configurations, similar to steel and metal piling. The most common shape of vinyl sheet pile is the Z-sheet, which has male and female interlockings similar to those of other material. Vinyl sheets come in a variety of other shapes, with corner pieces and intersection pieces offered as well.

BENEFITS

Because of its makeup, vinyl sheet piling is most sufficient for marine applications such as sea walls, flood control, and bulkheads. In comparison to its alternatives, vinyl sheet piling is the most corrosion-resistant and is said to have the longest service life. Some manufacturers even claim that their vinyl sheet pile products will last over 50 years. Steel sheet piling is greatly influenced by corrosion from moisture, saline, and pollution, and may require routine maintenance and protective coatings which becomes expensive over time. In contrary, vinyl sheet piling is unaffected by the marine borers (crustaceans, mollusks, etc.) that are attracted to other material options. Considering its longevity and durability, vinyl sheet piling is extremely cost efficient and provides great value for its cost.

DISADVANTAGES

The major downfall of using vinyl sheet piling is its lack of strength in comparison to steel alternatives. Because of this, vinyl sheet piling is best used for marine applications that do not require as deep of foundations, such as seawalls and bulkheads. Therefore, it is important that the required material strength is considered when planning for a project. In addition, because of steel sheet pile’s popularity, there is more availability in the used material market. As vinyl sheet pile grows in demand over time, more used options will become available.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall, vinyl sheet pile is a considerable option for your next marine construction project. It boasts great cost value, a long service life, and a corrosion-resistant makeup. These unique benefits can be of great benefit to your next project!

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Looking for used or surplus material for an upcoming project? Check out our selection of used and surplus sheet pile, used access trestle, used crane mats, and so much more. In addition, our online marketplace has a wide variety of used equipment, including various types of trucks, push boats, and ringer cranes.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.

Ohio has very particular, fairly stringent regulations when it comes to approved barrier walls. Barrier walls from other states are strictly not approved for use in the state. This means that, although approved barriers look very similar to Jersey shape barriers used in other states, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) mandates specific design requirements for their precast concrete barrier walls. ODOT has marked all compliant precast concrete barrier walls with “350,” indicating that they adhere to the requirements laid out in the National Cooperative Highway Research Program's Report 350. Without this marking, a barrier wall is not approved for use in Ohio. Any barrier walls that were used prior to 2008 that did not meet requirements have been phased out. Additionally, even if a barrier wall from another state meets Report 350 requirements, it should not be used in Ohio unless it has been marked by the department.Currently, there are three types of precast concrete barrier walls that have the greenlight from ODOT:1. 32-inch barrier (RM – 4.2) – This barrier wall is either made with concrete and reinforcing steel or welded wire fabric. The strength of its concrete must be at least 4,000 psi. This barrier wall is not approved for use on bridge deck edges. Its ¾-inch hinge bars must be ASTM A 36. Its rebars need to meet ASTM A 615, Grade 60 requirements. Additionally, all bolts, washers, and hex nuts used in the construction of the barrier wall must be galvanized. All RM – 4.2 barrier walls should be marked with the year cast and marked with “WWF” if welded wire fabric was used instead of rebar.2. 50-inch barrier (RM – 4.1) – Many of the specifications beyond size of the approved 50-inch barrier are similar to the specifications for the approved 32-inch barrier. The concrete must be at least 4,000 psi in strength. Rebar or approved welded wire fabric may be used. If welded wire fabric is used, it must be labeled on the barrier wall. Its hinge bars need to be ASTM A 36, and its rebar needs to be ASTM A 615, Grade 60. Washers, bolts, and nuts must be galvanized. One thing to note is that if 50-inch barrier wall is attached to 32-inch barrier wall, ODOT-approved Impact Attenuators need to be used.3. J-J Hooks PCB – This is a New Jersey shape barrier wall specifically manufactured for use in Ohio by the company, J-J Hooks, using Easi-Set’s specs to meet Report 350 TL-3 requirements. This barrier wall must be made with a third rebar, and it needs to have been manufactured after 1999. All approved JJ-Hooks precast concrete barrier wall is stamped with “350.”Note: For in-depth details about necessary measurements for both 32-inch barrier and 50-inch barrier in Ohio, please consult ODOT's official specifications.ODOT has also recently released a draft with specifications for a new, approved F-shape barrier. It is a Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) compliant concrete barrier. The design of this barrier wall is based on recommendations by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) in their official manual. This new barrier type will help reduce damage to vehicles and to the barrier wall itself. ODOT seems to still be outlining the specifics of this new concrete barrier wall in terms of their regulations, but they recently published a draft outlining some of its features.As a substitute for precast concrete barrier wall, some specific steel barrier types are allowed in Ohio. These include the Zoneguard Steel Traffic Barrier and the Vulcan Barrier, which is a portable steel longitudinal barrier. For more information about approved substitutes, consult ODOT's guidelines.

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Eiffel Trading helps customers buy and sell used and surplus barrier wall, as well as other types of used and surplus material including used HDPE pipe, used trestle, used steel plates and much more. We also help customers buy and sell used heavy equipment, including used dump trucks and used vibratory hammers.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.

Each state has different regulations regarding the types of barrier walls that may be used and regarding proper installation of those barrier walls. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has specific regulations that allow for a select few different types of precast concrete traffic barrier wall. This is to ensure the safety of drivers and road crews and help prevent damage to vehicles and road infrastructure. According to FDOT regulations, barrier walls in Florida may be F-shape or Jersey shape, depending on their condition, the year they were produced, and other factors. Here are the three types of barrier wall currently approved in Florida:1. FDOT Type K (415) Temporary Concrete Barrier – This is an F-Shape barrier. It must be manufactured in a prestressed concrete plant that adheres to specific state regulations. The strength of its concrete per barrier unit must exceed 5,000 psi. Generally, the reinforcing steel of this type of barrier wall should be ASTM A 615, Grade 60.2. FDOT 415 Temporary Concrete Barrier – This type of barrier wall is only permissible if it was manufactured before October 1, 2002 and is still in good condition. Its condition must be tested before use to verify that it meets required standards. It also must have met FDOT standards at the time it was manufactured as well as current FDOT standards for installation. It can either be Jersey barrier or F-shape.3. NCHRP 350 Test Level 3 Approved Concrete Barrier – These can be F-shape or Jersey shaped barrier walls that pass the stringent Level 3 tests created by the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP). The NCHRP tests barrier wall systems, end treatments, breakaway devices, and crash cushions that are used on roads nationwide.And here are some important regulations regarding installation to keep in mind:• It violates regulations to mix/attach different types of barrier wall together. F-shape and Jersey shape barrier should never be attached in a continuous run together, even if they are both independently approved for use. Only barrier wall of the same type should be intermixed.• Individual units must have similar end connections. When installing a run of barrier wall, all individual units in the run must come with the same connections appropriate to their type: 414, 415, or NCHRP-approved. They also must be securely connected for installation to be complete.• Wall units are not permissible. They are not approved for use with permanent barrier system construction, regardless of their size. There are some exceptions to this, with special approval from FDOT.• It’s essential to follow plan specifications. If FDOT-approved plan specifications for a road project dictate that a certain type of barrier wall should be used, it should not be substituted with another type of barrier wall. If plans dictate that concrete walls must be used, plastic, water-filled walls are not permissible. In general, plastic, water-filled walls should never be substituted on major roads without prior approval from FDOT, which depends on road-specific conditions and the scope of a road project that may require them.• Barriers in work zones must have approved lights mounted to them. Approved lights are Type C Steady-Burn. In transitions, they should be spaced at 50’ centers, on curves at 100’ centers, and 200’ centers on tangent roadways. Lights must be replaced promptly if they burn out or begin to have electrical issues.Using the right type of barrier wall and following rules when it comes to installation will help you avoid trouble with FDOT and help ensure safety on the roads. Always make sure to thoroughly check the condition of any barrier wall before you install it and after it’s in place.

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The Eiffel Trading team is committed to helping you save money by purchasing used and surplus heavy equipment and construction material. Our barrier wall inventory ranges from used used F-Shape barrier, used Jersey barrier, used K-rail barrier, and much more.In addition to material, we can help you source used equipment, such as used crawler cranes and used deck barges.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.

There are a variety of barrier walls used on highways and major roads throughout Texas. With so much road, Texas requires mass amounts of barrier wall to help protect drivers and help prevent damage to road construction projects. Based on regulations of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), only some types of barrier walls are permissible in Texas, but Texas does have more lenient regulations than many states, and most of the major types of PCTB (Precast Concrete Traffic Barrier) available throughout the U.S. are permisseable in Texas. Here is a quick overview of barrier wall variations in the Lone Star State:

Jersey Barrier

This is the most common kind of PCTB (Precast Concrete Traffic Barrier). used Jersey barrier wall was first engineered in New Jersey in the 1950s, hence the name, and has been popular throughout the country since. Jersey barriers are specifically designed to minimize damage to vehicles in the event of collisions thanks to their lower sloped faces, which allow car tires to ride up their walls. Their design and shape also helps prevent a vehicle that hits them from bouncing off and swerving into another lane. Jersey barriers come in several different sizes, making them ideal for a variety of road conditions. Sometimes, you may hear water-filled plastic barriers referred to as jersey barriers if they meet shape requirements.

Texas Barrier

Usually between 5 and 10-feet tall, Texas barriers come with the advantage of a rectangular ledge that helps prevent destruction to both vehicles and the barrier wall itself. They’re shaped very similarly to Alaska Barrier, which is the tallest type of PCTB (Precast Concrete Traffic Barrier), clocking in at 20-feet tall.

F-Shape Barrier

used F-Shape barrier is one of the newest types of barriers, and it’s engineered for maximum safety. It has a special shape that helps prevent damage to vehicles beyond what a Jersey barrier can provide. The “F” shape of this barrier helps absorb impact energy, reduce vehicle lift on impact, and also helps prevent car rollover. You can expect to see more F-shape barrier walls in Texas in the coming years, as this type of wall goes above and beyond in terms of safety.

Single Slope Barrier

Single slope barrier consists of reinforced concrete that has a single slope in order to separate lanes and offer protection between them. This is the top choice PCTB (Precast Concrete Traffic Barrier) for roads that are being repaved or resurfaced because variations in asphalt height don’t impact its ability to prevent damage to vehicles. Single slope barrier is also great for use on curved ramps and ramps that are both curved and elevated.

Low-Profile Barrier

This wall type was popularized in Florida but has become increasingly common in Texas. It’s only around 12-18 inches in height and is used to shield cars from obstructions like light poles and trees. It’s lightweight and portable, but because of its shape, it is not suitable for heavy duty jobs or a suitable replacement for any of the other options listed above. It does not meet regulations for many situations and placements on the road but works for small-scale jobs.The types of barrier walls listed above help keep Texas drivers safe and help road projects accomplish their goals. Barrier walls have saved countless lives across the U.S. and Texas, and innovations in barrier wall design like those seen in F-Shape barrier and constant slope barrier are impressive feats. It will be exciting to see what innovations in barrier wall construction happen in the coming years and hit the Texas highways and roads.

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We want to help you save money on barrier wall! Our online marketplace currently has a wide range of barrier wall inventory, includingused jersey barrier, f-shape barrier, and used single slope barrier. In addition, check out our selection of heavy equipment, ranging from used rough terrain cranes to used sectional barges.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.

Proper use of formwork is essential in preventing collapses during concrete construction. Concrete formwork that isn’t used as it should be poses safety risks for workers, can slow down a project, and can affect the overall quality of the project upon completion. Despite the important role formwork plays in concrete construction, formwork fails are still common. Luckily, they’re avoidable if the necessary precautions are taken. Here are nine key ways to prevent concrete formwork fails and costly collapses:1. Use pre-fabricated formwork if possible. Opting for pre-fabricated formwork, rather than formwork you construct on-site, helps minimize errors that can occur as a part of the on-site construction process. It also speeds things up and tends to lower costs associated with life-cycle, which are definitely perks too.2. Make sure the formwork is strong enough for the job. It has to be sturdy enough to take on the weight of the concrete during a pour and during vibration. It also has to be strong enough to support workers, equipment, and incidental loads. Making sure you have the proper strength of formwork before a pour begins is one of the most important things you can do. Formwork that isn’t tough enough for the job can cause major headaches and put workers at risk.3. Take caution with older formwork. Formwork is meant to be re-used, and re-using it makes sense from an economic standpoint. Be careful, though, to diligently inspect and test older formwork. Over time, its load capacity can diminish, and you shouldn’t necessarily use the capacity data from when the formwork was new to estimate how much it can support. Expect its load capacity to change over time, and test it to see what it can sustain.4. Secure the formwork in place. It has to be properly stationed and braced, vertically and horizontally, to allow for the right shape once a pour begins. Joints should be tight to protect against leakage. Levels must have a planar surface, and formwork should be set to the required line. Of course, it should also rest on a secure foundation or base.5. Inspect once in place. Have a qualified employee make sure formwork is ready to provide enough support for the job. Make sure the person doing the inspection isn’t underqualified or inexperienced. Formwork that appears secure to the untrained eye isn’t always durable enough. That’s why it’s so important to have formwork inspected by someone who knows what to look for.6. Ensure that all components are properly connected. Loose connections may make dismantling quicker and easier, but they can also result in serious collapses. Make sure nails, bolts, and wedges are in place, tight, and secure.7. Don’t remove formwork too early. It’s imperative that formwork stay in place until concrete is adequately cured. If a project is on a strict deadline, it can be tempting to remove formwork early to use it for another pour. This, however, isn’t a good idea and can result in damage to the concrete and the formwork.8. Install shoring correctly. Shoring that isn’t properly installed is one of the leading causes of formwork fails. Without adequate shoring, jobsites are at risk for collapses due to impact from debris and concrete. Shoring needs to be installed so that it provides an uninterrupted load path from the foundation to the formwork.9. Never proceed without a firm foundation. Without a firm foundation, there’s a risk of failure to transfer a load to the base/ground. An inadequate foundation also reduces the formwork’s carrying capacity. Make sure your foundation is secure and not placed in weak subsoil.

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Eiffel Trading helps customers buy and sell used concrete formwork, as well as other types of used heavy equipment like used concrete pump-mixers, used excavators, and much more. We also help customers buy and sell used and surplus materials, like used sheet pile, and used crane mats.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.

Directional boring is also sometimes referred to as horizontal drilling, deviated drilling, or horizontal directional drilling (HDD). Horizontal directional drilling is often the term used for large-scale projects that require larger machinery. In general, directional boring involves the use of a surface-launched drilling machine to dig precise, pre-established underground paths. It’s an attractive alternative to trenching, and, increasingly, energy companies and oil and gas companies are opting for directional boring rather than traditional trenching because of its efficiency and other benefits. In the oil and gas realm specifically, directional boring is often used for drilling wells through rock.Directional boring is also a great method for drilling into the ground for the purpose of installing utilities and pipes. This is because it minimally disturbs the ground surface while digging along the necessary path with maximum precision. Directional boring is also often used to make crossings under roads and bodies of water where pipes can be installed. If you’re wondering about some of the specific advantages directional boring offers, here are five to consider:1. It doesn’t disturb the ground or its surroundings. This is the main advantage it has over traditional trenching. Trenching isn’t ideal for places where the ground can’t be disturbed (such as high-traffic roadways) or for digging near buildings and other structures. Directional boring can dig under buildings and other structures as well as roadways without causing damage to anything above ground. It also allows for the installation of pipes underground, under bodies of water like rivers. This is something traditional trenching simply can’t do.2. It’s better for the environment. It decreases groundwater pollution in comparison to trenching. And it also doesn’t disturb the ecosystem of the digging site. Additionally, it results in fewer fractures in rocky areas than trenching, which means rock formations are preserved and protected.3. It’s handy in combination with traditional trenching. One reason directional boring hasn’t completely eclipsed traditional trenching in popularity is because its operational costs are higher. Oftentimes, projects that use trenching also will use directional boring too, however. Traditional trenching can take care of the bulk of the work, and then directional boring can be used for fine-tuned digging under or around obstructive structures.4. It’s a safer alternative. Trenching creates safety risks and requires protective systems to be used to prevent serious accidents onsite. For some trenching safety tips, be sure to read our previous article on the subject. There’s a lot involved in ensuring workers are safe in the trenches. Since directional boring cuts a precise path that minimally disturbs the ground, workers are much less at risk for falling or having to deal with rocks and debris falling around them. Plus, directional boring is safe in all weather conditions. Trenching is hazardous when it’s raining or snowing or has recently rained. This, of course, also translates to less downtime on digging projects due to inclement weather and project completion without unexpected delays.5. It’s faster. As mentioned, directional boring is technically costlier, but it’s also a lot quicker and more efficient than trenching. With directional boring, less dirt gets displaced, there’s less dirt to put back into place, and there’s less to dispose of and deal with once a digging job is complete. Directional boring makes cleanup easy. This speeds things up, and since time is money, directional boring may in some ways make up for its higher upfront costs due to its efficiency. On a related note, directional boring also requires fewer operators and workers. This means workers who would be trenching can work on other aspects of the project and accelerate things even further.

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Eiffel Trading helps customers buy and sell used utility equipment, as well as other types of used heavy equipment like vibratory hammers, dozers, and much more. We also help customers buy and sell used material, like steel pipe and wide flange beams.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.