Finding their origin in the early 20th century, in the defense sectors, Metal beam crash barriers are also known as guardrails or highway barriers. Earlier known as Armco barriers, they play a crucial role in preventing accidents by protecting vehicles from leaving the road and mitigating the severity of accidents.

W beam and thrie beam crash barriers are two of the most widely used crash barriers. Although their main purpose is the same, their application's performance structure and designs differ significantly. To help you grasp the subtleties of these two kinds of highway barriers, we will go into great detail about their different applications in this blog post.

What is W Beam Crash Barrier?

The W Beam guardrail often known as a W Beam crash barrier is one of the most widely used highway barriers. The name comes from the fact, that it is manufactured of several sheets of galvanized steel, shaped like the letter W. The steel-post-mounted barrier is commonly utilized in various settings including rural roads, residential areas, and highways. Over several decades, the W Beam design has gained widespread use due to its affordability, robustness, and ability to effectively re-route potentially dangerous vehicles. The form and flexing of the beam during impact, aid in absorbing part of the collision's energy lessening the force felt by the occupants of the car.

What is Thrie Beam Crash Barrier?

A Thrie Beam crash barrier is a type of W Beam that has three bends rather than two. The barrier is stronger and more rigid with this design compared to the W Beam. Guardrails with three beams are likewise composed of steel and supported by steel posts, however, the main distinction between them is the extra bend in the steel beam. The term, Thrie Beam refers to the three bends or waves in the metal that are meant to add strength and durability. Common applications for tri-beam barriers include bridges, roads with higher speed limits, and places with more intricate road geometries where greater levels of protection are needed.

Key Differences Between W Beam and Thrie Beam Crash Barriers

Now that we have an overview of both W Beam and Thrie Beam barriers, let’s look at their key differences in more detail:

1. Design and Structure

• W Beam:

  • The W Beam is a two-bend design, shaped like the letter “W.” It features a relatively simple and cost-effective construction.

  • The beam’s structure provides some flexibility, which allows it to absorb and dissipate energy when a vehicle strikes it.

  • It is mounted on steel posts and is often used on roads with lower to medium traffic volumes.

• Thrie Beam:

  • The Thrie Beam features a three-bend design, making it more rigid and robust than the W Beam.

  • The third bend in the beam increases its strength, offering better performance in high-speed collisions or on roads with higher traffic volumes.

  • This design results in a more secure barrier, especially in areas with more complex road layouts or higher risk of severe accidents.

2. Strength and Durability

W Beam:

• • The W Beam is generally less rigid than the Thrie Beam, which makes it more susceptible to bending or deformation upon impact.

    • While it is still quite durable and effective, it might not provide as much protection in high-impact situations or at higher speeds.

• Thrie Beam:

  • The Thrie Beam, with its additional bend, is much stronger and more resistant to bending or deformation.

  • This makes it ideal for locations where higher forces are expected during a collision, such as highways with higher speed limits or areas prone to severe accidents.

3. Cost and Installation

• W Beam:

  • One of the key advantages of the W Beam barrier is its cost-effectiveness. It is less expensive to manufacture and install compared to the Thrie Beam.

  • Due to its simplicity, the installation process is also quicker and less labor-intensive.

• Thrie Beam:

  • The Thrie Beam, being more robust and complex in design, tends to be more expensive to manufacture and install.

  • The installation process may take longer, as the additional strength requires more careful planning and execution.

4. Safety Performance

• W Beam:

  • The W Beam is effective at redirecting vehicles back onto the road after a collision. Its flexibility helps reduce the severity of crashes, although it might not offer as much protection at very high speeds or in severe crashes.

  • It is designed to perform well in low to moderate traffic and impact scenarios, making it a popular choice for general roadways and rural areas.

• Thrie Beam:

  • The Thrie Beam provides superior performance when it comes to safety. Its greater strength and rigidity allow it to better withstand impacts and provide a higher level of protection to vehicle occupants.

  • It is often used in locations where safety is a priority, such as on bridges, in tunnels, or along high-speed highways.

5. Applications and Use Cases

• W Beam:

  • W Beam barriers are commonly used on highways, rural roads, and areas with lower traffic speeds.

  • They are often found in less hazardous locations where the likelihood of severe accidents is lower.

  • The W Beam is also frequently used on the sides of roads, dividing highways, or around curves and bends where only moderate protection is needed.

• Thrie Beam:

  • Thrie Beam barriers are generally used in areas where higher protection is needed, such as on elevated roads, bridges, or near construction zones.

  • They are typically used on high-speed highways, in tunnels, and in areas where high-traffic volumes or more dangerous driving conditions prevail.

  • They are ideal for locations with high levels of impact risk, such as near steep drops or sharp curves.

6. Maintenance and Longevity

• W Beam:

  • Due to its simpler structure, the W Beam requires relatively less maintenance. It can still suffer from corrosion or damage over time, but the repair process is generally easier and less costly.

  • Its lifespan is still substantial, especially when regularly maintained.

• Thrie Beam:

  • Thrie Beam’s more robust design makes it more durable and capable of withstanding harsher conditions.

  • Maintenance may be required less frequently, but when repairs are needed, they could be more expensive due to the barrier’s strength and complexity.

Conclusion

To sum up, W Beam barrier and Thrie Beam crash barriers are crucial for enhancing traffic safety and safeguarding drivers. Their design, strength, price, and suitability for different applications are where the two diverge the most. For areas with low to medium traffic, the W Beam provides an economical and efficient solution, however, for high-speed, high-traffic, or high-risk locations, the Thrie Beam is the more robust and long-lasting choice. The particular requirements of the road, the speed limit, the volume of traffic, and the degree of protection needed, all influence the choice of crash barrier type. Both W Beam and Thrie Beam crash barriers have played a crucial role in protection against accidents - ultimately saving lives.