Davidson’s Concrete Barrier - DCB
Working closely with our design partner, Norder, the Davidson’s Concrete Barrier (DCB) was brought to life. With our DCB, we are able to offer our clients a single source design and construct, central reservation solution, from sub base formation to DCB and drainage installation. This reduces resource interface and programme duration, thus saving our clients time and costs.
This close collaborative partnership with Norder has enabled the creation of an H2 containment rigid concrete slipform system, based on the original, and highly successful, New Jersey concept. The entire system has been developed to the latest EN1317 codes of practice that have been in place since 2014. It also incorporates numerous unique features that make the system readily usable on road networks, where it can interface with all existing and planned infrastructure, as well as linking onto other road barrier system.
The DCB system has been extensively crash tested, to ensure the safety of road users.
Key facts and features:
Innovation
Continuing with our ethos of challenging by innovation, the DCB has been designed to perform to the required standards, but with an optimally sized profile that uses up to 18% less concrete per metre than other systems, thus providing a more efficient, cost effective solution.
Progressive reviews of the product, through design development, have led to improved safety and a wider variety of available solutions.
PJD has recently developed, and crash tested, a complete bridge barrier expansion joint solution that is able to accommodate longitudinal movement, rotation, differential transverse movement and differential vertical movement, without need for any external bolts or special fixings. The expansion joint requires no complex design assessment requirements – engineers simply specify its use based on the joints’ performance criteria.
As the standard barrier contains a fully protected reinforcement system, the concrete mix design does not need to address steel reinforcement corrosion risk criteria, which reduces cementitious content requirements and therefore the impact that the safety barrier has on the environment.
Durability
The highly durable sheathed wire rope strand, which links the barrier system throughout its length, is protected against corrosion from all elements.
Variable height feature
Our variable height feature for the DCB slipform allows for adjustable height to facilitate carriageway level variations of up to 400 mm. Greater variations up to 800 mm can be accommodated with a dual barrier, ensuring that the DCB is always level, even on uneven carriageways.
This is a further example of our innovative solutions, which reduce cost and programme length for our clients.