Safeguarding Highways: The Expert Approach to Installing Guardrails

VG Steel is the leading highway guardrail manufacturer in Malaysia. We are proud to be the top highway guardrail supplier and offer top-notch products and services to customers at a reasonable cost. We are not just a manufacturer; we also supply and install highway guardrails for government and private projects. We will be more than happy to assist you with our best supplies and highway guardrail installation services. You don’t need to look further when VG Steel is here.  

The installation of guardrails on highways is crucial, as they are safety measures and prevent road accidents. A highway guardrail is a safety hazard installed on both sides of the highway to prevent vehicles from falling down. In simple teams, highway guardrail installation plays an important role in minimizing the danger and fear of accidents. These highway guardrails are made of steel and installed on the highway like barriers. In this blog, we will provide you with detailed knowledge about the installation process of highway guardrails.

Process of highway guardrail installation:

The installation of a highway guardrail is done in a systematic manner. As highway guardrails are needed on roads to prevent them from falling off, it is also important that their installation be done in a proper manner. Let’s talk about the systematic approach to installing highway guardrails at VG Steel, the top highway guardrail manufacturer in Malaysia:

• Planning and design:

In this phase, our engineers conduct a thorough analysis of the roadway, consider all the necessary factors like traffic volume, speed limits, road geometry, accident history, critical curves, etc., and make a detailed plan accordingly. After planning, our engineers develop a comprehensive design plan that includes the type of guardrail system to be installed, the spacing and location of posts, terminal ends, and any required end treatments.

• Procurement and preparation:

Now comes the procurement phase, during which we gather the guardrail made of a particular material that is crucial for the location. We specify the type of guardrail and collect that for the highway guardrail installation process. After we have all the necessary materials to install them, we start preparing for the installation process.

• Clearing and Grading:

The surface needs to be clear so that the highway guardrails can be installed. In this phase, our engineers clear the design area to install the guardrails properly. Cutting the trees, removing vegetation, removing rocks, and removing debris are included in this phase so that nothing can obstruct the installation process.

• Post-installation:

Now, we have to start the post-installation process of highway guardrails, in which we determine the location and spacing of guardrail posts. Create the holes for the guardrail posts using post-hole diggers or a hydraulic auger. In order to properly align the guardrail posts with the road edge or centerline, depending on the design specifications, they must be installed securely in the excavated holes and plumb (vertically aligned). To strengthen and stabilize the posts, backfill the holes with compacted soil or concrete.

• Beam installation:

By using the proper connectors, such as bolts, nuts, and washers, the guardrail beams (typically W-beams) are fastened to the guardrail posts. To ensure that the beams are strong and stable, we, the best highway guardrail manufacturer, properly aligned and fastened them to the posts. Ideally, the beams should be installed between 24 and 30 inches (61 to 76 cm) above the road's surface, which is the proper height.

• Terminal end installation:

We start to install terminal ends at the start and finish of each guardrail section, as well as any intermediate points where the guardrail abruptly ends or crosses over with other barriers or structures. Vehicle impalement or severe damage is reduced thanks to the safe vehicle redirection and impact energy absorption features of terminal ends. Utilizing the proper connectors, fasten the terminal ends to the guardrail posts in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and design guidelines.

• Connection and jointing:

Splice plates, bolts, and nuts are used to join guardrail segments together. To maintain the consistency and effectiveness of the guardrail system, we make sure the guardrail sections are properly aligned and fastened. When attaching guardrail sections to bridges, overpasses, or other structures while following the highway guardrail installation process, we use the proper end treatments or connectors, adhering to the design plan and specifications.

• Testing and inspection:

As a leading highway guardrail manufacturer, we conduct thorough inspections of the guardrail system that has been installed to make sure that it complies with all design requirements, safety requirements, and local laws. We examine the guardrail for any flaws, damage, loose connections, or improper installations that could reduce its effectiveness.

• Maintenance and repairs:

We establish a routine maintenance schedule to check for damage and replace any worn-out or deteriorated guardrail components. To preserve the integrity of the guardrail system, we replace any worn-out or damaged components as needed.