Concrete barriers are a durable and useful addition to any site or location, in a variety of situations. But how easy are they to move? Do you need special tools to move them? How do you lay them?
In this blog, we will give you guidance on how to move concrete barriers.
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.
Which barriers are easy to move?
Barriers provide protection from sites and trespassers, either on foot or in vehicles. Knowing the kind of site and situation the barrier will be used in, will enable you to get the appropriate barrier for it.
For example, a plastic barrier can be used on temporary roadworks, they are easy to move and can be set up for pedestrians to navigate them safely. However, their lightness can be an issue in turbulent weather, they must have an added weight attached to help keep it grounded.
Metal barriers can be used in events such as concerts, these barriers have the lightness and weight that can be manipulated similarly to plastic barriers. However, because the barrier is made from metal, it is more durable, and heavier.
The benefits of concrete barriers
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.
PPC concrete barrier uses
Although the purpose of a concrete barrier is quite simple, its level of application of our concrete barriers 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 to move concrete barriers
Due to the heavy nature of concrete, and the shape and size of our barriers, you require heavy lifting equipment such as forklifts in order to move the barrier. Our concrete barriers have specific spaces in the bottom of the barrier that allows it to be lifted with a forklift.
The safest way to transport concrete barriers via the forklift is to move them individually, do not attempt to stack two on a forklift.
Can concrete barriers be prevented from lifting?
Our concrete barriers have an interlocking feature on the ends of each barrier. This means, that once connected, the combined and widely distributed weight will prevent our concrete barriers to be picked up with a forklift. It can only be undone by finding and removing any loose blocks at the end.
Can I move a concrete barrier bare handed?
No, even if you have a large amount of people, finding purchase to hold the barrier effectively with multiple people will be difficult. You will not be able to move a concrete barrier by hand.
Can you climb over a concrete barrier?
Concrete barriers can be climbed over as they are not tall. Considering some additional security would be a wise choice for certain sites.
Dimensions of a concrete barrier
The following dimensions of our concrete barriers are, 900×2000 mm. This equates to 90×200 cm.
These dimensions display that our concrete barriers aren’t tall structures, but more than tall and wide enough to barricade your site from vehicles. As well, serve as an obvious indication that access is not granted beyond the barrier.
We encourage you to get in contact with us if you have any further questions regarding the dimensions of our barrier blocks.
What is the weight of a concrete barrier?
At PPC, our concrete barriers weigh just below 2.5 tonnes. This may seem a lot for a single barrier, but rest assured, this weight guarantees our concrete barriers can not be moved without any heavy lifting equipment.
Why do concrete barriers weigh so much?
By nature, concrete is a naturally heavy and dense substance as a result of the amalgamation of ingredients in it. Concrete barriers are made to be heavy specifically for the reason that they should not be moved, further supporting the function of the barrier.
A barrier that is easier to move has limited uses, and in environments that require long-term protection such as construction sites, the immovability of a concrete barrier is vital.
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.
What is the cost of a concrete barrier?
In regard to PPC, the cost of our barriers will depend entirely on your requirements. The easiest way to find out is by contacting us directly, via phone or email. To obtain a quote with ease, be sure to list out the requirements you have for the project at hand.
Before obtaining a quote, try to make sure…
- You have the measurements of the perimeter where the concrete barriers will go.
- You know roughly how many you feel you require.
- You have an estimate of how long you will need the barriers.
- You know what the barriers will be securing
- You are familiar with the landscape in which the barriers will be placed (In case any land abnormalities or uneven surfaces come into play).
Failing to take these measures may result in you paying more than you should, that is, if the barrier provider is less than reputable. It is always best to be prepared to the best of your ability.
Invest in concrete barriers 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 to move concrete barriers?’ 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.
Address:
The Old Gasworks,
Higginshaw Lane,
Royton,
Oldham,
OL2 6HQ
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday – 8 AM until 4 PM
Tel: 01706 655245
Email: info@ppcconcreteproducts.co.uk
