The research and development (R&D) team at ArcelorMittal Ostrava has developed a new steel element for road barriers that will alert road users in the event of an accident.
The prototype was manufactured in Ostrava by Distribution Solutions Czech Republic - the only producer of certified safety roadside barriers in the country. The project, produced as part of the Smart road restraint system (RRS) project, was co-financed by the European Commission.
“Once an accident has occurred, the time between the impact and the moment when victims receive initial first aid is crucial. We believe that our new safety barrier can help reduce that time,” explains Radim Pachlopník, head of the R&D department of ArcelorMittal Ostrava.
The system is equipped with additional safety elements including sensors which are able to ‘acknowledge’ an accident and to pass on the information - including the exact location - to all other road users via a signal transmitted to road monitoring centres.
The barrier is made of micro-alloyed steels, which offer enhanced mechanical properties compared to the steel grades normally used in barriers. In addition to computer simulations, partial crash tests were also carried out using the new barrier.
“Further tests will be carried out in the coming months. If the testing is successful, the new barrier will receive an EN 1317 European standard certification. After that, it can be used on all EU roads,” added Libor Černý, CEO of Distribution Solutions Czech Republic.
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