Aluminum Pedestals

Aluminum rails are designed for mounting on top of concrete Jersey barriers to provide additional safety measures. While the jersey barrier runs alongside of a roadway or in the  middle to separate lanes of traffic and prevent vehicle crossovers resulting in a likely head-on collisions, vehicles such as trucks, buses, and other heavier vehicles tend to slide along the tops of concrete barriers during impact, it is important to keep the vehicles upright as well as keeping the tops of these barriers free of signs, fences, luminaire supports, and other appurtenances that could snag the vehicle and cause it to yaw.

The aluminum rails on top of the Jersey barriers provide a smooth surface for the vehicles to slide along, reducing the risk of accidents.

The difference between a single rail and double rail on top of a concrete barrier along a roadway is that a single rail is a barrier system consisting of a rail and supports, while a double rail is a barrier system consisting of two rails and supports. The height of the barrier is also different between the two systems. For example, the height of a single-slope concrete bridge rail is 32 inches, while the height of a median barrier is 42 inches.

Considering the weight of a concrete barrier per foot. Reducing the height of the concrete barrier and using a single or double height aluminum rail will greatly reduce the deadweight across the length of the bridge and deck. The advantage of reducing the height of a barrier and adding a lightweight aluminum rail to reach the specified height of 32” or 42” reduces the structural steel required to support the extra weight dead weight saving on material costs. Also by reducing the height of the barrier and adding a single or double rail system can provide aesthetic views for vehicles passing over bridges.