Surface Mount Barrier Post Retaining System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security barriers for preventing vehicular penetration, particularly in multi-level parking structures, face challenges due to their size, weight, and installation requirements, which make them impractical for retrofitting and pose hazards when subjected to impact, especially in areas with limited access and existing buried services.
Innovation Solution
A surface mount barrier post retaining system comprising a vertical hollow steel section with a foot box and traverse members, secured with U-bolts into a concrete surface, utilizing spring steel elements to dissipate impact energy and reduce shear forces on bolts, allowing for a shallow installation that can be easily retrofitted and temporarily removed for vehicular access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional buried security barriers are installed to stop vehicles moving at 40-50 km/h, then the structural integrity and impact resistance are improved, but the installation complexity and material requirements increase significantly due to the need for deep reinforced bedding of around a meter in depth
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier system is divided into separate modular components: surface-mounted base units with steel reinforcement, independent barrier sections, and connection elements. This segmentation allows each component to be installed separately without requiring deep excavation, reducing installation complexity while maintaining overall structural integrity through the distributed reinforcement network.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from vertical embedding (buried barriers requiring depth) to horizontal surface mounting. The reinforcement is distributed across the surface plane rather than concentrated vertically, changing the dimensional approach from depth-based to area-based installation, thereby avoiding the need for deep bedding while maintaining strength.
2Strength
If traditional buried security barriers are installed to stop vehicles moving at 40-50 km/h, then the structural integrity is improved, but the amount of material needed increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier system uses multiple smaller reinforcement elements distributed across the surface rather than one large deep concrete foundation. This segmentation allows material to be used efficiently in discrete locations where strength is needed, reducing total material quantity while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed reinforcement pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
Reinforcement is concentrated locally at critical points where impact forces are transmitted (base plates, connection points) rather than uniformly throughout a deep bedding. This localized reinforcement approach uses material more efficiently, providing necessary strength only where required rather than over-engineering the entire structure.
3Reliability
If deep excavation is performed to install traditional buried barriers, then the posts can be securely set, but existing buried services such as electricity cables and sewage pipes are likely to be interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of burying the barrier deep in the ground (traditional approach), the system inverts the mounting approach by securing barriers to the surface from above. The reinforcement extends horizontally within the surface layer rather than vertically downward, avoiding interference with subsurface utilities while achieving secure installation through surface-level anchoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement strategy shifts from vertical depth to horizontal surface area. By distributing reinforcement across the surface plane rather than concentrating it vertically, the system achieves secure installation without penetrating deep into the ground where utilities are located, thereby avoiding harmful interference with buried services.
4Device complexity
If surface mounted barrier sections are used to save on installation depth, then the installation complexity is reduced, but under large impact the bolts will shear as the flange exerts sideways pressure thereon
Solution Approach 1:
The base plates are designed with pre-positioned steel reinforcement bars (rebar) that are set into the surface before the barrier sections are mounted. This preliminary placement of reinforcement creates a strengthened anchoring medium that distributes impact loads, preventing bolt shear failure while maintaining the simplicity of surface mounting without requiring deep excavation.
5Strength
If large heavy barrier sections are used to dissipate impact across long lengths, then the impact force on end anchors is reduced, but the system becomes impractical for locations with limited space and low ceiling height
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier system uses multiple shorter modular sections rather than one long continuous barrier. Each section has its own independently reinforced base, allowing impact forces to be distributed across multiple discrete anchoring points. This segmentation enables the system to adapt to confined spaces with low ceiling height while maintaining impact resistance through the distributed reinforcement strategy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides effective impact resistance, reduces installation complexity, and allows for occasional vehicular access without the need for full barrier removal, meeting stringent impact tests with a 7-ton truck at 30 mph, while minimizing interference with buried services.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing spring steel elements to dissipate impact energy and reduce shear forces on bolts
Data Source
AI summary
A surface mount barrier post and assembly method has a retaining system to receive the post. The retaining system includes a post retaining element for receiving the post. The retaining element has a substantially vertical hollow steel section having an opening at its lower end on a first side, a steel foot box aligned with the opening and extending in a first direction, and a bottom plate to which the hollow section and foot box are attached. A steel front traverse member passes over the foot box and lies adjacent the bottom plate perpendicular the first direction. A steel rear traverse member lies adjacent the vertical hollow section on a second side opposite substantially perpendicular to the first direction. U-bolts are arranged to pass over the front and rear members on either side of the retaining element for receipt into holes in a surface on which the retaining system is mounted.