Case Study

MULTI APPLICATION SAFETY SYSTEM (ASSET MASS)

MINIGUARD® TOPS THE GRADE IN PEMBROKESHIRE

1,640m of galvanised ASSET MASS MINIGUARD® was chosen to provide a permanent footway road barrier which blended in with the bridge structure. Pembrokeshire County Council felt that in its base form, the galvanised ASSET MASS units would be aesthetically pleasing and more in keeping with the bridge, rather than in the usual highly visible red and white powder coated configuration.

New wider footways and cycle paths were created from the existing traffic lane configuration. This natural carriageway re-alignment enables overall bridge loading to be reduced and the outer bridge cantilever sections now carry only foot traffic. The ASSET MASS MINIGUARD® barrier stops accidental wheel loading on these cantilevers and acts as a traffic delineator between pedestrians and vehicular traffic.

The barrier is fixed every 100m to steel plates welded on to the deck. In case of an accident or barrier sections needing to be replaced, ‘easy open’ sections have been developed by ASSET which allows one 1,500mm section to be removed by retracting locating pins and sliding out the barrier sideways. Once removed, the remaining barrier can be easily disconnected enabling access to the damaged section. Each 100m long section incorporates ‘easy open’ units. No tools are required for assembly or disassembly.

Pembrokeshire County Council Bridge Engineer, Kevin Lowther, helped to develop the system in conjunction with ASSET engineers. Mr Lowther comments, “The life expectancy of this bridge refurbishment is 30 years and we needed a barrier system which would stand the test of time, provide excellent protection and be easy to maintain. The ASSET MASS units can be lifted manually by two men and removed in the back of a van. With this system of quick and easy barrier replacement we can keep lane closures and traffic management to a minimum, should an accident occur. The barrier also, after weathering, blends in well with the bridge deck creating a very aesthetically pleasing appearance.”