Device for expansion joints in metal guardrails for vehicle containment

Abstract

The metal guardrail (1) includes horizontal profiles (2) arranged in at least one longitudinal alignment, and which are joined together by a first end part (2a) and a second end part (2b) that are joined by a connector (3) comprising a first section (18) and a second section (19) that are configured to be joined to these end parts. The connection of the first section (18) of the connector (3) to the first end part (2a) of the respective horizontal profile (2) is a first junction with the possibility of relative displacement between the first section (18) and first end part (2a) of the horizontal profile (2); wherein first screws (11) are involved in this first junction. The connection of the second section (19) to the second end part (2b) of the respective horizontal profile (2) is a second fixed junction by means of second screws (12).

Description

Object of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for expansion joints in metal guardrails for vehicle containment that are commonly used on roads and traffic lanes. It is a device that can be installed on an expansion joint of a metal guardrail for vehicle containment, guaranteeing its functionality in this specific area.

[0002] It is particularly applicable in the road safety industry and more specifically in passive systems for vehicle containment on roads, bridges, etc.Background of the invention

[0003] In the current state of the art, multiple systems for vehicle containment are known, as described below.

[0004] A first containment system, which is made up of safety elements or components that are placed longitudinally parallel to the lane or road at those points where the safety conditions of the sides of the land or road could not be guaranteed for one reason or another, such that a collision against the containment system minimises personal injury and material damage in the event of an accident. It is therefore a matter of mitigating the severity of said collision compared to the severity of a collision in a hypothetical, similar scenario in which said safety conditions did not exist.

[0005] In this regard, we can essentially distinguish between different types of safety barriers.

[0006] On the one hand, the metal and unanchored concrete barriers that are classified are capable of absorbing a large amount of energy; wherein the metal barrier absorbs said impact energy by deformation, while the unanchored concrete barrier dissipates energy due to friction.

[0007] Moreover, anchored concrete barriers do not allow for such deformation, but try to guide the vehicle involved in the accident by dissipating the kinetic energy due to friction. It should be noted that they dissipate stresses due to the connection they have. Furthermore, said anchored concrete barriers are intended to be installed as a structure, in other words, they are analogous to metal guardrails. Nevertheless, these metal and concrete barriers are not the subject of this invention.

[0008] When a vehicle loses control and collides with a metal barrier, it collides with longitudinal profiles that are part of said barrier. The energy released in the collision is then absorbed partly by the vehicle itself and partly by the safety barrier. The stresses that then reach the barrier cause it to deform in the transverse direction. When the deformation reaches the spacers, said spacers transmit all of said stresses to posts, which have low rigidity, that are deformed.

[0009] Traditionally, the most commonly used metal barriers in Spain, known as crash barriers, are made up of double-wave longitudinal profiles, a series of equidistant posts and spacers. In this regard, once assembled, each and every one of the elements that make up the metal barrier contribute to its proper functioning.

[0010] A second containment system is known as a guardrail, which is a safety and containment barrier that is joined at its base to a structure, thus allowing the guardrail to deform.

[0011] Next, an example of this guardrail containment system to which the present invention can be essentially applied is described.

[0012] The entire barrier structure is subjected to sudden temperature changes that can cause fragmentation of its component parts or materials, and the barriers themselves are also affected by the contractions and expansions of the structure in which they are anchored, which are much larger than those of the barrier itself. Therefore, as they are joined together, the guardrail must "replicate" the movement of the structure.

[0013] For this reason, it is highly desirable to design mechanisms or expansion joints capable of allowing relative movement between their components, but at the same time ensure that the capacity or mechanical strength of the containment system is not impaired.

[0014] The present invention resolves these problems by redesigning the expansion joints of this type of containment system, and more specifically, for guardrail-based containment systems used on bridges, crossing structures, crowns of retaining walls and similar works.Description of the invention

[0015] In order to achieve the objectives and avoid the drawbacks mentioned in the previous paragraphs, the invention proposes a device for expansion joints in metal guardrails for vehicle containment wherein the guardrail includes horizontal profiles arranged in at least one longitudinal alignment, and which are joined together by an adjacent first end part and second end part of each pair of consecutive horizontal profiles.

[0016] The expansion device comprises a connector by means of which the adjacent first end part and second end part of the two consecutive horizontal profiles are joined together; wherein said connector comprises a first section and a second section that are configured to be joined, respectively, to the first end part and to the second end part of each pair of consecutive horizontal profiles.

[0017] The connection of the first section of the connector to the first end part of the horizontal profile is a first junction with the possibility of relative displacement between the first section of the connector and first end part of the respective horizontal profile. First screws are involved in this first junction which pass through pairs of parallel longitudinal slots located in the first section of the connector.

[0018] The connection of the second section of the connector to the second end part of the respective horizontal profile is a second fixed junction by means of second screws without relative displacement between said second section of the connector and said second end part of the horizontal profile.

[0019] The first screws pass through first facing holes in the horizontal profile and through the longitudinal slots of the connector, while the second screws pass through second facing holes in the horizontal profile and through third facing holes in the connector.

[0020] The first screws and the second screws are secured by means of respective first double nuts and second nuts which are threaded onto said screws.

[0021] The first end section and the second end section of the connector are fitted inside an inner space of each pair of consecutive horizontal profiles.

[0022] The expansion device also includes a pair of intermediate sliding plates placed between two opposite sides of the connector where the longitudinal slots are located, and two opposite inner sides of the horizontal profile where the first holes are located; wherein said intermediate sliding plates are concealed between the connector and the horizontal profile; and wherein the intermediate plates include other holes through which the first screws forming part of the first junction with relative displacement of the expansion device pass.

[0023] In turn, the intermediate plates allow the screws that slide through the oblong bores, which in principle are not in contact with anything, to work together with the screws that do stop at the end of the sliding stroke, allowing the screws running through the oblong bore to work together.

[0024] The metal guardrail comprises the expansion device, object of the invention, which is fixed to vertical posts on which at least the longitudinal alignment of horizontal profiles joined together by means of the various connectors is fixed.

[0025] The expansion device further comprises flat bars attached to the vertical posts, and which are joined together by means of side screws and side nuts; wherein each flat bar is a bracing element that joins the vertical posts, the horizontal bars, and connectors; wherein said flat bars are arranged parallel to the horizontal profiles on the outside of said horizontal profiles; and wherein the flat bars are joined together by means of the side screws and side nuts.

[0026] Said flat bars reinforce the junction at the expansion joints, to ensure that the horizontal profiles at each expansion joint do not tend to separate during impact.

[0027] The alignment of the horizontal profiles is fixed to the posts by means of brackets that are fitted inside the inner space of said horizontal profiles which include continuous longitudinal grooves; wherein the brackets for fixing to the posts protrude outwards through said longitudinal grooves.

[0028] The flat bars are supported along the entire length of an outer surface of the horizontal profiles, such that said flat bars overlap with the horizontal profiles on one side.

[0029] Next, to facilitate a better understanding of this specification and forming an integral part thereof, a series of illustrative and non-limiting figures showing the object of the invention is attached.Brief description of the figures

[0030] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the metal guardrail for vehicle containment with a device for expansion joints, object of the invention. Figure 2 shows an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the metal guardrail, wherein the expansion device is highlighted. Figures 3 and 4 show perspective views of the expansion device. Description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention

[0031] Considering the numbering adopted in the figures, the metal guardrail 1 for vehicle containment with an expansion device 4 comprises a series of vertical posts 8 to which horizontal profiles 2 are fixed by means of brackets 9; wherein said horizontal profiles 2 are successively joined one after the other; and wherein some of said junctions are made by means of the various expansion joints 4. The vertical posts 8 are attached to a supporting element 10 of a bridge, such as a deck. These expansion devices 4 are only used at the points where there is an expansion joint in the structure.

[0032] The horizontal profiles 2 are arranged in various alignments at different heights, with the particularity that the horizontal profiles 2 of the various alignments are offset in order to achieve greater strength and a better distribution of stresses when an impact occurs on the guardrail. It is a longitudinal offset in the direction of the horizontal profiles 2 in order to minimise possible losses in the mechanical strength of the metal guardrail 1, but which in turn act on all the horizontal profiles 2 subject to displacement due to changes in temperature.

[0033] The expansion device 4 comprises a connector 3 by means of which an adjacent first end part 2a and second end part 2b of two consecutive horizontal profiles 2 are joined together; wherein said connector 3 comprises a first section 18 and a second section 19 that are configured to be joined, respectively, to the first end part 2a and to the second end part 2b of the two consecutive horizontal profiles.

[0034] The connection of the second section 19 of the connector 3 to the second end part 2b of the respective horizontal profile 2 is a second fixed junction by means of second screws 12 without relative displacement between them (second section 19 and second end part 2b).

[0035] In contrast, the connection of the first section 18 of the connector 3 to the first end part 2a of the respective horizontal profile 2 is a first junction with the possibility of relative displacement between them (first section 18 and first end part 2a); wherein first screws 11 are involved in this first junction. For this, the first section 18 of the connector 3 includes parallel longitudinal slots 7 through which the first screws 11 are inserted to fix the first part 2a of the horizontal profile 2, such that in this first junction the horizontal profile 2 can be relatively displaced with respect to said connector 3.

[0036] Obviously, both the first screws 11 and the second screws 12 are secured by means of respective first double nuts 11' and second nuts 12' which are threaded onto said screws 11, 12; wherein the first screws 11 are inserted through first facing holes 13 in the horizontal profile 2 and through the longitudinal slots 7 of the connector 3; and wherein the second screws 12 are inserted through second facing holes 14 in the horizontal profile 2 and through third facing holes 15 in the connector 3.

[0037] It should be noted that the first double nuts 11' are actually pairs of nuts tightened together, and without tightening torque against the junction to allow for movement, in other words, these first double nuts 11' do not tighten the junction; they only tighten them together to ensure that the junction is screwed. However, the second nuts 12' do have a tightening torque and only one nut 12 is mounted for each screw 12.

[0038] In the embodiment of the invention shown in the figures, the horizontal profiles 2 and each of the connectors 3 comprise a tubular configuration with a substantially rectangular cross-section; wherein the connector 3 fits inside the end parts 2a, 2b of the horizontal profiles 2; and wherein each of the horizontal profiles 2 comprises an open structure on one of its two smaller side walls by means of a continuous longitudinal groove 16.

[0039] In another embodiment of the invention, the tubular configuration of each of the horizontal profiles 2 has a two-by-two parallel wall section; wherein the longitudinal groove 16 interrupts the continuity of one of the opposite side walls of said rectangular section.

[0040] Nevertheless, the tubular configurations of the horizontal profiles 2 and the connectors 3 may comprise other sections different from those shown in the figures and could also comprise other different configurations.

[0041] Thus, to make the junction of each pair of horizontal profiles 2, the end sections 18, 19 of the connector 3 are inserted, respectively, inside the end parts 2a, 2b of the two consecutive horizontal profiles 2, and then the first 11 and second 12 screws are inserted through the different holes 13, 14 of the horizontal profiles 2 and through the holes 15 and the longitudinal slots 7 of the connector; wherein both the holes and the longitudinal slots are located in the opposite larger side walls of the rectangular section of the horizontal profiles 2 and connector 3.

[0042] The metal guardrail 1 includes several alignments of horizontal profiles 2. Specifically in the embodiment shown in the figures, the metal guardrail includes three alignments of horizontal profiles 2.

[0043] In order not to reduce the rigidity of the metal guardrail 1 in the area of the expansion joint where the longitudinal slots 7 are involved, two intermediate sliding plates 6 are incorporated between the two opposite larger side walls of the connector 3 where the longitudinal slots 7 are located, and the opposite larger side walls of the horizontal profile 2 where the first holes 13 are located. Said intermediate sliding plates 6 are concealed between the connector and the horizontal profile 2. Obviously, said intermediate plates 6 include other holes through which the first screws 11 forming part of the first junction with relative displacement of the expansion device 4 pass.

[0044] It is essential to use the pairs of longitudinal slots 7 to achieve the proper displacement and at the same time the proper mechanical strength for the correct operation of the retention system when a vehicle collides with the guardrail 1.

[0045] Moreover, the device for joints of the invention further includes flat bars 5 attached to the vertical posts 8, and which are joined together by means of side screws 17 and side nuts 17'; wherein each flat bar 5 is a bracing element that joins the vertical posts 8 and the horizontal bars 2; and wherein said flat bars 5 are arranged parallel to the horizontal profiles 2 on the outside of said horizontal profiles 2 covering their grooves 16.

[0046] The brackets 9, through which the horizontal profiles 2 are fixed to the vertical posts 8, are elements that are fitted inside the inner space of said horizontal profiles 2 of tubular structure.

[0047] The first longitudinal slots 7 form part of the first junction between the first part 2a of the horizontal profile 2 and the first section 18 of the connector 3, with the possibility of relative movement between said horizontal profile 2 and the connector 3.

[0048] It should be noted that the use of at least four first screws 11 and at least two pairs of opposite longitudinal slots 7 is important to maintain adequate strength of the system against side blows or impacts of vehicles against the guardrail 1, without compromising on the capacity to compensate for movements due to the expansion of the materials.

[0049] When the supporting element 10 on a bridge is a deck as referred to above, said deck includes a narrow gap 20 for fitting an expansion joint that separates two parts of said deck 10 (supporting element), such that it is exactly at this point that there is relative movement between two consecutive vertical posts 8, one on each side of the aforementioned expansion joint of the deck, and therefore, corresponding to this described area, the connecting end portions of the flat bars 5 are different from those used in the other sections because here they are required to move; in particular, said end portions include slots 21, through which the side screws 17, to which double nuts 17' are coupled, protrude.

[0050] Thus, double nuts 17' are also used in this case, meaning that in this case the junction between the screws 17 and the side nuts 17' for joining the flat bars 5 is also not a junction with tightening, but rather each pair of double side nuts 17' are tightened together so that the respective side screw 17 does not end up exerting pressure on said flat bars 5.

Claims

1. A device for expansion joints in metal guardrails for vehicle containment, wherein the metal guardrail (1) includes horizontal profiles (2) arranged in at least one longitudinal alignment, and which are joined together by an adjacent first end part (2a) and second end part (2b) of each pair of consecutive horizontal profiles (2); characterised in that: - it comprises a connector (3) by means of which the adjacent first end part (2a) and second end part (2b) of the two consecutive horizontal profiles (2) are joined together; wherein said connector (3) comprises a first section (18) and a second section (19) that are configured to be joined, respectively, to the first end part (2a) and to the second end part (2b) of each pair of consecutive horizontal profiles (2); - the connection of the first section (18) of the connector (3) to the first end part (2a) of the horizontal profile (2) is a first junction with the possibility of relative displacement between the first section (18) of the connector (3) and first end part (2a) of the respective horizontal profile (2); wherein first screws (11) are involved in this first junction which pass through pairs of parallel longitudinal slots (7) located in the first section (18) of the connector (3); - the connection of the second section (19) of the connector (3) to the second end part (2b) of the respective horizontal profile (2) is a second fixed junction by means of second screws (12) without relative displacement between said second section (19) of the connector (3) and said second end part (2b) of the horizontal profile (2).

2. The device for expansion joints in metal guardrails for vehicle containment, according to claim 1, characterised in that the first screws (11) pass through first facing holes (13) in the horizontal profile (2) and through the longitudinal slots (7) of the connector (3), while the second screws (12) pass through second facing holes (14) in the horizontal profile (2) and through third facing holes (15) in the connector (3).

3. The device for expansion joints in metal guardrails for vehicle containment, according to preceding claim 2, characterised in that the first screws (11) and the second screws (12) are secured by means of respective first double nuts (11') and second nuts (12') which are threaded onto said screws (11, 12).

4. The device for expansion joints in metal guardrails for vehicle containment, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first end section (18) and the second end section (19) of the connector (3) are fitted inside an inner space of each pair of consecutive horizontal profiles (2) having a tubular structure.

5. The device for expansion joints in metal guardrails for vehicle containment, according to the preceding claims, characterised in that it includes a pair of intermediate sliding plates (6) placed between two opposite sides of the connector (3) where the longitudinal slots (7) are located, and two opposite inner sides of the horizontal profile (2) where the first holes (13) are located; wherein said intermediate sliding plates (6) are concealed between the connector (3) and the horizontal profile (2); and wherein the intermediate plates (6) include other holes through which the first screws (11) forming part of the first junction with relative displacement of the expansion device (4) pass.

6. A metal guardrail for vehicle containment, comprising the expansion device (4) described in the preceding claims, and vertical posts (8) on which at least the longitudinal alignment of horizontal profiles (2) joined together by means of the various connectors (3) is fixed; characterised in that it comprises flat bars (5) attached to the vertical posts (8), and which are joined together by means of side screws (17) and side nuts (17'); wherein said flat bars (5) are arranged parallel to the horizontal profiles (2) on the outside of said horizontal profiles (2); and wherein the flat bars (5) are joined together by means of the side screws (17) and side nuts (17').

7. The metal guardrail for vehicle containment with an expansion device, according to claim 6, characterised in that the alignment of the horizontal profiles (2) of tubular structure is fixed to the vertical posts (8) by means of brackets (9) that are fitted inside the inner space of said horizontal profiles (2) that include continuous longitudinal grooves (16); wherein the brackets (9) for fixing to the vertical posts (8) protrude outwards through said longitudinal grooves (16).

8. The metal guardrail for vehicle containment with an expansion device, according to claim 7, characterised in that the flat bars (5) are supported along the entire length of an outer surface of the horizontal profiles (2) concealing their longitudinal grooves (16).

9. The metal guardrail for vehicle containment with an expansion device, according to claim 8, characterised in that the tubular configuration of each of the horizontal profiles (2) has a two-by-two parallel wall section; wherein the longitudinal groove (16) interrupts the continuity of one of the opposite side walls of said rectangular section.

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