3-AXE Seismic Bridge Barrier
MDS 3-AXE Seismic Bridge Expansion Joint Barrier
Movement without losing the safety line.
The MDS 3‑AXE seismic bridge barrier maintains roadway restraint continuity across expansion joints while accommodating longitudinal, transverse, vertical and compound movement.
Discuss your bridge jointA barrier discontinuity at the point of greatest movement.
Bridge segments can move independently at expansion joints. A conventional rigid transition can bind, separate or overload its attachment points when the joint opens, closes or offsets.
The 3‑AXE system combines fixed end sections, telescoping central elements and articulated hinge assemblies to follow the joint while preserving the vehicle-facing barrier envelope.
One continuous protection system.
Longitudinal
Nested elements extend and retract as the expansion joint opens and closes.
Transverse
Articulated ends accommodate lateral offset between adjacent bridge segments.
Vertical
Hinge geometry permits elevation change and compound movement.
Pattullo Bridge Replacement
Completed in December 2025, the Pattullo Bridge delivery included project-specific lateral and median configurations developed for multiple pier locations and demanding seismic movement combinations.
| Reference attribute | Pattullo configuration |
|---|---|
| Barrier levels | TL‑4 and TL‑5 project designs |
| Applications | Outer/lateral and center median |
| Largest scheduled S3 seismic inputs | Ux +1,376 / −1,328.683 mm; Uy up to ±857 mm; Uz up to 77 mm |
| Functional movement test | X, Y, Z and compound movements accepted |
Values describe the supplied Pattullo Bridge reference documentation and are not universal product limits.
Designed, analyzed, fabricated and functionally verified.
Project analysis
Finite-element assessment of barrier components, load transfer, anchors and deflection under specified TL‑4/TL‑5 force combinations.
Movement verification
Factory functional testing of longitudinal sliding, transverse misalignment, vertical misalignment and compound movement.
Delivery support
Project drawings, preassembled modules, installation procedures, access provisions and inspection guidance.
Bring MDS into the joint-design conversation early.
Send the required barrier performance level, expansion-joint movement table, adjacent barrier geometry, anchorage zone and installation constraints.
mdsbarriers.comMDS Barriers • 610 N. Mountain Rd • Newington, CT 06111 USA
Final suitability, code compliance, anchorage and structural interfaces require project-specific engineering and approval by the owner and engineer of record.