pm 011-01 car park barriers

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Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 3

2.0 Standards ......................................................................................................................... 4

2.1 AS/NZS 2890.1 Parking Facilities .............................................................................................4

2.2 AS/NZS 1170.1 Structural Design Actions ..............................................................................5

2.3 Building Code of Australia ...........................................................................................................5

3.0 Barrier Characteristics ............................................................................................... 5

3.1 Column Mounted Systems ............................................................................................................6

3.2 Floor Mounted Systems ................................................................................................................6

3.3 Flexible Barriers .............................................................................................................................6

3.4 Rigid Barriers ...................................................................................................................................6

4.0 Spring Steel Buffas ........................................................................................................ 7

4.1 RB1 Spring Buffa Post (100x14.3mm) ....................................................................................8

4.2 RB1X Spring Buffa Post (100x14.3mm) ............................................................................... 10

5.0 Flexi-Posts ..................................................................................................................... 12

6.0 System 3 .......................................................................................................................... 13

7.0 Flexi-Panel ..................................................................................................................... 14

8.0 Rigid-Posts ..................................................................................................................... 15

9.0 Column Buffas .............................................................................................................. 16

10.0 Accessories ................................................................................................................. 17

10.1 Speed Humps .............................................................................................................................. 17

10.2 Wheel Stops ................................................................................................................................. 17

10.3 Steel Bollards .............................................................................................................................. 17

10.4 Rail Shield .................................................................................................................................... 17

10.5 Car Park Bullnose ...................................................................................................................... 17

11.0 Designers Checklist ................................................................................................. 18


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1.0 Introduction

Car park barriers are a specific range of safety barrier systems designed for the protection of people, plant and equipment. Their design and function are specific to vehicle movements encountered in a car park environment.

Car park barrier designs have evolved from the traditional roadside barriers which are designed to contain errant vehicles travelling at high speeds. Traditional roadside barriers incorporate posts that absorb some of the crash energy through post rotation in the surrounding soil.

A car park barrier still performs the function of vehicle containment, however they are required to interact with car park structures which vary significantly from the roadside environment.

Designers of car park barriers should consider the following;

The barriers should be capable of withstanding impact loads in accordance with relevant building standards;

There is a likelihood for high-frequency, nuisance impacts;

Impacts are likely to be perpendicular to the barrier i.e. 90°;

There is often pedestrian pathways adjacent to barriers;

The barrier is often installed on the edge of a deck with a drop to a lower level ;

There may be a requirement for the barriers to compliment the architectural features of the car park;

Space provided for barriers is often limited in an attempt to maximise car spaces;

The barrier should facilitate ease of repair so that disruption to car park users is minimised during periods of repair.

A barrier may be required to provide the additional function of restricting access to certain areas;

The attachment of a barrier should not compromise the structural design of the car park; and

Impact damage should be confined to the barrier system not the car park structure.


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2.0 Standards

There are numerous standards and guidelines governing the use of car park barriers. Depending upon the design use for the barrier system, one or more standards or guidelines may be required to be observed.

2.1 AS/NZS 2890.1 Parking Facilities

This standard sets out the minimum requirements for the design and layout for off-street parking facilities, including multi-storey car parks.

Barriers shall be constructed to prevent vehicles from running over the edge of a raised platform or deck of a multi-storey car park including the perimeter of all decks above ground level. They are required wherever the drop from the edge of the deck to a lower level exceeds 600mm.

AS/NZS 2890.1 suggests that barriers shall comply with the following requirements;

a. They shall be designed structurally for the loading requirements of AS/NZS 1170.1;

b. If at the end of a parking space, they shall be at least 1.3m high so that drivers backing into the space can see the barrier above the rear of the vehicle; and

c. They shall not be made from brickwork, unreinforced concrete or other materials likely to shatter on impact.


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2.2 AS/NZS 1170.1 Structural Design Actions

This standard states that the horizontal imposed action on barriers required to withstand the accidental impact from vehicles during parking for light traffic areas shall be taken as follows;

a) 30kN for barriers; and

b) 240kN for barriers at the end of straight ramps exceeding 20m in length and intended for downward travel.

A light traffic area is defined as a parking area restricted to vehicles not exceeding 2500kg gross mass.

The impact force shall be distributed over a 1.5m length at any position along the barrier and shall be assumed to act at 0.5m above floor level.

Braking and horizontal impact forces are calculated as follows;

Where

F = impact or braking force, in newtons (N)

m = gross mass of the vehicles, in kilograms (kg)

V = vehicle velocity, in metres per second (m/s)

Δ = deceleration length, in metres (m)

In calculating the braking force, Δ is taken as the braking force and in calculating the impact force on a barrier, Δ is taken as the sum of the deflection of the vehicle and the barrier.

The 30kN horizontal impact load for barriers is derived from a 1500kg vehicle travelling at 2m/s and a 0.1m crumple zone;

The 240kN horizontal impact load for barriers at the end of straight ramps exceeding 20m is derived from a 2000kg vehicle travelling at 6m/s and 0.15m crumple zone ;

2.3 Building Code of Australia

The building code states that a continuous handrail must be provided along any walkway if its level above the surface beneath is more than 1m. The height of the handrail must not be less than 1m above the floor of any walkway.

Openings in the balustrade must be constructed so that the maximum gap does not allow a 125mm sphere to pass through it. The barrier must not facilitate climbing.

3.0 Barrier Characteristics

Fundamentally there are two types of car park safety barriers; column mounted systems and floor mounted systems. Each is capable of containing an errant vehicle and each has their own specific features and benefits. These two main types of barriers then sub-divide into flexible or rigid options.

F = mV2 2Δ

F = 1500*22 2*0.1

F = 2000*62 2*0.15

F = 30kN

F = 240kN


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3.1 Column Mounted Systems

A column mounted barrier is secured to the structural columns of the car park. This construction method significantly minimises the footprint of the barrier, thereby retaining valuable floor space for car parking.

Column mounted systems are primarily suited for new car park constructions since the design of the columns can take into consideration the loads arising from vehicle impacts.

Since column mounted systems do not require attachment to the car park deck, the size of the substrate may be reduced and lighter deck materials may be considered.

Column mounted systems often incorporate mesh infill panels into their design. This can eliminate the requirement for external facades, reducing construction and material costs.

3.2 Floor Mounted Systems

Floor mounted barriers are commonly used where there are no columns available for barrier attachment or when the columns have not been suitably designed to accommodate a barrier. These areas include ramp locations, split levels, car park approaches and areas adjacent to walkways, doorways or valuable equipment. Floor mounted systems are also a popular choice when a car park refurbishment is undertaken.

The use of a floor mounted system should consider the suitability of the substrate required to anchor the system.

3.3 Flexible Barriers

Flexible barriers are designed to move and absorb the energy of an impacting vehicle. The ability of the barrier to absorb impact energy minimises damage to the vehicle and provides a softer impact for vehicle occupants.

By absorbing energy, the size and quantity of securing points for flexible barriers are significantly reduced when compared to rigid barriers. This important feature preserves the structural integrity of the car park structure and facilities rapid installation.

A flexible barrier is capable of withstanding regular nuisance impacts without the need for repairs. When subjected to high-energy impacts, the damage is generally confined to a small section of the barrier reducing repair costs and minimising disruption to car park users.

Consideration of the barrier deflection must be taken into account, however this is dependent upon the barrier system and is typically confined to a narrow footprint.

3.4 Rigid Barriers

Rigid barriers are designed for minimal movement during a vehicle impact. Rigid barriers tend to use heavier sections which, by their nature, transfer more load to the structure on impact rather than deflecting. High-energy impacts are more likely to cause damage to the structure of the car park as well as damage to the barrier. This contributes to higher repair and replacement costs.

Since more load is transferred to the structure, the securing points of rigid barriers are significantly larger and more frequent when compared to a flexible barrier. This can become problematic as the potential for interference with the integrity of the car park structure is increased.


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4.0 Spring Steel Buffas

Spring steel buffa systems have been the benchmark of flexible, floor mounted car park barriers for nearly 40 years. Developed by Berry Systems of the UK, spring steel buffas have repeatedly demonstrated conformance to the rigorous British Standard 6399. This standard nominates a horizontal impact load of 150kN derived from a 1500kg vehicle travelling at 4.5m/s and a 0.1m crumple zone. This is a significant increase from the 30kN horizontal impact load adopted by AS/NZS 1170.1.

Spring steel buffas are manufactured from high-grade spring steel and heat-treated for strength and flexibility. The ability of spring steel buffas to absorb impact energy significantly reduces the loads transferred to the holding down bolts. When compared to rigid post systems, the anchor forces are reduced by 75% when selecting a spring steel buffa.

The reduction in anchor forces allows a spring steel post to be installed with just one (1) anchor bolt per post. This facilitates rapid installation and minimises the potential to interfere with the structural integrity of the car park substrate.

The flexible nature of a spring steel buffa reduces damage to the barrier and vehicle upon impact. This reduces maintenance requirements and provides lower whole-life costs.

In recent times, handrails and anti-climb mesh infill panels have been incorporated into the spring steel buffa designs, observing the requirements contained within regulatory standards and building codes.


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4.1 RB1 Spring Buffa Post (100x14.3mm)

The RB1 spring buffa post provides an economical solution where there are no obstructions immediately behind the barrier. The RB1 post design creates a narrow barrier footprint, conserving valuable floor space.

The RB1 post spaced at 2m centres and supporting w-beam guardrail has been evaluated for an impact occurring with a 1500kg vehicle travelling at 2m/s. The deflection of the system was determined to be 190mm.

The calculated pull-out loading force on the single anchor bolt was determined to be 50kN. For design calculations, this figure is adjusted to 75kN, providing a 50% safety factor.

The selection of an appropriate anchor will be dependent on the strength and width of the car park substrate.

The RB1 post can be configured to accommodate the attachment of handrail and anti-climb mesh infill providing a complete car park barrier solution.

System height: 610mm (post and rail only) 1100mm (fitted with handrail)

Post spacing: 2000mm (maximum)

610mm

300mm

150mm

250mm

50mm


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600mm 600mm

1100mm

Handrail

Infill Panel

Extension Piece

RB1 Post with W-Beam RB1 Post with W-Beam, Handrail and Infill Panel


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4.2 RB1X Spring Buffa Post (100x14.3mm)

The RB1X spring buffa post is designed to shield hazards located close to the barrier. The RB1X post design offsets the position of the rail, allowing the RB1X post to be positioned adjacent to fixed hazards such as walls or a split-level car park deck. The majority of the barrier deflection is contained within the RB1X footprint.

The RB1X post spaced at 2m centres and supporting w-beam guardrail has been evaluated for an impact occurring with a 1500kg vehicle travelling at 2m/s. The deflection of the system was determined to be 190mm.

The calculated pull-out loading force on the single anchor bolt was determined to be 50kN. For design calculations, this figure is adjusted to 75kN, providing a 50% safety factor.

The selection of an appropriate anchor will be dependent on the strength and width of the car park substrate.

The RB1X post can be configured to accommodate the attachment of handrail and anti-climb mesh infill providing a complete car park barrier solution.


Post spacing: 2000mm (maximum)

610mm

300mm

260mm

250mm

50mm 150mm


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Handrail

Infill Panel

Extension Piece

600mm

1100mm

600mm

RB1X Post with W-Beam RB1X Post with W-Beam, Handrail and Infill Panel


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5.0 Flexi-Posts

The Flexi-Post provides a semi-flexible system. The upper part of the post is mounted into a rubber shock absorber which limits the deflection of the Flexi-Post to approximately 120mm.

The strength of the Flexi-Post has seen it become the preferred option throughout Europe for installation at the ends of ramps and areas where the approach to a barrier exceeds 20m. Barriers in these areas are defined by the British Standard 6399 as twice-force barriers and are required to withstand a horizontal impact load of 300kN, derived from a 1500kg vehicle travelling at 6.4m/s impacting 450mm above floor level.

Twice-force could be considered an acceptable alternative to the AS/NZS 1170.1 standard of providing a barrier capable of withstanding 240kN (500mm impact height) at the end of straight ramps exceeding 20m in length and intended for downward travel.

The calculated, combined pull-out loading force on the four (4) anchor bolts at the twice-force loading was determined to be 55kN. For design calculations, this figure is adjusted to 85kN, providing a 50% safety factor.

The selection of appropriate anchors is dependent on the strength and depth of the car park substrate. However, experience has shown that the use of 4 x 12mm screw anchor bolts embedded to a depth of 150mm is suitable for concrete substrates with a compressive strength of 35MPa.


Post spacing: 800mm (twice-force loading)

Base Plate: 330mm x 280mm

600mm


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6.0 System 3

System 3 is the next-generation of column mounted car park barriers. System 3 utilises tensioned steel bars that are attached to the supporting columns of the car park providing a zero footprint barrier.

Capable of spanning 7.5m between columns, each section acts independently from the other. This confines any impact damage to a small area and facilitates economical and fast repair.

The steel bars are strategically positioned to withstand a horizontal impact load of 150kN acting 450mm above floor level. This load is derived from a 1500kg vehicle travelling at 4.5m/s. This is a significant increase from the 30kN horizontal impact load nominated by AS/NZS 1170.1.

Under these conditions, System 3 will deflect just 200mm, allowing placement along the perimeter edge of multi-storey car parks.

When there are no suitable columns for attachment or when there is a requirement to further stiffen System 3, specially-engineered Flexi-Bollards can be incorporated into the design.

A Flexi-Bollard is a floor-mounted post with integrated rubber shock absorbers. This ensures the Flexi-Bollard will absorb impact energy complimenting the function of System 3.

Mesh infill panels and handrails are incorporated into the System 3 design providing a complete car park barrier solution.

System height: 1100mm to handrail

Max. span: 7500mm between columns 2500mm between Flexi-Bollards


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7.0 Flexi-Panel

Flexi-Panel is a pre-assembled system available in panel lengths of 2.4m or 4.8m. Ideally suited to steel framed structures, Flexi-Panel is secured to the supporting columns of the car park creating a narrow footprint system.

Flexi-Panel incorporates a high-strength box beam section as the rail element. Flexi-Panel has been evaluated to withstand a horizontal impact load of 150kN acting 450mm above floor level. This load is derived from a 1500kg vehicle travelling at 4.5m/s. This is a significant increase from the 30kN horizontal impact load nominated by AS/NZS 1170.1.

Under these conditions, Flexi-Panel will deflect just 250mm, allowing placement along the perimeter edge of multi-storey car parks.

When there are no suitable columns for attachment or when there is a requirement to further stiffen the system, specially-engineered Flexi-Bollards can be incorporated into the design.

Mesh infill panels and handrails are incorporated into the Flexi-Panel design providing a complete car park barrier solution.

System height: 1100mm to handrail

Spans: 7200mm between columns 2400mm between Flexi-Bollards


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8.0 Rigid Posts

Rigid post designs typically incorporate a standard guardrail post welded to a base plate. These designs have been used extensively in roadside applications and have often been adopted for use in off-road applications.

Available with a U-post or C-post design, rigid posts are secured to the floor of the car park with four (4) anchor bolts.

Whilst these designs have performed adequately in roadside applications, their performance in a car park when subjected to high-angle impacts is limited. These designs should not be installed on the edge of a deck with a drop to a lower level.

Their primary application is shielding areas adjacent to walkways, for restricting access to certain areas or to shield fixed object hazards.

700mm 730mm

10mm 20mm

280mm 200mm 300mm

U-Post on Base Plate C-Post on Base Plate


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9.0 Column Buffas

Column buffas incorporate the strength and energy-absorbing characteristics of spring steel posts with steel guardrail.

Supporting columns can be highly vulnerable to damage from vehicle impacts. In some circumstances damage to a supporting column may compromise the structural integrity of the car park and repairs can be expensive. It is not always practical to position a column in a non-trafficable area, therefore protection is required.

A column buffa can be configured as a full or semi-circle unit in varying diameters. The supporting spring steel posts can be turned inward to prevent a trip hazard or damage to the tyres of passing vehicles.

Column buffas are designed to withstand the loads arising from low-speed, glancing blow impacts.

System height: 610mm

Diameters: 500mm to 1000mm.


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10.0 Accessories

Car park accessories are used to compliment the use of barriers, providing safe passage for vehicles and pedestrians.

10.1 Speed Humps

Speed humps reduce the potential for accidents to occur as they control vehicle speeds in highly trafficable areas.

Length: 500mm modules

Width: 350mm

Height: 50mm

10.2 Wheel Stops

Wheel stops should not be relied upon to stop a vehicle, however they should be provided for shielding a drop to a lower level of between 150mm and 600mm. Wheel stops are also effective in preventing nuisance impacts between vehicles and barriers.

Length: 1650mm

Height: 150mm

10.3 Steel Bollards

Steel bollards are used to delineate hazards and provide protection from accidental impacts. They should not be relied upon to stop a vehicle.

They are secured to the floor of the car park and are powder-coated yellow, providing high visibility

10.4 Rail Shield

The flexible rail shield is designed to slide over the end of the w-beam guardrail. Ideal for use when space is limited, the rail shield is highly visible and protects pedestrians from the rail edges. Refer to Flexi-Post image on page 12.

10.5 Car Park Bullnose

The car park bullnose is designed for attachment to the end of w-beam guardrail, shielding pedestrians from the rail edges.

The wrap around, compact design minimises encroachment into the path of pedestrians or vehicles.

435mm

400mm 90mm

Centre of Last Post

Car Park Bullnose


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11.0 Designers Checklist

Identify parking areas where the drop from the edge of the deck to a lower level is between 150mm and 600mm. These areas will require wheel stops.

Identify areas used by vehicles where the drop from the edge of the deck to a lower level exceeds 600mm. These areas will require barrier protection.

Determine the most appropriate fixing method for the barrier system i.e. floor or column mounted.

If a floor mounted system is proposed, consider the use of a spring steel buffa. A spring steel buffa absorbs impact energy, reducing damage to the vehicle and the barrier upon impact. Spring steel buffas have been independently evaluated to withstand the impact forces encountered in a car park.

Ensure the area immediately behind the spring steel buffas will be sufficient to accommodate the expected 180 – 190mm deflection of the system.

Ensure that the spacing between spring steel posts is limited to 2000mm.

Ensure that the fixing bolt and substrate combination will resist a pull-out force of 75kN.

Identify whether the barrier is located at the end of a straight ramp exceeding 20m in length and intended for downward travel. The use of Flexi-posts at 800mm centres should be considered though this region.

If the barrier is in an area used by pedestrians and the drop from the edge of the deck to a lower level exceeds 1m, a continuous handrail must be provided. Any infill panel configuration should not facilitate climbing.

If a column mounted system is proposed, consider the use of System 3 or Flexi-Panel. These systems absorb impact energy, reducing damage to the vehicle and the barrier upon impact. System 3 and Flexi-Panel have been independently evaluated to withstand the impact forces encountered in a car park.

Determine whether the spacing between columns exceeds 7500mm for System 3 and 7200mm for Flexi-Panel.

If the spacing between columns exceeds the recommendations, provide Flexi-Bollards spaced not greater than 2500mm (System 3) or 2400mm (Flexi-Panel).

Identify whether the barrier is located at the end of a straight ramp exceeding 20m in length and intended for downward travel. The use of additional Flexi-Bollards should be considered though this region.

Consider the use of accessories as listed in Section 10 to improve the features of the car park.


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Safe Direction Pty Ltd Suite 11C, 35-37 Railway Parade Engadine NSW 2233 Australia

Ph: +61 2 8521 6549 E: [email protected] safedirection.com.au

ABN 53 146 459 684

DDIISSTTRRIIBBUUTTOORR

pm 011-01 car park barriers

Documents

spring steel buffas

rb1 spring buffa post

rb1x spring buffa post

column mounted systems

column buffas

rigid barriers

floor mounted systems

steel bollards