The essence of an effective barrier is a combination of its shape, durability, but most crucially, its weight. This is why concrete is an effective choice when considering what to use a for the material of a barrier.
With that being said, in this blog, we will explore the question ‘How much does a concrete barrier weigh?’
At PPC Concrete Products, we are here to provide solutions for your construction needs, from the person working their own part-time project, to commercial clients, and everyone in-between.
Monthly construction output had risen an estimated by an 1.6% value in June 2023, and we would like to think our accessible concrete products had a small part to play by giving our clients easy access to reliable and easy-to-use construction solutions.
Why do we require barriers?
Barriers can be constructed from a variety of materials. This could be concrete, metal, wood, or plastic. Barriers come in different shapes, but the function is the same.
The function of a barrier is simply to prevent, or limit, access to a site or area. This could be for security reasons, safety reasons, or a combination of both.
Generally, barriers are used to prevent members of the public from accessing construction areas, or creating a safe path for them to navigate through beside a construction site.
Barriers, specifically concrete barriers, prevent vehicles from entering sites by force. This can prevent large scale damage to the building, and prevent large scale theft of site equipment/ installations.
Is a concrete barrier the best option?
Concrete barriers are the best option when it comes to the following factors…
- Weight
- Durability
- Shape (with the best centre of gravity)
Although concrete barriers are usually impossible to move without heavy lifting equipment, this isn’t a problem typically, as you are aware of the heavy lifting equipment that is on your site. Seeing an unfamiliar piece of lifting equipment handling the barriers could be an indication that someone is trying to tamper with your barriers.
The uses of a concrete barrier
Although the purpose of a concrete barrier is quite simple, its level of application is wide. Here is where some concrete barriers can be used.
- For perimeter protection during events (crowd control), construction and more.
- For temporary construction works.
- To protect workers from hazards such as heavy machinery.
- To ensure the safety of motorways and dual carriageways under work
- For security barriers at open rail lines.
- To support a large, temporary structure, such as scaffolding, a stage, or a marquee tent.
- To block unwanted vehicles from the site in question.
- For docking next to waterways.
- For creating parking bays.
- For securing a vacant area.
- For preventing fly-tipping.
- To be used as a base for public seating, public artwork or a public garden feature.
- For use in a public playground or skate park.
How much does a concrete barrier weigh?
Our regular sized concrete barriers weigh just under two and a half tonnes. The weight can fluctuate depending on the size of the concrete barrier you choose to order. This level of weight guarantees that our concrete barriers can not be moved with conventional means, heavy lifting equipment is required.
Why should a concrete barrier be heavy?
Concrete is a naturally dense material due to the collection of ingredients within it, resulting in its heavier weight. But, the reason a concrete barrier should be heavy is to assist with the function of the barrier itself.
Simply put, a barrier that is not heavy can easily be moved, thus defeating the purpose of the barrier completely. Even so, a long barrier can be difficult to move. Luckily, our concrete barriers not only are heavy, but can be interlocked, thus reinforcing its level of effectiveness.
Can a concrete barrier be toppled over?
A significantly strong impact by something that weighs more than the concrete barrier may likely topple the barrier over, granted it is not interlocked with barriers next to it. If the barrier is not interlocked, it will still be difficult for it to be toppled over, as our concrete barriers have a wider weight distribution at the bottom of the barrier due to its shape.
This results in a greater centre of gravity, making it hard to topple without heaving lifting equipment.
Can I reinforce a concrete barrier?
Depending on the level of security needed for your site, you can add additional features behind or in front of your concrete barrier in order. PPC’s concrete barriers have the ability to interlock with each other, resulting in a greater level of reinforcement. The studs and recesses of our concrete barriers are located on the sides of the barriers.
Additional measures to protect your site alongside using concrete barriers can include…
- Fencing, with or without barbed wire, depending on the security required.
- Surveillance cameras
- Alarm systems
- On-site security staff
What kind of floor is best for a concrete barrier?
Ideally a flat surface is the best option for a concrete barrier, an uneven surface that results in the barrier not being flat, can result in the barrier being off balance, making it slightly easier to topple.
In most cases, you don’t need to treat the floor prior to placing your concrete barriers, but surfaces that are extremely uneven will have to be treated before placement, especially if the barrier has to be there.
Placing your barrier on a concrete floor, or on almost any outdoor surface should not affect or damage the floor it is placed on, unless it is dropped from a height.
Do I always have to have concrete for a barrier?
No, barriers can actually be made from many materials, the main forms you would find them in aside from concrete, would be metal or plastic.
Each has its pros and cons, but you must be aware that for a construction site, a metal or plastic barrier is much less durable and easier to move. As a result, if you’re using these styles of barriers to stop vehicles from entering, you will find that it won’t be effective.
That does not mean that these styles of barriers can’t be used on a construction site at all. On the contrary, a metal or plastic barrier can be placed in a way to serve a function, such as directing people or cordoning off a space.
What happens if my site has no barriers at all?
Simply put, if you aren’t using a concrete barrier, your site has a higher likelihood of being trespassed by people and vehicles alike if they so choose. Additionally, you may be risking the health and safety of the workers on the site.
The risk to worker safety in conjunction with not using a concrete barrier arises as there may be a specific area that workers shouldn’t enter. With no indication that this area shouldn’t be accessed, there is a risk to health and safety.
Purchase a concrete barrier today
As an established supplier all over the UK, PPC Concrete Products is always happy to help, which is why we encourage you to get in touch with any questions you may have or have a look at our FAQ.
In this blog, we hope to have answered the question ‘how much does a concrete barrier weigh?’ whilst also providing extra information in regard to construction solutions that we offer.
Take a read of our case studies to truly understand how we have provided solutions for business in the past with the use of our interlocking concrete blocks, and ultimately, how we can help you today.
Read our blog page for more insights into our passion, construction.
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The Old Gasworks,
Higginshaw Lane,
Royton,
Oldham,
OL2 6HQ
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Tel: 01706 655245
Email: info@ppcconcreteproducts.co.uk
