Understanding the range of concrete products that are around, and that you may need the service of in the future, is incremental in getting the most out of your projects. That’s why, in this blog, we will answer the question ‘What is a concrete barrier?’
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.
What is the point of barriers?
Barriers provide a host of functions, despite their simple appearance. Depending on the material your barrier is produced from, it can help, hinder, or create functions that can be served by the barrier.
Understanding where the barriers will be placed, and how long for, is the first step in determining the right barrier for you. In turn, this determines which material your barrier will be made from. Below, we will share the pros and cons of plastic and metal barriers, respectively.
Plastic barriers
Barriers made from plastic can be used to direct pedestrians around roadworks. Plastic barriers are generally ideal for this as a short term option, as they are easy to move, and do not require any effort to move them as the roadworks continue.
The drawbacks to a plastic barrier, however, is that it is too light, meaning it can be easily toppled over or moved without any additional weight to reinforce them. Even if they are connected, strong winds have been known to make them topple.
They are also the weakest option available, as it is unlikely they can take a high velocity impact without breaking. They can also be permanently damaged by fire, and get noticeably weaker after long-term consistent use.
Metal barriers
Metal barriers can also be used to direct and cordon people, though these are more commonplace for events, such as concerts or shows, or other instances in which a large amount of people can gather.
Metal barriers have a much greater resistance to bad weather, the only issue that can arise from weather is rust. In regard to impact, they can sustain a greater level of damage, with particularly high instances of impacts causing dents, deformation, or breakage.
As a short to medium term option, metal barriers are ideal, in the right circumstances. However, if you’re looking for a long-term option, a concrete barrier is the clear winner.
What is a concrete barrier?
A concrete barrier is a structure similar in shape to a fence, that is made of concrete. They can be created to be quite tall, or a few feet high. This ranges from manufacturers and their preferences, however, they all usually have a wider and thicker bottom, this ensures stability.
The function of a concrete barrier is the same as a regular barrier. That being said, the fact it is made from concrete ensures the best level of durability, and inability to be moved.
With our concrete barriers, they can also be interlocked by placing them next to each other, this provides a greater structural integrity, making it even less likely to be toppled or moved.
Our concrete barriers are the most resistant to impacts compared to plastic and metal barriers, and are extremely weather-resistant. The heavy weight of the barrier serves to prove its effectiveness as a long-term option for projects such as construction.
What can concrete barriers be used for?
Our concrete barriers can be used for the following purposes…
- For perimeter protection.
- For temporary construction works.
- To protect workers from hazards such as heavy machinery.
- For edge protection.
- To provide security at high-risk security situations (e.g. in response to a bomb threat or a terrorist attack).
- For crowd control (e.g. security barriers at music festivals.)
- For security barriers at open rail lines.
- To help provide security at temporary public functions (e.g. street parties, Christmas markets).
- To support a large, temporary structure, such as scaffolding, a stage, or a marquee tent.
- For preventing access for trespassers, intruders, thieves, and squatters onto land/a building.
- To ensure the safety of pedestrians and road users during construction work.
- To keep pedestrians at a safe distance from landslides, deep water or debris.
- To keep passers-by away from dangerous land or a dangerous building.
- To contain large vehicles (e.g. HGV vehicles, caravans or buses).
- To block unwanted vehicles (e.g. blocking vehicles from getting into a secure location, such as an airport).
- For docking next to waterways.
- For creating parking bays.
- For earth retention.
- For securing a vacant area.
- To prevent 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 to create separate areas.
How much are the dimensions of a concrete barrier?
Amongst different providers, the dimensions of their concrete blocks may vary, but with that in mind, the 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.
Again, weights of barriers will likely vary nominally depending on the manufacturer.
How much is 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 beneficial to be prepared to the best of your ability.
Purchase 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 ‘What is a concrete barrier?’ 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
