U.S. patent application number 13/531971 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-09 for barrier system.
This patent application is currently assigned to PATRIOT BARRIER SYSTEMS, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is William Alan George, Michael Lester O'Banion. Invention is credited to William Alan George, Michael Lester O'Banion.
Application Number | 20140008595 13/531971 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44483247 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140008595 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
O'Banion; Michael Lester ;
et al. |
January 9, 2014 |
BARRIER SYSTEM
Abstract
A barrier system includes at least first and second reinforced
concrete posts, each concrete post including at least one conduit
formed therethrough having first and second ends and a strain
relief sector formed therein at the first end of the conduit. At
least one tension cable extends between the posts. The tension
cable extends through the conduit of each post and has a cable end
secured to the post at the second end of each post's conduit.
Inventors: |
O'Banion; Michael Lester;
(Westminster, MD) ; George; William Alan;
(Parkton, MD) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
O'Banion; Michael Lester
George; William Alan |
Westminster
Parkton |
MD
MD |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
PATRIOT BARRIER SYSTEMS,
LLC
WALDORF
MD
|
Family ID: |
44483247 |
Appl. No.: |
13/531971 |
Filed: |
June 25, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12709584 |
Feb 22, 2010 |
8206056 |
|
|
13531971 |
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|
11761072 |
Jun 11, 2007 |
7942602 |
|
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12709584 |
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60812801 |
Jun 12, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
256/24 ; 256/32;
256/47; 404/6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01F 13/12 20130101;
E01F 15/025 20130101; E01F 13/028 20130101; E01F 15/06
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/24 ; 256/32;
256/47; 404/6 |
International
Class: |
E01F 13/12 20060101
E01F013/12 |
Claims
1. A barrier system comprising: at least first and second
reinforced concrete posts, each concrete post including at least
one conduit formed therethrough having first and second ends and a
strain relief sector formed therein at the first end of the
conduit; and at least one tension cable extending between the
posts, the tension cable extending through the conduit of each post
and having a cable end secured to the post at the second end of
each post's conduit.
2. The barrier system of claim 1, wherein the strain relief sector
comprises a flared opening to the conduit's first end.
3. The barrier system of claim 2, wherein the flared opening
comprises a non-linear taper.
4. The barrier system of claim 1, wherein the strain relief sector
extends horizontally from the conduit to reduce stress on the
tension cable when the tension cable is displaced by an impact.
5. The barrier system of claim 1, wherein the strain relief sector
comprises a recess or groove extending from the conduit.
6. The barrier system of claim 1, wherein each post has a generally
planar first face at which the first end of the post's conduit is
located and a generally planar second face at which the second end
of the post's conduit is located.
7. The barrier system of claim 6, wherein each post further
includes a washer plate disposed on the generally planar second
face, where the tension cable comprises a cable termination having
a threaded end and wherein the tension cable extends through the
washer plates and is bolted in place against the washer plates.
8. The barrier system of claim 1, wherein each post includes at
least two of said conduits formed therethrough and said barrier
system includes at least two of said tension cables extending
between the concrete posts and through the conduits.
9. The barrier system of claim 1, wherein each post has an
in-ground base section, an above-ground top section, and a side
cover at least partially around the above-ground top section.
10. The barrier system of claim 9, further comprising a wall panel
disposed between the first and second concrete posts through which
said at least one tension cable extends, wherein the side cover
includes an opening for receiving an end of the wall panel.
11. The barrier system of claim 1, further comprising a third
reinforced concrete post, wherein the second concrete post is
disposed between the first and third concrete posts and includes at
least two of said conduits formed therethrough, the system
including a second tension cable, wherein the first tension cable
extends between the first concrete post and the second concrete
post and terminates on a first side of the second concrete post,
and the second tension cable extends between the second concrete
post and the third concrete post and terminates on a second side of
the second concrete post, wherein the first side of the second
concrete post has a strain relief sector formed therein for the
second tension cable, and the second side of the second concrete
post has a strain relief sector formed therein for the first
tension cable.
12. The barrier system of claim 11, wherein the first ends of the
at least two conduits of the second concrete post are at about the
same vertical height as one another on the first and second sides
and a central axis of the conduits cross one another both
vertically and horizontally.
13. The barrier system of claim 12, wherein major lengths of the
first and second tension cables extending between the first and
second concrete posts and between the second and the third concrete
posts, respectively, have axes that are coaxial one another.
14. The barrier system of claim 1, further comprising a wall panel
disposed between the first and second concrete posts through which
said at least one tension cable extends.
15. The barrier system of claim 1, wherein the tension cable has
cable termination and cable nut at each end of the cable, wherein
each concrete post further comprises a steel washer plate through
which the cable end extends and against which the cable nut
rests.
16. A barrier system comprising: at least first and second rebar
skeleton reinforced concrete posts, each reinforced concrete post
comprising an in-ground anchor post portion and an above-ground
post portion, wherein the in-ground anchor post has a height
greater than a height of the above-ground post portion, the
above-ground post portion comprising at least two vertically spaced
conduits formed therethrough, wherein the conduits each have first
and second ends, the above-ground post portion having a
non-linearly tapered flared opening to the conduit first end; a
pair of vertically spaced tension cables extending between the
reinforced concrete posts, the tension cables having cable
terminations at ends thereof, the tension cables extending through
the conduits of each post; means connected to said cable
terminations for anchoring the tension cables to the reinforced
concrete posts at the second end of each conduit; and a wall panel
disposed between the first and second reinforced concrete posts
through which the tension cables extend, wherein the non-linearly
tapered flared openings reduce stress on the tension cables when
the tension cables are displaced by an impact.
17. The barrier system of claim 16, wherein said wall panel is
sufficiently free of being anchored to the ground such that upon
engagement with the wall panel by a vehicle with sufficient force
to displace the tension cables in the direction of the impact a
bottom tension cable from the pair of tension cables is displaced
about the same amount as a top tension cable from the pair of
tension cables.
18. The barrier system of claim 16, wherein the strain relief
sector is formed on only one side of the conduit.
19. A method of constructing a barrier system, comprising: forming
first and second reinforced concrete posts in situ, each concrete
post having a below-ground anchor portion and an above-ground
portion, the above-ground portion including at least one conduit
formed therethrough having first and second ends; connecting at
least one tension cable between the posts, the tension cable
extending through the conduit of each post and having a cable end
secured to the post at the second end of each post's conduit; and
after the connecting step, forming in situ a wall panel around the
tension cable between the first and second reinforced concrete
posts.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the forming first and second
reinforced concrete posts step includes the step of forming a
strain relief sector formed therein at the first end of the conduit
for reducing stress on the tension cable when the tension cable is
displaced by an impact.
21. (canceled)
22. (canceled)
23. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 12/709,584 entitled "Barrier System", filed on Feb. 22, 2010,
now U.S. Pat. No. 8,206,056 which issues on Jun. 26, 2012, which is
a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No.
11/761,072, entitled "Barrier System", filed on Jun. 11, 2007, now
U.S. Pat. No. 7,942,602 issued on May 17, 2011, which claims the
benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/812,801, filed Jun.
12, 2006, the entirety of which are hereby incorporated by
reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a barrier system. More
particularly, the invention relates to a vehicle and pedestrian
barrier system which can be positioned in vehicle and pedestrian
passageways adjacent a protected structure or area to preclude the
vehicle or the pedestrian from reaching and engaging the protected
structure or area.
[0003] For some time, terrorists and insurgents have used various
types of vehicles to transport explosives, and other destructive
substances, into a position adjacent, or literally into, a
normally-secured or unsecured structure, whereby the explosives are
detonated in some fashion to destroy or damage the structures, and
injure or kill occupants therein. Recently, pedestrians, such as
the so-called "suicide bombers," have literally strapped explosives
to their body, walked into a target area, and detonated the
body-carried explosives, thereby killing themselves as well as
destroying or damaging structures, and injuring or killing people,
in the target area.
[0004] In recent years, barriers have been strategically placed to
prevent such explosive-laden vehicles and pedestrians from being
placed sufficiently close to, or driven directly into, such
structures for the purpose of explosive destruction of the
structure, and potential injury or death of the occupants.
[0005] While worth-while vehicle barrier systems have been devised
in recent years, some of these systems are not readily portable,
use elaborate and complex barrier structure, and/or require major
alteration in the ground-surface topography to facilitate support
thereof.
[0006] One such system involving elaborate and complex barrier
structure is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,780,020, which includes a
single high-strength cable extending between spaced I-beams, with
the cable woven in an elaborate pattern through openings in the
I-beams and around pipes adjacent webs of the I-beams. A crushable
aluminum honeycomb structure can be used with the woven cable,
pipes and I-beams to serve as a shock-absorbing element if the
barrier system is struck by a vehicle. Also, panels can be placed
between the spaced I-beams for aesthetic purposes, and to conceal
the complex cabling structure.
[0007] In a security gate structure disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
4,576,507, multiple high-strength cables are attached to, and
extend between, a pair of I-beams to form a barrier system. In a
non-operated position, the barrier system is mounted below ground
level for movement within spaced tracks in an underground
structure, and the system is thereby not normally visible. When a
vehicle approaches the gate location, a vehicle sensor is activated
to raise the barrier system, and position the cables in the path of
the oncoming vehicle. Opposite ends of each cable are looped about
shock absorbers to sustain the shock of the vehicle moving into
contact with the cables.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In one embodiment of a barrier system, the barrier system
includes at least first and second reinforced concrete posts, each
concrete post including at least one conduit formed therethrough
having first and second ends and a strain relief sector formed
therein at the first end of the conduit. At least one tension cable
extends between the posts. The tension cable extends through the
conduit of each post and has a cable end secured to the post at the
second end of each post's conduit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] In the accompanying drawings:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a barrier system in
accordance with certain principles of the invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a side view showing an end, or terminal, post and
foundation structure therefor in accordance with certain principles
of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a front view showing alternate embodiments of
securing tension cables directly to a foundation and alternately to
an end post integral with the foundation, or to an intermediate
post, in accordance with certain principles of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a front view showing an end post integrally formed
with a foundation with tension cables mounted on the foundation and
extending through the end post in accordance with certain
principles of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a side view showing an in-ground foundation with
two adjacent cones joined integrally by a common base and forming a
recess therebetween for complementary receipt of an inverted
conical or trapezoidal base of a replaceable post in accordance
with certain principles of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a first cable-mount
post and a second lever post which are angularly separated and
which are formed integrally with a common foundation in accordance
with certain principles of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a front view showing a wide below-ground
foundation formed integrally with an above-ground post having
tension cables extending through the post in accordance with
certain principles of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a preformed steel
reinforced bar concrete structure for mounting within a ground hole
in preparation for forming an integral foundation and post in
accordance with certain principles of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a rod-like post mounted
in, and extending from, a foundation with mating end portions of
adjacent panels in complementary wrap-around assembly with the post
in accordance with certain principles of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a post formed with an
inverted conical or trapezoidal base mounted within an
accommodating recess formed between two below-ground foundation
supports in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 5, with the post
with a cover and a cap attachable thereto to facilitate retention
of tension cables with the post in accordance with certain
principles of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a side view showing a below-ground foundation
formed integrally with an above-ground post with a tension rod
mounted in the foundation and extending through the post in
accordance with certain principles of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a front view of a pair of spaced intermediate
posts each of which is formed with a foot extending radially from
an axis of the post in accordance with certain principles of the
invention;
[0022] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an energy-absorbing
elastic strand extending through, and from opposite ends of, a
tension-member-containing panel, and through support posts, with
facility for attaching the panel to the post, all in accordance
with certain principles of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 14 is a top view showing a panel of the type shown in
FIG. 13 with one end of the panel being convex and the opposite end
of the panel being concave to accommodate linking adjacent panels
for serpentine arrangement in accordance with certain principles of
the invention;
[0024] FIG. 15 is a top view showing mating ends of two adjacent
panels of the type shown in FIG. 13 with interweaving linking
elements, each of which are in the form of a clevis, to retain the
panels in linked assembly in accordance with certain principles of
the invention;
[0025] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a linking rod
extending from a foundation and through aligned holes of
panel-supported linking elements of the type shown in FIG. 15 in
accordance with certain principles of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 17 is a sectional view showing a linking member of the
type shown in FIG. 16 in accordance with certain principles of the
invention;
[0027] FIG. 18 is a sectional view showing a foundation and an
integrally formed post with openings for receipt of linking members
of the type shown in FIG. 17 in accordance with certain principles
of the invention;
[0028] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a step structure or
ramp formed integrally with a gate panel to allow passage for
pedestrians in accordance with certain principles of the
invention;
[0029] FIG. 20 is a top view showing a gated system formed as a
portion of a barrier to allow vehicle passage in a canal-lock-like
arrangement in accordance with certain principles of the
invention;
[0030] FIG. 21 is a top view showing a gated system including two
spaced posts each of which supports a respective one of a pair of
gates which overlap at a junction of the pair of gates in
accordance with certain principles of the invention;
[0031] FIG. 22 is a top view showing a gated system extending
between two spaced posts, with a gate being pivotally mounted to
one of the posts and latchable to the other post by a pin in
accordance with certain principles of the invention;
[0032] FIG. 23 is a top view showing a gated system including two
spaced posts each of which support one end of a respective one of a
pair of gates in accordance with certain principles of the
invention;
[0033] FIG. 24 is a front view showing a pair of spaced posts with
a vehicle restrainer extending therebetween and a pedestrian
restrainer attached to, and extending between, a pair of spaced
rods extending, respectively, from tops of the pair of posts in
accordance with certain aspects of the invention;
[0034] FIG. 25 is a sectional view showing a pair of spaced
foundation members supporting a respective pair of posts with
tension cables weighted at one end and extending between the posts
in accordance with certain principles of the invention;
[0035] FIG. 26 is a front view showing a pair of spaced posts with
two interfacing spaced panels therebetween having a plurality of
shear elements between the panels and a tension cable arranged
about the shear elements in a serpentine fashion in accordance with
certain principles of the invention;
[0036] FIG. 27 is a front view showing a pair of spaced posts with
two interfacing spaced panels therebetween having a plurality of
shear members between the panels and each of two tension cables
arranged in an endless loop about a respective one of the pair of
posts and respective ones of the shear members in accordance with
certain principles of the invention;
[0037] FIG. 28 is a front sectional view showing an assembly of a
foundation, formed with a recess in a curved cup-like
configuration, and a post formed with a base in a shape
complementary to the configuration of, and rockably mounted in, the
recess in accordance with certain principles of the invention;
[0038] FIG. 29 is a side sectional view showing a foundation and
post assembly similar to the assembly of FIG. 28 where the
configuration of the foundation recess and post base, as viewed
from the side, are curved in one plane for rockability from front
to rear of the assembly in accordance with certain principles of
the invention;
[0039] FIG. 30 is a front sectional view showing the foundation and
post assembly of FIG. 29 where the configuration of the foundation
recess and the post base, as viewed from the front, are tapered for
wedging assembly in a non-rockable fashion from side to side in
accordance with certain features of the invention;
[0040] FIG. 31 is a side view showing an integral post and
foundation formed in an "L" shaped configuration in accordance with
certain principles of the invention;
[0041] FIG. 32 is a side view of a two-part post and foundation
assembly with a first post formed with spaced grooves and a second
post formed with spaced ribs which enter the grooves to retain
tension cables within the grooves in accordance with certain
principles of the invention;
[0042] FIG. 33 is a side view of a post formed integrally with a
foundation and having spaced grooves for receiving tension cables
with a cover positioned over the grooves and a cap placed over the
top of the post and cover in accordance with certain principles of
the invention;
[0043] FIGS. 34 and 35 are sectional views showing an assembly of a
tension cable extending through a post with an end of the cable
supporting crushable elements between the post and an end cable
clamp in accordance with certain principles of the invention;
[0044] FIG. 34a is a perspective view showing a crushable element
that may be used in at least one embodiment of energy absorbing
means in accordance with certain principles of the invention.
[0045] FIG. 36 is a sectional view showing a post and tension cable
assembly with crushable elements over an end of the cable located
within a recess in the post with a cover over the recess in
accordance with certain principles of the invention;
[0046] FIG. 37 is a side view and FIG. 38 is a front sectional
views showing two post sections combinable to form a post with
three shear elements extending from one face of a first of the post
sections and into accommodating recesses formed in a second of the
post sections and a tension cable threaded around the shear
elements in a serpentine fashion, similar to the arrangement shown
in FIG. 26, in accordance with certain principles of the
invention;
[0047] FIGS. 39, 39a, 40, 40a and 41 are partial views showing
spaced "I" beam posts formed with longitudinal spaces for receipt
of convex ends of decorative panels which conceal tension cables
extending between the posts in accordance with certain principles
of the invention;
[0048] FIG. 42 is a front view showing a pair of spaced posts
located on a sloped topography and a panel formed with angular end
sections which fit into grooves of the posts in accordance with
certain principles of the invention;
[0049] FIG. 43 is a sectional view showing a panel having a spaced
horizontal rib extending from one face of the panel with a slot
formed in the underside of the rib for receipt of a tension cable
therein and a retainer pin or bolt secured under the slot in
accordance with certain principles of the invention;
[0050] FIGS. 44 through 49 are front views showing different
arrangements and surface treatment of panels used with barrier
systems for decorative purposes in accordance with certain
principles of the invention;
[0051] FIG. 50 is an end view showing a panel formed with a
planter, a cable chase and a contoured front surface in accordance
with certain principles of the invention;
[0052] FIG. 51 is a front view of parallel panels mounted between a
pair of posts and held together by retainer straps in accordance
with certain principles of the invention;
[0053] FIG. 52 is a sectional view showing the assembled panels and
one retainer strap of FIG. 51 with anchor devices securing the
strap with the panels in accordance with certain principles of the
invention;
[0054] FIG. 53 is a front view showing a pair of posts, and a
plurality of vertically oriented panels arranged in a stepped row
between a pair of posts in accordance with certain principles of
the invention;
[0055] FIGS. 54 and 55 are sectional end views showing one of the
plurality of panels of FIG. 51 with slots formed in each of the
panels for receiving tension cables therein, and retention means
under the slots in accordance with certain principles of the
invention;
[0056] FIG. 56 is a side sectional view showing a plurality of
stacked panel beams each of which is formed with a slot therein for
receipt of a tension cable with the upper beam formed with a recess
in the top thereof for receipt of a decorative plant in accordance
with certain principles of the invention;
[0057] FIG. 57 is a side sectional view showing a plurality of
stacked panel beams which are formed with interlocking ribs and
recesses in accordance with certain principles of the
invention;
[0058] FIG. 58 is a top view showing a post with end portions of
adjacent panels wrapped around the post in a complementary manner,
similar to the rod-like post and panel arrangement of FIG. 9, in
accordance with certain principles of the invention;
[0059] FIG. 59 is a top view showing a post formed with a
longitudinal slot of a given width with an end of a panel slidingly
inserted and held in the slot in accordance with certain principles
of the invention;
[0060] FIG. 60 is a front view showing a pair of spaced posts with
a tension cable anchored at opposite ends thereof and extending
vertically through, and horizontally between, the posts in
accordance with certain principles of the invention;
[0061] FIG. 61 is a front view showing a panel having convex ends
in accordance with certain principles of the invention;
[0062] FIG. 62 is a top view of a security-clearance holding pen,
similar to that shown in FIG. 20, in accordance with certain
principles of the invention;
[0063] FIG. 63 is a front sectional view of a post having a rounded
top in accordance with certain principles of the invention;
[0064] FIG. 64 is a side sectional view showing a post having a
rounded top and a gusset extending laterally from the post and
positioned to counteract any forces of a taut tension cable in
accordance with certain principles of the invention;
[0065] FIG. 64a is a top sectional view showing a pair of spaced
gussets located at a corner post in accordance with certain
principles of the invention;
[0066] FIG. 65 is a front sectional view showing a tension cable
extending through a post, with an end of the cable being anchored
to the ground;
[0067] FIG. 65a is a side sectional view showing an intermediate
post having with two separate tension cables passing therethrough
with end of each cable being anchored to the ground in accordance
with certain principles of the invention;
[0068] FIG. 66 is a front view of a panel extending between a pair
of spaced posts with support legs extending below the panel to the
ground to support the panel in accordance with certain principles
of the invention;
[0069] FIG. 67 is a front view showing a pair of spaced posts with
multiple tension cables extending therebetween in lieu of a single
larger cable in accordance with certain principles of the
invention;
[0070] FIG. 68 is a perspective view of the decorative exterior of
a barrier fence in accordance with certain principles of the
invention;
[0071] FIGS. 69, 70 and 71 are each a front view and top view of a
decorative exterior of a panel, similar to that of FIG. 44, in
accordance with certain principles of the invention;
[0072] FIG. 72 is a front view, and FIG. 73 is a top view, of a
barrier fence which includes a pedestrian security-check pen,
similar to that in FIGS. 20 and 62, in accordance with certain
principles of the invention;
[0073] FIG. 74 is a front view of a barrier fence which includes
steps adjacent the fence, similar to that of FIG. 24, leading to a
pedestrian security-check pen, of the type shown in FIGS. 72 and
73, located above the fence, all in accordance with certain
principles of the invention;
[0074] FIG. 75 is a top view showing an end post of a barrier fence
including a brake-pad restraining arrangement within the end post
for restraining a tension cable, or wire rope, when a portion of
the cable, outside of the post, is impacted by a moving vehicle, in
accordance with certain principles of the invention;
[0075] FIG. 76 is side sectional view showing a shock-absorbing end
post of a barrier fence formed by a plurality of stackable tub-like
modules, which may be filled with silica, sand, stone, or the like,
with a top cover on the upper-most module, in accordance with
certain principles of the invention;
[0076] FIG. 77 is side sectional view of the shock-absorbing end
post of FIG. 76 showing one or more tension cables extending
through spaced side walls of stacked modules of FIG. 76, with
disc-like shock absorbers mounted on the cables and embedded within
the silica, sand, stone, or the like, in accordance with certain
principles of the invention;
[0077] FIG. 77a is a top view of one of the stacked modules of FIG.
77 showing the arrangement of the disc-like shock absorbers and
tension cables within each module;
[0078] FIG. 78 is a front sectional view showing the stacked
modules of FIG. 76 having steel tension members extending through
side walls of the modules to secure the modules together and to
facilitate anchoring the pins, and thereby the modules, to a
subterranean anchor, in accordance with certain principles of the
invention;
[0079] FIG. 79 is a front view showing the stacked modules of FIG.
76 formed with a plurality of spaced projections which extend into
a corresponding plurality of spaced openings formed in a
subterranean anchor in accordance with certain principles of the
invention;
[0080] FIG. 80 is a side sectional view showing a plurality of
sacrificial projections extending upward from a floor of an opening
of a lower module, and downward from an undersurface of an
immediate superjacent module, or top lid, to assist in the
absorption of any shock resulting from an impact of a vehicle with
the tension cable, in accordance with certain principles of the
invention;
[0081] FIG. 81 is a perspective view showing one of a plurality of
wells formed strategically in upper edges of one of the modules of
FIG. 76, with a lifting bar or lug secured with each well, in
accordance with certain principles of the invention;
[0082] FIG. 82 is a front sectional view showing one of the modules
of FIG. 77 with two laterally-spaced tension cables attached to a
single disc-like shock absorber in accordance with certain
principles of the invention;
[0083] FIG. 83 is a perspective sectional view showing a barrier
fence formed by a base and an integral impact wall extending
perpendicularly from the base, with tension cables extending
through the fence, in accordance with certain principles of the
invention;
[0084] FIG. 84 is a perspective view showing a round end post with
tension cables extending in different directions from the end post
in accordance with certain principles of the invention;
[0085] FIG. 85 is a partial perspective view showing one of the
modules of FIG. 76, with a side window for depositing silica into
the module, and a detachable funnel for facilitating the depositing
of the silica, in accordance with certain principles of the
invention;
[0086] FIG. 86 is a side view showing a redundant barrier
arrangement which includes a fence formed with a base and an
integral wall, and a base plate having a first portion secured to
an underside of the base, and a second portion extending in a
direction away from one side of the base of the wall, in accordance
with certain principles of the invention;
[0087] FIG. 87 is a perspective sectional view showing a reinforced
concrete panel having a decorative face on one exterior wall, with
a preformed plastic insert captured within the panel to form spaced
passages for receipt of tension cables, in accordance with certain
principles of the invention;
[0088] FIG. 88 is a combined perspective view and a sectional view
showing a post for supporting adjacent ends of two serial panels,
with structure for supporting the panels in alignment with a
sloping terrain while locating the post in a vertical orientation
independent of the sloping terrain;
[0089] FIG. 89 is a perspective view showing two serial panels
having preformed end structure which cooperates with complementary
structure of a common intermediate post to retain assembly of
adjacent panels, where the post also functions as a keeper for
retaining tension cables, or wire ropes, within aligned grooves of
a plurality of the panels;
[0090] FIG. 90 is a side view showing a combination precast panel
and post unit formed with holding slots for supporting a plurality
of tension cables therein;
[0091] FIG. 91 is a rear view showing tension cables located within
the holding slots of the combination precast panel and post unit of
FIG. 90;
[0092] FIG. 92 is a side view showing a keeper formed with
structure for nesting with complementary structure of the
combination precast panel and post unit of FIG. 90 for retaining
the tension cables within the holding slots;
[0093] FIG. 93 is a side view showing the keeper of FIG. 92 in
cable-retaining assembly with the combination precast panel and
post unit of FIG. 90;
[0094] FIG. 94 is a top view and side sectional view showing one of
a plurality of stackable sections, which, when stacked, form an
intermediate anchor post for supporting a plurality of tension
cables, with each section having a cable-entry port in
communication, through open-top cable passages, with all of a
plurality of cable exit ports, which may be in direct or angular
alignment with the cable entry port, and with each section formed
with a plurality of spaced legs extending from the underside
thereof and into the cable passages for retaining the cables within
the passages;
[0095] FIG. 95 is a top view showing a plurality of panels and
intermediate posts, and a pair of spaced end posts, in an
arrangement for providing a pedestrian passage while protecting
against the unauthorized passage of a vehicle;
[0096] FIG. 96 is a front view showing a barrier fence, with parts
removed, having a panel and an intermediate post on each side of an
end post, with tension cables extending into opposite sides of the
end post, which are secured to eyebolts located within the end post
and mounted in an anchor below the end post;
[0097] FIG. 97 is a side view showing a first embodiment of the end
post of FIG. 96;
[0098] FIG. 98 is a side view showing a second embodiment of the
end post of FIG. 96;
[0099] FIG. 99 is a combination plan view and side view of a
barrier fence having a panel and intermediate post integrated into
one component in accordance with certain principles of the
invention;
[0100] FIG. 100 is a perspective view of a barrier fence with a
passageway allowing passage by people but not vehicles in
accordance with certain principles of the invention; and
[0101] FIG. 101 is a sectional view of an energy absorbing means in
accordance with certain principles of the invention.
[0102] FIG. 102 is a sectional view of an energy absorbing means in
a rest position in accordance with certain principles of the
invention.
[0103] FIGS. 103 to 113B illustrate another embodiment of a barrier
system and a method of making same.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0104] This description of preferred embodiments is intended to be
read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be
considered part of the entire written description of the invention.
The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale and certain
features of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale or in
somewhat schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness.
In the description, relative terms such as "horizontal,"
"vertical," "up," "down," "top" and "bottom" as well as derivatives
thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.)
should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described
or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. References to
axial dimensions and directions (e.g., in an "X" direction, over a
"Y" dimension, etc.) should also be construed to refer to the
orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure
under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of
description and normally are not intended to require a particular
orientation. Terms including "inwardly" versus "outwardly,"
"longitudinal" versus "lateral" and the like are to be interpreted
relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an
axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning
attachments, coupling and the like, such as "joined," "connected,"
and "interconnected," refer to a relationship wherein structures
are secured or attached to one another either directly or
indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable
or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described
otherwise.
[0105] Historically, terrorists, and others with destructive
intentions, have employed rapidly moving objects, such as vehicles,
to transport explosives for direct impact with, or into a location
adjacent, critically important structures. Such structures usually
include civilian government, military, and non-government
buildings. The explosives are detonated to damage or destroy the
structures and to injure or kill anyone in or adjacent such
structures.
[0106] In similar fashion, destructive-intending pedestrians,
commonly referred to as "suicide bombers," having explosives
attached to their bodies, have entered such important structures as
well as gatherings of other people, and thereafter detonated the
explosives to destroy and damage the buildings and kill or injure
the other people.
[0107] In order to preclude the entry of such explosive-containing
vehicles and pedestrians into critical areas, barrier systems have
been designed, which are intended to preclude entry of any
unauthorized vehicles and pedestrians into such structures. Some of
the barrier systems have been formed by bollards, water-filled
obstructions, jersey walls, berms, chain link fences and tensioned
cable beams. Products of this type can be standard or generic
designs for use at any location, or they can be custom designed for
the particular environment of the structures and gatherings of
people in the area to be protected. In any event, the barrier
systems should be designed with force-reactive parameters necessary
to insure barring the entry of the explosive-laden vehicles into
the protected areas, and security systems necessary to bar entry of
unauthorized personnel into the protected areas.
[0108] In areas of critical importance, where vehicle traffic flow
is frequent, barrier systems may be located underground, for
aesthetic purposes. Such underground barrier systems are readily
movable, automatically or by human control, to an above-ground
position to present an obstacle to entry of an explosive-laden
and/or unidentified vehicle into the areas of critical
importance.
[0109] In the past, architects have designed custom made barrier
systems where high levels of protection are warranted. In addition,
architects have designed barrier systems which are unobtrusive and
pleasing in appearance.
[0110] In view of a significant increase in destructive actions by
terrorists in recent years, the United States Department of State
has issued several levels of requirements for barrier systems, with
each level being dependent on the anticipated size of the vehicle
(e.g., 15,000 pounds) and the speed of such vehicle (e.g., 30, 40
or 50 miles per hour). In the most stringent level, the barrier
system must limit the travel or penetration of the vehicle to three
meters after impacting the barrier system.
[0111] In order to meet such stringent and high level standards for
barrier systems, careful design is necessary. At the same time, it
is desirable that such barrier systems present a pleasant
appearance, particularly in areas where government office buildings
and living quarters, as well as similarly situated non-government
buildings and residences, are located.
[0112] Some of the attributes for such barrier systems and
components thereof include (a) providing for relatively easy
assembly of the components, (b) permitting repair or replacement of
components without disassembly of the entire barrier system, (c)
providing a means for self diagnostics to determine if disablement
of the barrier system has occurred, (d) providing for the
electrical wiring of the barrier system to power lights, motion
sensors, proximity and impact detectors, and other intelligence
functions, (e) providing facility for preventing entry, as well as
allowing selective entry, of vehicles and pedestrians, and (f)
providing aesthetic enhancements.
[0113] The inventive concepts disclosed herein provide a
pre-engineered barrier system having optionally-selectable
components which an architect, builder or security personnel can
assemble without the need to design and build a barrier system on a
custom basis, while meeting the above-noted requirements and
standards, and attaining the above-noted security attributes.
[0114] It is to be understood that terms such as "energy absorbing
means," "load absorbing means," "shock absorbing means," "energy
absorber," "load absorber," "shock absorber," and like terms are
used substantially interchangeably throughout the specification.
Use of any of these or like terms references any suitable means for
absorbing energy.
[0115] Referring now to FIG. 1, a barrier system 100 includes a
pair of spaced foundations 102 and 104, which are located, at least
partially, within ground soil 106. An upper surface 108 of each of
the foundations 102 and 104 is selectively located at, above, or
below ground level 110 of the soil 106. The spaced foundations 102
and 104 may be formed integrally with a pair of respective end
posts 112 and 114, or, if formed separately, bottom surfaces of the
pair of end posts may be situated on the upper surfaces 108 of the
pair of respective foundations 102 and 104.
[0116] The end post 112 is formed with a pair of spaced chambers
116 and 118, which are formed with respective open ends 120 and 122
and respective closed ends 124 and 126. In similar fashion, the end
post 114 is formed with a pair of spaced chambers 128 and 130,
which are formed with respective open ends 132 and 134 and
respective closed ends 136 and 138.
[0117] A plurality of spaced intermediate posts 140 are each formed
with an upstanding beam 142, and a foundation, pedestal, or foot
144 which is resting on the soil 106 at ground level 110. The
plurality of posts 140 are spaced from, and are located between,
the pair of end posts 112 and 114. Each beam 142 of the posts 140
is formed with a first or upper through opening 146, and a second
or lower through opening 148 spaced below the first opening.
[0118] Opposite ends of a first high-strength wire rope or tension
cable 150 are located within respective ones of the chambers 116
and 128 formed in the respective end posts 112 and 114. The tension
cable 150 is threaded through aligned openings of a first plurality
of energy absorbers, load absorbers, or shock absorbers 152 within
the chamber 116, an opening 154 formed through the end post 112
between the closed end 124 and the adjacent side of the end post,
the first openings 146 of the intermediate posts 140, an opening
156 formed through the end post 112 between the closed end 136 and
the adjacent side of the end post, and through aligned openings of
a second plurality of energy absorbers, load absorbers, or shock
absorbers 158 within the chamber 128. In at least one embodiment,
energy absorbers 152 and 158 are stacked, crushable cups.
[0119] In similar fashion, a second tension cable 160 is strung
between the end posts 112 and 114, with the ends of the cable being
located in the respective chambers 128 and 130. The tension cable
160 is threaded through aligned openings of a plurality of energy
absorbers, load absorbers, or shock absorbers 162 located in the
chamber 128, a through hole 164 formed in the end post 112, the
second openings 148 of the intermediate posts 140, a through hole
166 formed in the end post 114, and aligned holes of a plurality of
energy absorbers, load absorbers, or shock absorbers 168 located in
the chamber 130. Each of the opposite ends of the first and second
tension cables 150 and 160 are secured with a large fastener (not
shown) to facilitate the retention of the cables in the assembled
arrangement of the barrier system 100. In at least one embodiment,
energy absorbers 162 and 168 are stacked, crushable cups.
[0120] One or more decorative panels 170 can be placed between the
end posts 112 and 114 and the respective adjacent intermediate
posts 140, and between any of the remaining pairs of adjacent
intermediate posts. The ends of the panels 170 can be formed to
mount into accommodating grooves (not shown) formed in the end
posts 112 and 114, and the intermediate posts 140. Each of the
panels 170 can be formed with concealed passageways 172, which
extend from one end to the opposite end thereof, to facilitate
threading of the tension cables 150 and 160 therethrough at the
time of threading of the cables as described above.
[0121] The foundations 102 and 104 with the respective end posts
112 and 114, the intermediate posts 140, and the tension cables 150
and 160, when assembled as the barrier system 100, form a barrier
fence 173, with the inclusion of the panels 170 providing enhanced
opposition to unauthorized vehicle and pedestrian traffic, and
pleasing decorativeness.
[0122] The tension cables 150 and 160 are stretched to place the
cables under tension to meet the requirements and standards noted
above, and the ends of the cables are attached to the fasteners to
retain the cables in the tensioned state. If a vehicle impacts the
barrier system 100, the opposite ends of the tension cables 150 and
160 are drawn inward by the impacting force, whereby the energy
absorbers 152, 158, 162 and 168 are crushed to allow a minimal
level of slack to develop in the cables. The crushed energy
absorbers 152, 158, 162 and 168, any damaged posts 112, 114 and
140, any damaged panels 170, and any damaged tension cables 150 and
160 can be readily replaced.
[0123] The energy absorbers 152, 158, 162 and 168 are preferably
made of a ductile material. Carbon steel and stainless steel are
such materials. Such a material can absorb large amounts of energy
as it is stretching between yield and ultimate strength. This is
shown in Table 1 below as elongation % in 2 inches under the
"Mechanical properties--annealed" heading. Upon the impact of a
vehicle striking a portion of the fence, the tension cables 150 and
160 will transfer the tension to end posts 112 and 114. In certain
circumstances, the forces may become greater than the strength of
the tension cable due to rapid vehicle deceleration. By providing
an energy absorbing means, the vehicle will stop in a longer period
of time, thus resulting in a lower force on the tension cables and
a substantial portion of the kinetic energy from the vehicle will
be absorbed by the energy absorbing means.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Properties of Stainless Steel. Group
CHROMIUM-NICKEL AUSTENITIC GROUP Type Number 201 202 301 302 304
304L Analyses-percent: Chromium 16.0-18.0 17.0-19.0 16.00-18.00
17.00-19.00 18.00-20.00 18.00-20.00 Nickel 3.5-5.5 4.0-6.0
6.00-8.00 8.00-10.00 8.00-12.00 8.00-12.00 Other elements (Note 6)
N.sub.2 .25 max N.sub.2 .25 max -- -- -- -- Carbon .15 max .15 max
.15 max .15 max .08 max .03 max Manganese 5.5/7.5 7.5/10.0 2.00 max
2.00 max 2.00 max 2.00 max Silicon 1.00 max 1.00 max 1.00 max 1.00
max 1.00 max 1.00 max Physical data: Melting range-.degree. F. --
-- 2550-2590 2550-2590 2550-2650 2550-2650 Density-lb/in..sup.3 .28
.28 0.29 0.29 0.29 0.29 Specific heat-Btu/.degree. F./lb (32-212
F.) 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 Thermal
conductivity-Btu/ft.sup.2/hr/.degree. F./ft: 212 F. -- -- 9.4 9.4
9.4 9.4 932 F. -- -- 12.4 12.4 12.4 12.4 Mean coefficient of
thermal expansion- in/in/.degree. F. .times. 10.sup.-6: 68-212 F.
9.2 9.4 9.2 9.2 9.2 9.2 68 to indicated temperature-.degree. F.
11.3 (1600) 10.9 (1600) 11.0 (1600) 11.0 (1600) 11.0 (1600) 11.0
(1600) Electrical properties: Magnetic permeability at 200 H
annealed 1.02 max 1.02 max 1.02 1.02 1.02 1.02 Electrical
resistivity-microhm-cm: 68 F. 69.0 69.0 72.0 72.0 72.0 72.0 1200 F.
-- -- 116.0 116.0 116.0 116.0 Heat resistance: Maximum operating
temperature-.degree. F.: Intermittent service (Note 1) 1500 1500
1600 1600 1600 1600 Continuous service 1550 1550 1700 1700 1700
1700 Temperatures-working and treating-.degree. F.: Forging-start
2300 2300 2200 2200 2200 2200 Forging-finish 1700 1700 1700 1700
1700 1700 Annealing-ranges (Note 2) 1850-2000 1850-2000 1950-2050
1850-2050 1800-1950 1800-1950 Annealing-cooling (Note 3) WQ(AC)
WQ(AC) WQ(AC) WQ(AC) WQ(AC) A.C. Hardening-ranges (Note 7) (Note 7)
(Note 7) (Note 7) (Note 7) (Note 7) Quenching -- -- -- -- -- --
Tempering-for intermediate hardness -- -- -- -- -- -- Drawing-for
relieving stresses -- -- -- -- -- -- Mechanical
properties-annealed: Structure annealed. A A A A A A Yield
strength-lb/in..sup.2-min 40 000 40 000 35 000 30 000 30 000 25 000
Ultimate strength-lb/in..sup.2-min 115 000 100 000 100 000 80 000
80 000 70 000 Elongation-% in 2 inches-min 40.0 40.0 50.0 50.0 50.0
40.0 Reduction in area-%-min -- -- 60.0 60.0 60.0 60.0 Modulus of
elasticity in tension-lb/in..sup.2 .times. 10.sup.6 29.0 29.0 29.0
29.0 29.0 29.0 Hardness-Brinell 210 max 210 max 180 max 180 max 180
max 180 max Hardness-Rockwell B95 max B95 max B90 max B90 max B90
max B90 max Impact values-Izod-ft-lb 85 min 85 min 85 min 85 min 85
min 80 min Mechanical properties-heat treated: Yield
strength-lb/in..sup.2 Ultimate strength-lb/in..sup.2 (Note 8) (Note
8) (Note 8) (Note 8) (Note 8) (Note 8) Elongation-% in 2 inches
Hardness-Brinell Hardness-Rockwell Creep strength-lb/in..sup.2 at
1000.degree. F.: 1% Flow in 10,000 hr -- -- 19 000 19 000 19 000 19
000 1% Flow in 100,000 hr -- -- 13 000 13 000 13 000 13 000
[0124] As shown in FIG. 2, the foundation 102 is formed integrally
with the end post 112, with a tension rod 172 embedded in the cured
material of the foundation and rod. This arrangement enhances the
strength of the integral structure of the foundation 102 and the
end post 112 to provide relatively greater opposition to any
destructive reaction encountered by the foundation and the end
post. A portion of foundation 102 is subterranean, being adjacent
soil 106 and below ground level 110.
[0125] In the illustration of FIG. 3, in a first embodiment, the
end post 112 is supported on the foundation 102, with tension
cables 150 and 160 extending through the intermediate posts 140.
The ends of the cables 150 and 160 extend from the end post 112 and
are anchored to the foundation 102 to provide tensioning of the
cables. In an alternate or second embodiment, an intermediate post
140a functions as an end post, and the ends of the cables 150 and
160 extend from the post 140a and are anchored to the
foundation.
[0126] As shown in FIG. 4, the post 112 extends upward from the
foundation 102, with a gusset 175 being located in engagement with
a vertical side of the post and an adjacent portion of the top of
the foundation. The post 112 and the gusset 175 are each formed
with communicating through holes for receipt of the tension cables
150 and 160 therethrough. The ends of the cables 150 and 160 are
anchored to the foundation 102.
[0127] Referring to FIG. 5, the foundation 102 is formed with
integrally connected double cones 174 and 176 with a trapezoidal
recess 178 between the cones. The end post 112, which is
replaceable, is formed with a trapezoidal base 180 which nests in
the recess 178 for a secure support of the base by the foundation
102. An eyebolt 182 is attached to an upper end of the post 112 to
facilitate placement, and replacement, of the base 180 with respect
to the recess 178. A decorative cap 184 can be positioned at the
upper end of the post 112.
[0128] As shown in FIG. 6, a first post/foundation assembly 186
includes the post 112 integrally formed, or separately secured,
with the foundation 102. The post 112 is formed with openings 188
and 190 for receipt of the tension cables 150 and 160,
respectively. A pivot post 112a is also integrally formed, or
separately secured, with the foundation 102, and is located
generally at an angle of ninety degrees with the post 112. The
pivot post 112a is formed with openings 188a and 190a for receipt
of a second pair of tension cables 150a and 160a. When the first
post/foundation assembly 186 is assembled as a component of a
barrier system, the post 112 extends upward from the foundation
102, and the pivot post 112a located in the soil 106 slightly below
ground level 110.
[0129] A second post/foundation assembly (not shown) is identical
to, and spaced from, the first post/foundation assembly 186, with
the tension cables 150, 160, 150a and 160a being attached to, and
extending between, the first and second post/foundation
assemblies.
[0130] When a vehicle impacts, and attempts to pass beyond, the
tension cables 150 and 160, the cables are moved in the direction
of travel of the vehicle whereby the posts 112 of the two spaced
post/foundation assemblies 186 are moved to position as shown in
phantom in FIG. 6. At the same time, the foundations 102 of the two
spaced post/assemblies 186 revolves partially to pivot the pivot
posts 112a out of the soil 106 to the position shown in phantom. As
the pivot posts 112a pivot out of the soil 106, the tension cables
150a and 160a are also raised from the soil to engage the under
carriage of the vehicle, elevating and lifting the vehicle upward
from ground level 110.
[0131] Referring to FIG. 7, a post 192 includes an integrally
formed base 194 and a beam 196 extending upward from the base, with
a steel reinforcing bar 198 embedded within the integral post.
Steel reinforcing bar is commonly, and hereinafter, referred to as
"rebar." The base 194 is formed with a convex undersurface 200,
which is located within a complimentary concave recess 202 formed
in the soil 106 below the ground level 110. The beam 196 is formed
with a pair of spaced through holes 204 and 206 for receipt of the
tension cables 150 and 160.
[0132] As the beam 196, or the cables 150 and 160, are impacted by
a vehicle, the post 192 is pivoted out of the concave recess 202,
whereby the portion of the base 194, which is closest to the
vehicle, is raised to lift and stop the vehicle from further
forward movement. Also, as the base 194 is pivoted from the recess
202, the base will rotate and move laterally to plow the soil to
form a berm-like deterrent to further movement of the vehicle.
[0133] Referring to FIG. 8, a process for forming a foundation,
with or without an integral post, in situ, initially includes the
forming, off site, of a rebar skeleton 208 in the general
configuration of the foundation, with or without the post. A
cylindrical hole 210 is dug into the soil 106 with a diameter
slightly larger than the ultimate diameter of the foundation, and
at a depth generally equal to, or less than, the height of the
foundation. Thereafter, the rebar skeleton 208 is deposited into
the hole 210. If a post is to be formed integrally with the
foundation, the upper portion of the rebar skeleton 208, about
which the post is to be formed, will extend outward from the hole
210 and above ground level 110.
[0134] A mold 212 is also produced off site, and is formed
generally in the exterior shape of the rebar skeleton 208, but is
laterally larger than the rebar skeleton. The mold 212, which is
generally in the shape of an inverted funnel, is placed over the
rebar skeleton 208, with the foundation portion of the mold being
located within the hole 210 and the post portion of the mold being
located above ground level 110. A standoff, which could be ribs
formed integrally with, and extending radially inward from the
interior walls of, the mold 212, locates the interior wall of the
mold by a prescribed distance from adjacent portions of the rebar
skeleton 208. The standoff insures that the rebar skeleton is fully
embedded within the ultimately formed foundation and post.
[0135] A foundation-and-post material such as, for example,
concrete is deposited through an open top of the mold 212 and into
the cavity formed by the mold. The deposited concrete surrounds the
rebar skeleton 208 and fills the cavity of the mold 212 where, upon
curing of the concrete, the foundation and the post are formed with
the rebar skeleton being embedded within the concrete. The mold 212
can be removed from, or can be retained with, the formed concrete
foundation and post. Soil 106 is then used to back fill, to the
ground level 110, the portions of the hole 210 not occupied by the
formed foundation, whereby the post, and selectively an upper
position of the foundation, extends above the ground level.
[0136] A plurality of the rebar skeletons 208 can be manufactured
off-site and stored in a stacked arrangement. Similarly, a
plurality of the molds 212 can be manufactured off-site and stored
in a stacked arrangement. The stacked rebar skeletons 208 and the
stacked molds 212 can then be readily shipped in the stacked
arrangement to the location of the in situ formation of a
prescribed number of foundations and posts in the construction of
the barrier system 100.
[0137] As shown in FIG. 9, the post 140 extends upward from the
foundation 144. It is noted that the illustrated post-and-pedestal
assembly could also represent either of the foundations 102 and 104
and the respective end post 112 and 114. Each end of each of the
panels 170 is formed with a concave groove, which extends from the
top to the bottom of the panel. The concavity of each groove 214 is
complementary to approximately one-half of the longitudinal
configuration of the post 140. In the assembly of the panels 170
with the posts 140, the grooves 214, at opposite ends of each of
the panels, is positioned about the adjacent one of the posts 140,
and are thereby retained in the assembled position with the
posts.
[0138] Referring to FIG. 10, a foundation-and-post assembly 216,
generally similar to the assembly of FIG. 5, includes a pair of
spaced conical foundation members 218 and 220, which are located
within the soil 106, with an upper end of each of the members being
located at ground level 110. A post 222 is formed with a beam 224
and a trapezoidal base 226, with a common rebar 228 being embedded
within the beam and base. The base 226 is wedged within the space
between the two foundation members 218 and 220. An eyebolt 229 is
secured to an upper end of the beam 224 to facilitate lowering, and
raising, of the base 226 relative to the space between the
foundation members 218 and 220.
[0139] One side 230 of the beam 224 is formed with three vertically
spaced grooves 232, which receive three respective tension cables
234. A side cover 236 is placed in engagement with the one side 228
of the beam 224 to cover the grooves 232 to facilitate retention of
the tension cables 234 within the respective grooves. A cap 238 is
placed over an upper end of the assembled beam 224 and cover 236 to
retain the beam and cover in the assembled arrangement.
[0140] Referring to FIG. 11, the foundation 102 is formed
integrally with the end post 112, with a tension rod 240 and an
enlarged base 242 thereof embedded within the foundation. The
tension rod 240, which could be a pipe or an I-beam, also extends
upward from the foundation 102, through the end post 112 and is
exposed at an upper end of the end post.
[0141] A plurality of vertically spaced rebars 244 are located
within the end post 112, and extend perpendicularly of the tension
rod 240 between the rod and one side 246 of the end post. The end
post 112 is formed internally with two vertically spaced chambers
248 and 250, which provide enclosures for energy absorbing means,
and with the tension cables 150 and 160, respectively, terminating
in the chambers and attached to the energy absorbing means.
[0142] As shown in FIG. 12, an intermediate portion of the fence
173 of FIG. 1 includes a plurality panels 252, each of which extend
between adjacent intermediate posts 140. Each panel 252 is formed
with passages 254 and 256 through which the tension cables 150 and
160, respectively, are threaded. The plurality of panels 252 can
assist in the barrier function to stop oncoming vehicles, and also
can provide a decorative appearance for the barrier system by
concealing the tension cables 150 and 160. The use of the plurality
of panels 252 facilitates various arrangements of the barrier
system 100 such as, for example, where the components of the fence
173 must be arranged in a serpentine fashion, as viewed from the
top, or on a topographical slope, as viewed from the front.
[0143] It is noted that, while not shown, the bottom of each of the
panels 252 could extend to the ground level 110 for support of the
panel thereby. The bottom of each of the panels 252 would be shaped
to accommodate any obstruction presented by other objects above the
ground level 110, such as, for example, the foundation 144 of the
post 140, so that the unobstructed portion of the bottom of the
panel would rest on the ground level.
[0144] As shown in FIG. 13, a post 258 is formed with a passage 260
for the threading of the tension cable 150 therethrough, with a
first set of vertically spaced recesses 262 and 264 formed are on
one side of the post, and are spaced apart by a prescribed
distance. A second set of vertically spaced recesses 266 and 268
are formed on an opposite side of the post 258, are spaced apart by
the prescribed distance, and are aligned with the recesses 262 and
264, respectively. It is noted that the tension cable 150 could be,
for example, an energy-absorbing elastic strand.
[0145] A heavy-duty cast concrete or plastic panel 270 is also
formed with a passage 272 to facilitate the threading of the
tension cable 150 therethrough. A first set of vertically spaced
eyebolts 274 and 276 are firmly secured at one end thereof to a
first end 278 of the panel 270, and are spaced apart by the
prescribed distance, with the eye portion of the eyebolts being
exposed. A second set of vertically spaced eyebolts 280 and 282 are
firmly secured at one end thereof to a second end 284 of the panel
270, are aligned with the eyebolts 274 and 276, respectively, and
are spaced apart by the prescribed distance, with the eye portion
of the eyebolts being exposed.
[0146] When assembling the fence 173, the tension cable 150 is
threaded through the passage 260 of the illustrated post 258,
through the passage 272 of the panel 270, and through the passage
260 of a post (not shown), which is adjacent the end 284 of the
panel. The panel 270 is manipulated to insert the eye portion of
the eyebolts 274 and 276 into respective recesses 262 and 264 of
post 258, and to insert the eye portion of the eyebolts 280 and 282
into respective recesses 266 and 268 of the post (not shown), which
is adjacent the end 284 of the panel 270. As an alternative, the
eye portions of the eyebolts 274, 276, 280 and 282 could initially
be assembled within the respective recesses 262, 264, 266 and 268,
and the tension cable 150 then threaded through the aligned
passageways 260 and 272.
[0147] After the assembly as described above, the eye portions of
the eyebolts 274, 276, 280 and 282 could be supported on the lower
ledge of each of the respective recesses 262, 264, 266 and 268, and
retained in that position by the tension cable 150 passing through
the panel 270. Alternatively, a locking mechanism (not shown) which
is contained within the post 258 can be actuated by an external
actuator 286 to move locking pins through each of the eye portions
of the eyebolts 274, 276, 280 and 282 to further facilitate
retention of the panel 270 in position between each set of adjacent
posts 258.
[0148] Referring to FIG. 14, adjacent cast concrete or plastic
panels 270 of FIG. 13, with the tension cable 150 threaded
therethrough, can be formed with a concave end 288 at one end
thereof, and a convex end 290 at the other end thereof, with a
recess 292 formed in the convex end. An eyebolt 294 is firmly
secured within the concave end 288, with the eye portion of the
eyebolt being exposed. Adjacent panels 270 can then be assembled in
a serpentine fashion, as viewed from the top of the fence 173, by
positioning the concave end 288 of one panel about the convex end
290 of the adjacent panel, and by inserting the eye portion of the
eyebolt 294 into the recess 292.
[0149] A locking pin (not shown) can be positioned through an
opening in the panel 270, adjacent the convex end thereof, and the
eye portion of the eyebolt 294, which is aligned with the panel
opening. In this manner, one panel 270 can be positioned angularly
with respect to the adjacent panel.
[0150] As shown in FIG. 15, a first panel 296, as viewed from the
top thereof, is in assembly with a second panel 298, with the
panels being composed of cast concrete or plastic. The first panel
296 is formed at one end 300 with a central extension 302 of a
prescribed shape and is formed with a hole therethrough. A rod 304
is embedded within the first panel 296, and is formed with an
enlarged head 306, which is embedded within the central extension
302. A common hole is formed through the extension 302 and the
embedded head 306.
[0151] The second panel 298 is formed at one end 308 with a recess
310, which is complementary to the prescribed shape. The recess 310
of the second panel 298 is positioned for receipt of the extension
302 of the first panel 296. Portions 312 of the end 308 of the
second panel 298 are flared from the recess 310 to opposite sides
thereof, with the flare being in a direction away from the first
panel 296.
[0152] A clevis 314 is secured in the second panel 298 and extends
centrally from the recess 310 thereof, and into overlapping
position with the extension 302, with a hole of the clevis being
aligned with the common hole of the extension and the embedded head
306. A pin is inserted through the common hole of the extension 302
and the embedded head 306, and the hole of the clevis 314 to retain
panels 296 and 298 together and to allow pivotal positioning
between the panels. A rebar 316 is embedded within the first panel
296 and is looped around the common hole of the extension 302 and
the embedded head 306.
[0153] As shown in FIG. 16, a steel post 318 is formed in place,
and extends above a foundation 320. A pair of spaced cast concrete
or plastic panels 322 and 324 has partially embedded therein a
first pair of clevis 326 and 328, spaced from a second pair of
clevis 330 and 332. Each clevis 326, 328, 330 and 332 has an
exposed portion which extends outward from a first end 334 of the
panels 322 and 324, and are formed with aligned holes. A third pair
of spaced clevis 336 and 338 are also partially embedded in the
panels 322 and 324, with exposed portions thereof extending outward
from a second end 340 of the panels, and are formed with aligned
holes.
[0154] The holes of the first, second and third pairs of the clevis
are aligned and placed over the cast concrete post 318 to attach
the panels 322 and 324 together. Decorative caps (not shown) may be
placed on top of the posts 318. The panels 322 and 324 can be
formed such that interfacing portions of the respective ends 334
and 340 are in engagement to provide a compression butt between the
adjacent panels.
[0155] Referring to FIG. 17, a tension member 342 is formed with a
prescribed length, and with a clevis 344 having aligned holes at a
first end 346 of the member. The tension member 342 is straight at
a second end 348 of the member, which is formed with a single
hole.
[0156] Referring to FIG. 18, a post 350 is formed integrally with a
foundation 352, and extends upward therefrom. The post 350 is
formed with a vertical core 354, and with a pair of spaced through
holes 356 and 358, which are laterally of, and in communication
with, the core.
[0157] A first of the tension members 342 of FIG. 17 is manipulated
to insert the respective clevis 344, at the first end 346 of the
tension member, into the hole 356 of the post 350 from a first side
360 of the post, with the vertical core 354 being aligned with the
holes of the clevis. A second of the tension members 342 is
manipulated to insert the second or straight end 348 into an
opening formed within the clevis 344, from a second side 362 of the
post 350, with the hole of the second end being aligned with the
vertical core 354 and the holes of the clevis. The clevis 344 of a
third one of the tension members 342, and the second end 348 of a
fourth one of the tension members, is assembled within the hole 358
of the post 348 in similar fashion.
[0158] A locking pin 364, having a head 366, is inserted into the
vertical core 354 of the post 350, from the top of the post, and
through aligned holes of the two clevis 344 and the two second ends
348 to retain the tension members 342 in assembly with the
post.
[0159] As shown in FIG. 19, a cast concrete or plastic panel 368
extends between two spaced posts 370 and 372, and is cast
integrally with stairs 374 and 376 on opposite sides of the panel
to provide a passage for authorized pedestrians to pass over the
panel. In lieu of the stairs 374 and 376, a pair of ramps (not
shown) could be cast integrally with, and on opposite sides of, the
panel 368 to provide a passage for authorized wheelchair-bound
persons to pass over the panel.
[0160] Referring to FIG. 20, a "canal lock" gate system 377
includes an end section of a first fence 378 formed by a series of
spaced intermediate posts 380, located between two end posts 382
and 384, with a continuous tension member 386 extending between the
intermediate and end posts. A beginning section of a second fence
388 is formed by a beginning end post 390 and a series of spaced
intermediate posts 392, with continuous tension member 394
extending the intermediate and end posts.
[0161] The end section of the first fence 378 is spaced from and
generally parallel to the beginning section of the second fence
388. A first gate 396, including tension members 398, is mounted
along one side thereof to the end post 382 for pivoting movement,
and is latchable to the end post 390. A second gate 400, including
tension members 402, is mounted along one side thereof to the end
post 384 for pivoting movement, and is latchable to an intermediate
post 392a of the second fence 388.
[0162] The gates 396 and 400 can be controlled in the manner of
controlling canal gates of a waterway canal to allow selective
passage of an authorized vehicle.
[0163] As shown in FIG. 21, a fence 406 having a tension cable
system and a gated passage, is formed by a first post 408 and a
spaced second post 410, with tension cables 412a and 412b extending
away from the respective posts 408 and 410. A first gate section
414 is mounted for pivoting movement to the first post 408. A
second gate section 416 is mounted for pivoting movement to the
second post 410.
[0164] When the gate sections 414 and 416 are in a closed position,
an extended end portion 414a of the first gate section 414 overlaps
an extended end portion 416a of the second gate section 416. In the
closed position, the gate sections 414 and 416 are secured to each
other by a connector of any of a number of known connectors.
[0165] As shown in FIG. 22, a gate 418 is formed by tension members
420, with a first end 422 of the gate attached to a first gate post
424 for pivotal movement relative to the post. A second end 426 of
the gate 418 is formed with latch member (not shown), which is
latchable to a second gate post 428 by a multi-pin facility 430.
Additional tension members 432 extend from the gate posts 424 and
428 to, and beyond, intermediate posts 434 and 436,
respectively.
[0166] Referring to FIG. 23, in a barrier fence, a gate 438 is
formed by two gate sections 440 and 442, each of which are
pivotally attached to two gate posts 444 and 446, respectively,
spaced apart by a prescribed distance. Each of the gate sections
440 and 442 is formed as a tension member, without panels, and
extend from the respective posts 444 and 446 by a distance greater
than the prescribed distance.
[0167] The gate sections 440 and 442 are formed with free ends 450
and 452, respectively, each of which are formed with
vertically-spaced end fingers (not shown). The end fingers of the
free end 450 are formed in a first set of vertically-spaced planes,
and the end fingers of the free end 452 are formed in a second set
of vertically-spaced planes, which are offset from the first set of
planes by the thickness of the end fingers. When the free ends 450
and 452 are moved into vertical alignment, as shown in FIG. 23, the
end fingers of the free end 450 interleave with the end fingers of
the free end 452, to vertically align through holes formed in each
of the end fingers.
[0168] When the gate 438 is closed, and the end fingers of the free
ends 450 and 452 are interleaved together, a multi-shear latching
pin 454 is inserted into and through the vertically-aligned through
holes of the end fingers to secure the gate in a closed position.
If an unauthorized vehicle attempts to enter beyond the barrier
fence, and impacts the secured gate 438, the gate sections 440 and
442, and the multi-shear pin 454, are of sufficient strength to
prevent the vehicle from passing through the gate. If an authorized
vehicle is to pass through the gate 438, the multi-shear pin 454 is
vertically withdrawn from the aligned through holes of the end
fingers of the free ends 450 and 452, the gate sections 440 and 442
are pivoted apart, and the authorized vehicle is allowed to pass
through the gate.
[0169] The barrier fence further includes tension members 456 which
extend from the gate posts 444 and 446 through, and beyond,
intermediate posts 458 and 460, respectively.
[0170] As shown in FIG. 24, a plurality of spaced intermediate
barrier posts 462 (two shown) support a plurality of sections 464
of a vehicle fence, which may be composed of tension members and/or
panels. The fence is generally three feet in height from the ground
level 110.
[0171] Each of a plurality of spaced rods 466 is mounted in the top
of a respective one of the posts 462, with adjacent pairs of the
rods providing support for individual sections 468 of a pedestrian
fence between the rods. The top of the pedestrian fence is located
generally six feet from the ground level 110. The sections 468 of
the pedestrian fence may be formed from iron work, expanded metal,
chain links, and the like, and may be formed as a lattice.
[0172] As shown in FIG. 25, each of two foundation assemblies 470a
and 470b is formed with two spaced side sections 472 and 474, and
an integrally formed linking section 476, which straddles the side
sections at the top thereof. Each of two posts 478a and 478b is
placed on, or cast integrally with, a respective one of the two
foundation assemblies 470a and 470b.
[0173] A right end of a first tension cable 150a is secured to the
post 478a. A second tension cable 150b extends from a location (not
shown) to the right of FIG. 25, where a right end of the cable is
secured to a post (not shown), also at the location, in the same
manner that the visible right end of cable 150a is secured to the
post 478a, as described above. The tension cable 150b extends
through an opening 480 formed through the post 478b, into an
opening 482 formed in the post 478a, and over a roller 484 located
within a hollow in the post 478a. The tension cable 150b continues
through a vertical core 486 of the post 478a, exits from the bottom
of the post 478a, and to a left end of the cable which is attached
to a weight 488 located in a space 490 between the spaced side
sections 472 and 474 of the foundation assembly 470a.
[0174] The tension cable 160a has a left end which is attached to a
post (not shown) to the left of FIG. 25, and extends through an
opening 492 in the post 478a, into an opening 493 in the post 478b,
over a roller 494 in a hollow of the post 478b, and into a vertical
core 496 formed in the post 478b. The cable 160a exits from the
bottom of the post 478b and extends into a space 498, between the
spaced side sections 472 and 474, and is attached at its right end
to a weight 500. A panel 502 is placed over the tension cables 150b
and 160a which extend between the posts 478a and 478b. The weights
488 and 500 provide a tensioning of the respective tension cables
150b and 160a, and provide a counter weight which prevents the
passage of an unauthorized vehicle through the panel 502.
[0175] As shown in FIG. 26, a tension cable 504 extends through an
upper opening 506 of a first intermediate post 508. The cable 504
is threaded in a serpentine fashion about a first row of spaced
shear posts 510 and a second row of spaced shear posts 512, which
are spaced from the first row of shear posts. The shear posts 510
and 512, and the threaded portion of the cable 504, are located
between spaced panels 514 (one shown) of a clamshell panel assembly
516, which extends between the first intermediate post 508 and a
spaced second intermediate post 518. The cable 504 exits from
between the panels 514 and extends through a lower opening 520 of
the second intermediate post 518. The spaced panels 514 and the
shear posts 510 and 512 can be formed as a unitary concrete
arrangement.
[0176] When an unauthorized vehicle impacts the panel assembly 516,
the stressed cable 504 begins to break some of the shear posts 510
and 512 from their formation with the panels 514. However, the
impact force of the vehicle is insufficient to break all of the
shear posts 510 and 512, and the vehicle is prevented from passing
through the panel assembly 516.
[0177] Additionally, a second tension cable (not shown) could be
threaded about two other rows of shear posts (not shown) in the
same manner as the cable 504.
[0178] As an alternative, a given length of a tension cable (not
shown) could be secured at one end thereof to the post 508, and the
opposite end thereof secured to the post 518, with intermediate
portions of the given length of cable being threaded in a
serpentine fashion about two rows of shear posts (not shown) in the
same manner as the tension cable 504.
[0179] Referring to FIG. 27, a first set of energy-absorbing bosses
522, and a second set of energy-absorbing bosses 524, extend
between spaced panels 526 (one shown) of a clamshell panel assembly
528. A first endless tension cable 529 extends around the first set
of bosses 522 and a pair of spaced retention members 530 extending
from an intermediate post 532. A second endless tension cable 534
extends around the second set of bosses 524 and a pair of retention
members 536 extending from an intermediate post 538.
[0180] When an unauthorized vehicle impacts the panel assembly 528,
some of the shear posts 522 and 524 will be sheared, but a
sufficient number of the shear posts will remain intact to prevent
the vehicle from passing through the panel assembly.
[0181] As shown in FIG. 28, a foundation 540 is formed with a
concave barrel-like recess 542, which is open at the top. A post
544 is formed with a barrel-like base 546, which is complementary
to, and situated in, the recess 542. When a vehicle fence (not
shown), which includes intermediate posts such as the post 544, is
impacted by an unauthorized vehicle, the post 544 will rock to a
position as shown in phantom to absorb the energy of the impact,
and will return to the upright position by gravity when the vehicle
is removed.
[0182] Referring to FIG. 29, an intermediate foundation/post
assembly 559 includes a foundation 560 formed with a open-top
recess 562, which is generally concave as viewed from the side of
the foundation, with the recess being formed with a bottom 563. A
post 564 is formed with a base 566 which, as viewed from the side
thereof, is complementary to the side-view configuration of the
recess 562, and is formed with a bottom 567, which does not extend
to the bottom 563 of the recess 562. With this concave-like
structure, the post 564 is allowed to rock from front to back with
respect to the foundation 560.
[0183] As viewed in FIG. 30, from the front of the foundation 560
of FIG. 29, the open-top recess 562 is formed with inwardly
tapered, spaced, interfacing walls 568 and 570 from the bottom 563
to the top thereof. Also, as viewed from the front in FIG. 30, the
base 566 of the post 564 is formed on opposite sides thereof with
inwardly tapered walls 572 and 574, from top to bottom thereof,
which are complementary to the tapered walls 568 and 570 of the
recess 562. With this structural arrangement, the base 566 is
wedged in the recess 562, with the bottom 567 of the base 566 being
spaced above the bottom 563 of the recess 562. With this wedging
structure, the post 564 is precluded from moving from side to side
relative to the foundation 560.
[0184] The post 564 is formed with a beam 576 which extends upward
from, and integrally with, the base 566. A plurality of through
openings 578 are formed through the beam 576 to provide passage for
tension cables 580 therethrough.
[0185] Referring to FIG. 31, an intermediate, L-shaped foundation
and post assembly 582, which is similar to the assembly 186 shown
in FIG. 6, includes a post 584 integrally formed with a foundation
586. The post 584 is formed with openings 588 for receipt of
tension cables (not shown). When the post/foundation assembly 582
is assembled as a component of a barrier fence, the post 584
extends upward from the foundation 586, which is located in the
soil 106 slightly below ground level 110.
[0186] When a vehicle impacts, and attempts to pass beyond, the
tension cables, the cables are moved in the direction of travel of
the vehicle whereby the posts 584 of two spaced post/foundation
assemblies 582 are moved to position as shown in phantom in FIG.
31. At the same time, the foundations 586 of the two spaced
post/assemblies 582 revolves partially to pivot the foundations 586
out of the soil 106 to the position shown in phantom. As the
foundations 586 pivot out of the soil 106 to engage the under
carriage of the vehicle, thereby elevating and lifting the vehicle
upward from ground level 110, and preventing the vehicle from
proceeding past the barrier fence.
[0187] Another intermediate foundation and post assembly 589 is
shown in FIG. 32, and includes a first L-shaped post/foundation
unit 590. The unit 590 includes a post 592 formed integrally with a
foundation 594, with the foundation and a lower portion of the post
being in the soil 106 below the ground level 110. The assembly 589
further includes a second post/foundation unit 596, which is formed
in a reverse-L-shaped configuration. The unit 596 includes a post
598 formed integrally with a foundation 600, with the foundation
and a lower portion of the post being in the soil 106 below the
ground level 110. An inward surface 602 of the first unit 590 is in
interfacing engagement with an inward surface 604 of the second
unit 596.
[0188] A plurality of spaced grooves 606 are formed in the surface
602 of the post 592 for receipt of tension cables 608. A
corresponding plurality of spaced ribs 610 extend from the surface
604 of the post 598, partially into the grooves 606 to retain the
tension cables 608 within the grooves.
[0189] With respect to the following description of the structures
shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, it is noted that the bottom of the
structure shown in FIG. 33 overlaps the top of the structure shown
in FIG. 34. It is to be understood that the illustrations of FIGS.
33 and 34 relate to two different and distinct structures, and the
overlapping portions of FIGS. 33 and 34 are not intended to show
that there is any connection between the two structures.
[0190] As shown in FIG. 33, an intermediate foundation and post
assembly 612 is formed with a foundation 614, which is located
within the soil 106, and a post 616 extending upward from the
foundation. The foundation 614 is also formed with a shelf 618,
which is generally planar with the ground level 110 of the soil
106. A plurality of spaced grooves 620 are formed in an inward
surface 622 of the post 616 for receipt of tension cables 624. A
side cover 626, or side cap, is formed with a flat inward surface
628, which interfaces with the inward surface 622 of the post 616
to cover the plurality of grooves 620 and thereby retain the
tension cables 624 within the grooves.
[0191] In a first embodiment of the side cover 626, the cover is
formed with a flat bottom surface 630, which is located and
supported on the shelf 618 of the foundation 614. In a second
embodiment of the side cover 626, a bucket-shaped bore 625 is
formed in the shelf 618 of the foundation 614, and a bucket-shaped
projection 627, having a shape complementary to the shape of the
bore, is formed on, and extends downward from, the bottom surface
630 of the side cover 626. In assembly, the projection 627 is
located within the bore 625 to preclude lateral shifting of the
bottom of the side cover 626 relative to the foundation 614.
[0192] A cap 632 is formed with a recess 634 in the underside
thereof. The recess 634 is formed with a continuous side wall 636,
which is positioned over, and is generally in the configuration of,
the exterior of the upper portions of the assembled post 616 and
the side cover 626. With this complementary structure, and with
respect to both the first embodiment and the second embodiment of
the side cover 626, the cap 632 retains the side cover with the
post 616. In addition, the cap 632 is formed with tie bars 638 to
strengthen the cap.
[0193] Referring to FIGS. 34 and 34a, an end post 640, as viewed
from a side thereof, is formed with a recess 642 in one side 644 of
the post. The recess 642 is formed with a floor 646, and an upper
wall 648 and a lower wall 649. It is noted that the recess 642
could also be formed with side walls, which, in combination with
the upper wall 648 and the lower wall 649, form a continuous wall
of the recess. The post 640 is also formed with a hole 650, which
is in communication with the recess 642 and which extends through a
portion of the post from the floor 646 of the recess to another
side 652 of the post.
[0194] An intermediate portion of a tension cable 654 is located
within the hole 650, and extends from opposite ends of the hole. An
end portion 656 of the cable 654 extends from the hole 650, through
the recess 642, and slightly out of the recess, where the cable is
threaded. In an arrangement similar to that of FIG. 1, and with
reference to FIG. 34a, each of a plurality of energy absorbers 658,
which may be crushable elements composed of a ductile material, is
formed in the configuration of the frustum of a cone, and is formed
with a base 660 having an axial hole 662 extending through the
base. Each of the plurality of energy absorbers 658 is formed with
a continuous side wall 664 which tapers outwardly from the base 660
at a prescribed angle to define a recess 666.
[0195] The plurality of energy absorbers 658 are arranged in a
stack, with the holes 662 thereof being aligned and positioned over
the end portion 656 of the cable 654. In this arrangement, the
recesses 666 of the stacked energy absorbers are facing toward the
floor 646 of the post 640, with the open end of the innermost cup
being located adjacent the floor. A cable clamp assembly 668
includes a clamping element 670, which is formed with a
tapered-wall recess 672 in one end 674 thereof, and a recess floor
676. A hole 678 is formed through the element 670 between the floor
676 and another side 680 of the element. A portion 682 of the
recess 672, which is contiguous with the one side 674, is also
threaded. An externally tapered segment 684, which is in the
configuration of the frustum of a cone, is formed with a hole 686
which includes at least one raised tooth to clampingly engage with
the cable. A ring nut 688 is threaded on the peripheral surface
thereof. This describes one such means of securing the end of a
tension member. It should be noted that there are many suitable
means that are within the scope of the invention, including means
that are well known in the art, to secure the end of the cable.
[0196] After the plurality of energy absorbers 658 have been
stacked onto the cable 654, the clamping element 670 is placed over
the cable to sandwich the energy absorbers between the clamping
element and the floor 646 of the post 640. Thereafter, the tapered
segment 668 is clamped onto a portion of the cable 654, and is
moved snugly into the tapered recess of the element 670. The ring
nut 688 is then threadedly assembled within the threaded portion
682 of the recess 672 of the element 670 to thereby retain the
clamp assembly 668 in the assembled position, and to maintain the
plurality of energy absorbers 658 in the stacked arrangement on the
cable 654.
[0197] If an unauthorized vehicle attempts to proceed through a
barrier fence with the plurality of energy absorbers 658, the cable
654 is pulled in a direction, which results in the clamp assembly
668 being moved farther into the recess 642 of the post 640. As the
clamp assembly 668 is moved farther into the recess 642, at least
some of the energy absorbers 658, if not all, will be crushed to
absorb the energy resulting from the moving vehicle engaging the
cable 654. In this manner, as clamping means 668 moves over a
distance within recess 642, impeded by energy absorbers 658, the
vehicle is decelerated over a period of time. The longer the
distance clamping means 668 moves within the recess, the longer the
period of time in which the vehicle is decelerated. Increasing the
distance within the recess, and, coordinately, the period of time
in which the vehicle is decelerated will, in turn, lower the force
necessary to decelerate the vehicle, which in turn reduces the
force applied to the cable. In this manner, the vehicle may be
prevented from moving through the barrier fence.
[0198] To return the barrier fence to a vehicle-impediment mode,
the clamp assembly 668 is removed from the end of the cable 654,
the crushed energy absorbers 658 are removed, the cable 654 is
retensioned, another plurality of energy absorbers 658 are
installed, and the clamp assembly is repositioned to retain the
newly-installed energy absorbers within the recess 642 of the post
640.
[0199] Referring to FIG. 35, in an arrangement similar to that of
FIG. 34, an end foundation and post assembly 689 includes a post
690, which is formed integrally with a foundation 692, and which is
also formed with a beam 694 and three spaced arms 696, 698 and 700,
extending laterally from the beam. Openings 702 and 704 are formed
by the spacing of the arms 696, 698 and 700. End portions of a pair
of tension cables 706 and 708 extend through spaced openings formed
in beam 694, and into respective ones of the openings 702 and 704.
Respective sets (one shown) of a plurality of the energy absorbers
658 (FIG. 34) are stacked on the tension cables 706 and 708, and
are held in place by respective cable clamp assemblies 668 and
668a.
[0200] While the energy absorbers 658 are shown only in opening 704
between the cable clamp 668 and a base floor 710 of the opening
704, a similar stack of the energy absorbers also would be placed
over the tension cable 706 in the opening 702, and are captured
between a cable clamp 668a and a base floor 712 of the opening 702.
When a moving unauthorized vehicle engages the tension cables 706
and 708, the cables are pulled to the right, as viewed in FIG. 35,
whereby the cable clamp assemblies 668 and 668a are moved farther
into the respective openings 702 and 704. The energy absorbers 658,
in each of the openings 702 and 704, are thereby squeezed and some,
if not all, of the energy absorbers are crushed to bear the brunt
of the forces resulting from the vehicle engaging the tension
cables 706 and 708. The crushed energy absorbers 658 are replaced
with uncrushed energy absorbers, as described above, when the
barrier fence is to be restored to the vehicle-impediment
state.
[0201] Referring to FIG. 36, an end foundation and post assembly
714 includes a foundation 716 and a post 718, with a base 720 of
the post wedged in a recess 722 of the foundation. A beam 724 of
the post 718 is formed with an opening 726, in which the end of a
tension cable 728 is located. In a manner similar to that
illustrated in FIG. 35, the energy absorbers 658 are positioned
about the end of the tension cable 728, and are located within an
opening 730 formed in the beam 724. The cable clamp assembly 668 is
attached to the end of the cable 728. Further, a cover 732 is held
against one wall of the beam 724 to cover the opening 726.
[0202] When an unauthorized vehicle attempts to pass through the
barrier fence, which includes the end foundation/post assembly 714,
the vehicle engages and stretches the tension cable 728, whereby
some or all of the energy absorbers 658 are crushed to absorb the
energy resulting from the vehicle engaging the tension cable.
[0203] As shown in FIG. 37, an intermediate foundation and post
assembly 734 includes a first unit 736 having a beam 738 and an
integral foundation 740, with three vertically-spaced projections
742a, 742b and 742c extending from one wall 744 thereof.
[0204] Referring to FIG. 38, the projections 742a and 742c are
vertically aligned, and the projection 742b is offset from vertical
alignment with the projections 742a and 742c. A single tension
cable 746 is placed about the projections 742a, 742b and 742c in a
serpentine fashion. If desired, the tension cable 746 can be formed
by two tension cables, the ends of which can be connected by use of
a cable coupler 745 to effectively provide a single strand.
[0205] Referring again to FIG. 37, the assembly 734 further
includes a second unit 747 having a beam 748 and a foundation 750,
with spaced recesses 752a, 752b and 752c formed in one wall 754 of
the beam in a pattern for partial receipt of respective projections
742a, 742b and 742c. As shown in FIG. 37, the depth of the recesses
752a, 752b and 752c is less than the distance the projections 742a,
742b and 742c extend from the wall 744 to allow the cable 746 to be
retained between the walls 744 and 754.
[0206] When an unauthorized vehicle engages the tension cable 746,
the cable is stressed about the projections 742a, 742b and 742c,
whereby one or more of the projections break away from the beam 736
to absorb the energy resulting from the vehicle engaging the cable.
The assembly 734 can be restored to the vehicle-impediment mode by
replacing the first unit 736, with the broken projections 742a 742b
and 742c, with a unit having unbroken projections.
[0207] It is noted that the structure described above, with respect
to FIGS. 37 and 38, could be formed between panels (not shown)
which extend between space foundation and post assemblies.
[0208] Referring to FIGS. 39, 39a, 40 and 40a, an "I" beam 756 of a
foundation and post assembly 758 is formed in an "I" shaped cross
section, including flanges 760 and 762 at opposite ends of a
linking web 764. A plurality of panels 766 are arranged between
spaced assemblies 758, and can be formed with different end
structures to fit into a space 768 between the flanges 760 and 762
of the "I" beam 756, and adjacent the web 764. For example, the
panels 766 could be formed with convex ends 770, which allow the
panel ends to be mounted in the space 768 to follow the sloping
topography of the ground level 110 (FIGS. 39 and 39a), offset
spaced beams 756 (FIG. 40), and aligned beams (FIG. 40a) on level
or sloping topography. The beam 756 could be formed with pockets
(not shown) which are formed in the side of the beam, in place of
the continuous space 768. The end 770 of each of the panels 766
would then be placed in a respective pocket.
[0209] As shown in FIG. 41, the web 764 of the "I" beam 756 is
formed with a through passage 772 for receipt of a tension cable
774, which also extends through the panel 766. The exterior of the
panels 766 can be formed decoratively to enhance the aesthetics of
a barrier fence which includes the panels. Also, the panels 766 can
be formed of material which serves as a vehicle impediment of a
barrier fence. Further, the panels 766 provide concealment for the
tension cables 774, which could otherwise be unsightly if not
concealed.
[0210] Referring to FIG. 42, a panel 776 is formed in the shape of
a parallelogram, which results in vertical ends 778 of the panel,
and angled sides 780. The vertical ends 778 of the panel 776 fit
into the space 768 of spaced "I" beams 756, and the angled sides
780 follow the slope of the ground level 110.
[0211] As shown in FIG. 43, a panel 782 is formed with a plurality
of spaced recesses 784 are formed in an outer wall 786 of the
panel. Each of the recesses 784 is formed upwardly with a pocket
788, which is in communication with the respective recess. An
overhanging section 790 is thereby formed in the panel 782 between
each of the pockets 788 and the wall 786 of the panel. Tension
cables 792 are placed within, and strung along the length of,
respective ones of the pockets 788. Retainers 794, such as bolts or
pins, are attached to a lower portion 796 of the overhanging
sections 790 and an inward wall 798 of each of the recesses 784, to
retain the tension cables 792 with the panel 782.
[0212] The panels 766 (FIG. 39), 776 (FIG. 42), and 782 (FIG. 43)
could be surface treated and/or physically shaped to enhance the
aesthetics of any barrier fence formed thereby. For example,
referring to FIG. 44, the exterior surface of the panels 766, 776,
and 782 could be textured, have graphic or textured designs, or be
formed in attractive geometrical shapes. As illustrated in FIGS. 45
and 48, the panels 766, 776, and 782 could be arranged vertically
or horizontally, respectively. As shown in FIG. 46, each of the
panels 766, 776, and 782 could be formed with a vertical center
section 800, and a plurality of spaced arms 802 extending
horizontally from opposite sides of the center section.
[0213] The panels 766, 776, and 782 could then be assembled, as
shown in FIG. 46, with the arms 802 of adjacent panels being in
engagement to form openings 804 between the center sections 800 of
the adjacent panels. As shown in FIG. 47, the panels 766, 776, and
782 could be formed with decorative patterns of through openings
806 of the same or alternating shapes. Referring to FIG. 49, the
panels 766, 776, and 782 could be formed with an exterior surface
808, which is convex or concave. As shown in FIG. 50, an end view
of the panels 766, 776, and 782 reveals a recess 810 in the top of
the panels, which can be used as a planter; a through passage 812
which forms a chase for tension cables and/or wires; and a profiled
surface 816 or a flat surface 818.
[0214] Referring to FIGS. 51 and 52, each of a plurality of panels
820 formed, in part, by a rail 822 with a "C" shaped cross section.
The "C" shaped cross section results in the formation of "C" shaped
channels 824, which extend along the length of the rails 822 for
receipt of tension cables 826 therethrough. The plurality of panels
820 are completed by a retainer strap 828, which is placed over the
openings of the "C" shaped channels 824, thereby covering the
openings to retain, and conceal, the tension cables 826 within the
channels. The retainer straps 828 are attached to the rails 822 by
the use of pins, bolts or anchors 830. It is noted that the
retainer straps 828 could be a single strap which extends across
all of the channel openings of the plurality of rails 822, or could
be individual straps, with each of the straps being attached to a
respective one of the plurality of rails.
[0215] As shown in FIG. 53, a plurality of posts 832a, 832b, and
832c are equally spaced (e.g., approximately eight feet apart)
along the formation of a section of a barrier fence. Where there is
no slope in the terrain, such as that between the posts 832a and
832b, a panel 834, formed with a width of eight feet, can be used
between the posts 832a and 832b. Where there is a slope in the
terrain, such as that between the posts 832b and 832c, four panels
836, each formed with a width of two feet, can be assembled in
ascending fashion to accommodate the rise in that portion of the
barrier fence due to the slope of the terrain. Note that the single
panel 834 can be formed with three spaced vertical stripes or
grooves 838. In effect, this provides an appearance that the single
panel 834, having a width of eight feet, is formed by four separate
panels, each having a width of two feet. This enhances the
aesthetics of the barrier fence by establishing uniformity in
appearance between the single panel 834 and the four separate
panels 836.
[0216] Referring to FIG. 54, in an end view of the panel 782 (FIG.
43), a pocket 840 is formed in the inner wall 798 of the recess
784. A concrete anchor 842 is mounted securely in the pocket 840,
and a bolt 844 is driven into the concrete anchor to retain the
tension cable 792 within the pocket 788. Also, the bolt 844 is
formed with a tamper-proof head 846.
[0217] Referring to FIG. 55, in an end view of a panel 848, a
recess 850 having opposed tapered walls is formed in one wall 852
of the panel. A pocket 854 is formed in the panel, upwardly from
the recess 850, for receipt of a tension cable 856. A concrete
retainer block 858 is formed with tapered sides, which are
complementary to the tapered opposed tapered walls of the recess
850. The block 858 is inserted into the recess 850, and is held in
place by a tamper-proof bolt, to retain the tension cables 856
within the pocket 854.
[0218] Referring to FIG. 56, in and end view, a barrier fence
includes a plurality of panels 860, which are stacked for
arrangement between spaced posts or beams (not shown). Each panel
860 is formed with a horizontal groove 862 on a common wall thereof
for receipt of tension cables 864. The uppermost panel 860a is
formed with a laterally enlarged top 866, and has a recess 868
formed therein, which extends from one end to the opposite end of
the panel. The recess 868 can be used as a planter for aesthetic
purposes. The illustration of FIG. 56 can also represent stacked
sections of a post or beam, with a planter at the top.
[0219] Referring to FIG. 57, in an end view, a barrier fence
includes a plurality of panel sections 870, each of which is formed
at the bottom thereof with keying rib 872 extending from one end of
the section to the opposite end thereof. Each of the panel sections
870 is formed with a keying groove 874, which extends from one end
of the section to the opposite end thereof. The panel sections 870
are stacked such that the keying rib 872 of each section is placed
within the keying groove 874 of the section therebelow, to lock the
sections together in the formation of a panel. Each of the panel
sections is formed with a side groove 876 for receipt of a tension
cable 878 therein. The illustration of FIG. 57 could also represent
keyed sections of a beam or post.
[0220] Referring to FIG. 58, in a barrier fence similar to that
illustrated in FIG. 9, each of two panels 880 is formed with an
enlarged-end head 882, which extends from top to bottom of the
panel. A generally semi-circular groove 884 is formed in a free-end
edge 886 of the head 882. The two panels 880 are assembled with a
post 888, which is formed generally with a round cross section.
Generally, the interfacing grooves 884 of the two assembled panels
880 conform to the size and shape of the post 888 such that the
heads 882 of the two panels wrap around the post. Upon assembly of
the panels 880 with the post 888, the free-end edges 886 of each of
the panels 880 compressingly engage with each other to facilitate a
firm closure about the post. It is noted that the cross section of
the post 888 and the configuration of the interfacing grooves 884
do not have to be circular, but could be of any other complementary
configuration or could be of dissimilar configurations provided
that the post is contained within the interfacing grooves.
[0221] As shown in FIG. 59, in a top view, each side of a post 890
is cast with a groove 892, the width of which is approximately the
same as the thickness of a panel 894. Two panels 894 (one shown)
are assembled within respective ones of the grooves 892 with a
sliding fit.
[0222] As shown in FIG. 60, spaced portions 896 of a tension cable
898 are assembled generally coaxially within two spaced posts 900,
such that the cable portions are anchored within the posts. This
arrangement places a force in compression on the posts 900. In
addition, the ends of the cable 898 may be attached to movable
weights 902 to absorb energy of a vehicle engaging the cable.
[0223] Referring to FIG. 61, in a manner similar to that of FIG.
39, opposite ends 904 of a panel 906 are each formed in a convex
configuration to facilitate vertical displacement of the panel due
to changes in the ground-level topography.
[0224] Referring to FIG. 62, in an arrangement similar to that
illustrated in FIG. 20, a first set of tension cables 908 form a
barrier fence, which includes two spaced posts 910. The cables 908
define a secured area beyond which unauthorized vehicles are not
allowed. A second set of cables 912, of lighter weight than the
first set of tension cables 908, extend outward from the posts 910
to a second set of posts similar to posts 910 (not shown) to form a
security-clearance holding pen 914. Gate openings 916 are formed in
each of the sets of cables 908 and 912 to allow for the entry of a
vehicle into the pen 914 and, if authorized, then into the secured
area. In a manner similar to that of FIG. 19, steps could be
provided over the cables 908, or a tunnel below the cables, for
pedestrian traffic.
[0225] As shown in FIG. 63, a top 918 of each of a plurality spaced
posts 920 (one shown), of a barrier fence, is rounded for aesthetic
purposes. Panels (not shown), which are located between the posts
920, may also be rounded at the top thereof.
[0226] Referring to FIG. 64, a tension cable 922 extends from a
given side of a post 924. A gusset 926 is attached to the given
side of the post 924 to counteract forces encountered when the
cable is pulled taut. As shown in FIG. 64a, if the post 924 is a
corner post, gussets 926 would be attached to the sides of the post
from which the cable 922 extends.
[0227] Referring to FIGS. 65 and 65a, a tension cable 928 extends
from one side of a post 930 in a given direction. An anchor cable
932 is attached at one end thereof to an upper portion of the post
930, on a side of the post opposite the one side thereof. An
opposite end of the anchor cable 932 is attached to the ground.
When each of two tension cables 928 extends from opposite sides of
the post 930, two anchor cables 932 are attached at one end thereof
to the same opposite sides of the post from which the tension
cables extend. The opposite ends of the anchor cables 932 are
attached to the ground. The tension cables 928 can be selectively
concealed within panels 934 for decorative purposes.
[0228] Referring to FIG. 66, a tension cable 936 extends between
two spaced posts 938, with an intermediate portion of the cable
being concealed within a decorative panel 940. A pair of legs 942
are attached at the tops thereof to the bottom of the panel 940,
with the bottoms of the legs resting on the ground level 110. In
this manner, the panel 940 is supported by the ground level 110,
through the legs 942, to minimize forces exerted on the panel as a
result of the cable 936 being contained within the panel. This
principle is similar to the principle noted above wherein the
bottom of each of the panels 252 (FIG. 12) could be extended to the
ground level 110 for support of each panel thereby.
[0229] Referring to FIG. 67, occasionally, the diameter of a single
tension cable, contemplated for use in a barrier fence to oppose
the passage of an unauthorized vehicle, is too large for such a
use. In such instances, a plurality of smaller tension cables 944,
extending between a pair of spaced posts 946 can be used in place
of the single large cable, provided that the smaller cables combine
to present at least the same opposition to the passage of the
vehicle as the opposition presented by the single large cable.
[0230] As shown in FIG. 68, a barrier fence 948 is formed by a
plurality of spaced foundation and post assemblies 950, with
decorative and aesthetically-pleasing panels 952 extending between
the assemblies. Each of the plurality of assemblies 950 includes a
foundation 954 and an integrally formed post 956. Each of the
panels 952 is formed by a lower cylindrical section 958, a
generally flat horizontal top rail section 960, and an intermediate
flat section 962 extending vertically between the lower section and
the top rail section. Tension cables (not shown) can be concealed
within the panels 952. The sections 958, 960 and 962 of each panel
952 can be integrally cast as a single unit, or can be separate
elements which are assembled to form the panel.
[0231] As shown in FIG. 69, a decorative panel 964 includes a
rectangularly shaped centerpiece 966, with a plurality of spaced
pickets 968 extending from the bottom to the top of the
centerpiece. Decorative caps 970 are placed over the ends of each
the pickets 968 at the top and bottom thereof.
[0232] As shown in FIG. 70, a decorative panel 972 formed in a
rectangular shape, with geometrical designs 974 located on a major
surface of the panel.
[0233] As shown in FIG. 71, a decorative panel 976 formed in a
rectangular shape, with a portion of a major surface of the panel
having decorative artwork 978 formed thereon.
[0234] Referring to FIGS. 72 and 73, a barrier fence 980 includes
two spaced end posts 984, which are anchored to the ground. A
plurality of intermediate posts 986, which can be unanchored, are
spaced from each other, and from the end posts 984. Two sets of
tension cables 983 and 985 are strung from respective ones of the
end posts 984 and through the intermediate posts 986, as
illustrated in FIG. 72. The tension cables 983 and 985 are
concealed in a plurality of panels 987 located between adjacent
intermediate posts 986 and between each of the end posts 984 and
the adjacent intermediate post.
[0235] A pedestrian security-check pen 988 is formed by a pair of
spaced pen walls 990, which extend from, and are parallel with,
interfacing walls 992 of the end posts 984. A securable, and
normally closed, outboard door 996 is located at an outboard end of
the pen 988, and between spaced outboard ends of the pen walls 990.
A securable, and normally closed, inboard door 998 is located at an
inboard end of the pen 988, and between spaced inboard ends of the
pen walls 990. The pen walls 990, and the doors 996 and 998 are
made from a material such as steel, or other material and
construction, so as to be resistant to a battering ram, a fire axe,
a sledge hammer, or the like.
[0236] In use, a pedestrian requests entry through the door 996 by
use of, for example, an intercom. The door 996 can be unlocked by
an attendant by use of a remote-actuated magnetic lock assembly
(not shown), thereby allowing the pedestrian to advance into the
pen 988, whereafter the door may be locked. A sensing device 1000,
such as, for example, a video camera, is trained, for example, on
features of the pedestrian's face for review by security personnel
from a remote location. If the pedestrian is recognized as being
authorized for entry, the inboard secured door 998 is unlatched by
use, for example, of a remotely-actuated magnetic lock (not shown)
to allow passage of the authorized pedestrian therethrough. If the
pedestrian is not authorized to enter beyond the barrier fence 980,
the door 998 remains latched. As noted above, the outboard door 996
may be locked after the pedestrian has entered the pen 988. If it
is determined that the pedestrian is not authorized to enter beyond
the barrier fence 980, and the outboard door 996 has been locked
after the pedestrian has entered the pen 988, the pedestrian is
thereby detained within the pen 988 for further action by the
security personnel.
[0237] Other types of known sensing devices can be used in place of
the video camera, including devices for examining various features
of the anatomy of the pedestrian. For example, such sensing devices
could examine the pedestrian's eyes, fingertips (fingerprints), and
the like, and compare such observed features with characteristic
anatomical data of authorized pedestrians previously stored in a
computer. Also, an explosive-proximity sensor (not shown) could be
located within the pen 988 to sense whether the pedestrian is
contaminated, in some manner, with an explosive material. If the
pedestrian's anatomical features are not recognized, or any trace
of explosives are detected, the door 998 remains latched, and the
pedestrian is not allowed to enter the secured area beyond the
barrier fence 980. As noted above, the unauthorized pedestrian can
be retained within the pen 988 by the locking of both doors 996 and
998 for further action by the security personnel.
[0238] Referring to FIG. 74, an end post 1002 of a barrier fence
1004 is anchored to the ground, and tension cables 1006 extend from
the end post through intermediate posts 1008, with the cables being
conceal within a plurality of panels 1010 located between the
intermediate posts. A stairway 1012 is located adjacent a portion
of the barrier fence 1004, on an unsecured side thereof. A
pedestrian security-check pen 1014 extends from the top of the
stairway 1012, over the highest elevation of the barrier fence
1004, and to the secured side of the fence. The pen 1014 is
structured essentially identically to the pen 988, as shown in FIG.
73. If a pedestrian seeks entry into the secured area beyond the
barrier fence 1004, the pedestrian ascends the stairway 1012, and
proceeds as described above with respect to the pen 988.
[0239] The security-check facility, as illustrated in FIG. 74, does
not require costly anchored end posts such as that illustrated in
FIGS. 72 and 73.
[0240] Referring to FIG. 75, an end post 1016 of a barrier fence is
formed with a hollow interior 1018, and is shown with a top thereof
removed to reveal a brake-pad restraining arrangement 1020
contained within the end post. The end post 1016 can be composed of
concrete, or similar material. The brake-pad restraining
arrangement 1020 includes a pair of brake pads or plates 1022 and
1024, which are constrained within the end post 1016 in a stacked
arrangement such that respective surfaces 1026 and 1028 thereof are
interfacing. The brake plates 1022 and 1024 can be composed of any
material, such as metal, ceramic, or the like, which will provide a
frictional interface.
[0241] The interfacing surfaces 1026 and 1028 may be formed with
respective longitudinal arcuate grooves 1030 and 1032, which
interface with each other when the respective surfaces are
interfacing. A plurality of fastening elements 1034, such as Allen
head cap screws and matching nuts, are strategically placed through
the pair of plates 1022 and 1024 to retain the pair of plates in
the stacked arrangement.
[0242] The barrier fence also includes at least one tension cable
1036, or wire rope, which extends between, for example, a pair of
the end posts 1016 (one shown). As shown, a portion of the tension
cable 1036 extends through an opening 1038 in, and into the
interior of, the end post 1016, and is located within the
interfacing arcuate grooves 1030 and 1032 of the brake plates 1022
and 1024, respectively, and is clamped therebetween under a
prescribed restraining force provided by the plurality of fastening
elements 1034. It is within the scope of the invention that
surfaces 1026 and 1028 have planar surfaces and clamp on a flat
plate which is attached to the cable by any of a number of suitable
fastening means such as, for example, a shackle.
[0243] When a vehicle impacts the portion of the tension cable 1036
between the spaced end posts 1016, the clamped portions of the
cable, within the end posts, are allowed to move slightly axially
within the arcuate grooves 1030 and 1032, and under the prescribed
restraining force, in a manner similar to a restraining force of an
"arresting cable" used to brake an incoming aircraft on the flight
deck of an aircraft carrier. Under a frictional braking force of
the brake-pad restraining arrangement 1020, the vehicle is stopped
after traveling a short distance following impact with the tension
cable 1036.
[0244] The brake plates 1022 and 1024 can be composed of any
material including, for example, metal, ceramic, leather, fabric,
composites, or the like, which will facilitate the frictional
braking of the axial movement of the tension cable 1036 within the
brake-pad restraining arrangement 1020, when the vehicle impacts
the cable.
[0245] As shown in FIG. 76, an end post 1040 of a barrier fence is
formed by a plurality of stackable tub-shaped modules 1042 (two
shown), which may be composed of concrete or the like. The number
of modules 1042 to be stacked to form the end post 1040 is
optional, and is determined by the designer of the barrier fence.
The end post 1040 is setting on the ground level 110 of the soil
106, and may be secured to a below-ground-level foundation. Each of
the modules 1042 is formed with an undershoulder 1044 and a base
1046, which is spaced from, and parallel with, the undershoulder.
Each module 1042 is further formed with a bevelled surface 1048,
which links the undershoulder 1044 with the base 1046.
[0246] Each of the modules 1042 is also formed with a top edge 1050
and a and a recessed ledge 1052, which is spaced from, and parallel
with, the top edge, and a bevelled surface 1054, which links the
top edge and the recessed ledge. Each module 1042 is formed with a
tub-like opening 1056, which extends from top edge 1050 to a floor
1058 of the module, spaced inboard from, and parallel with, the
base 1046 thereof.
[0247] The undershoulder 1044, the base 1046 and the bevelled
surface 1048, and the top edge 1050, the recessed ledge 1052 and
the bevelled surface 1054, are formed in a complementary fashion to
facilitate the stacking of the modules 1042 in such a manner so as
to preclude lateral shifting of one module relative to adjacent
modules.
[0248] A lid 1060, also composed of concrete or the like, is formed
with an undershoulder 1062, a base 1064 and a linking bevelled
surface 1066, to facilitate positioning of the lid over, and
partially into, the opening 1056 of the uppermost module 1042 of
the plurality of stacked modules.
[0249] Referring to FIG. 77, spaced opposing side walls 1068a and
1068b of each module 1042 are formed with cable passages 1070a and
1070b, respectively. Each of a pair of tension cables 1072a and
1072b is formed with an exterior section, outside of the module
1042, and an interior section within the module. The tension cable
1072a extends from a location outside of the module 1042, through
the cable passage 1070a, into the opening 1056, and nearly to the
side wall 1068b. Similarly, the tension cable 1072b extends from a
location outside of the module 1042, through the cable passage
1070b, into the opening 1056, and nearly to the side wall
1068a.
[0250] As shown in FIGS. 77 and 77a, a pair of spaced
shock-absorbing discs 1074a and 1074b are located within the
opening 1056 of the module 1042, and are attached to interior ends
of the tension cables 1072a and 1072b, respectively. Thereafter,
the tub-like opening 1056 of each module 1042 is filled with a
viscous material such as, for example, dry or liquid silica 1075,
in a pure or an impure form. In this manner, the discs 1074a and
1074b, and the interior sections of the respective cables 1072a and
1072b, are buried within the silica. The opposite ends of the
exterior sections of the tension cables 1072a and 1072b are
attached to other tensioning facilities, which could be shock
absorbing discs located in other silica-filled modules of end posts
spaced from the end post 1040.
[0251] Each of a pair of sacrificial tensioning links 1076a and
1076b is attached, at one end thereof, to an adjacent interior wall
of the opening 1056, and, at an opposite end thereof, to a
respective one of the discs 1074a and 1074b. Such attachment of the
sacrificial tensioning links 1076a and 1076b insures that the
respective discs 1074a and 1074b are retained at a desired location
within the tub-like opening 1056, at least during a period when the
silica 1075 is being deposited into the tub-like opening.
[0252] Referring to FIG. 77a, when the exterior section of the
tension cable 1072a is impacted by a vehicle V1, the cable is
stretched axially to move the disc 1074a within the silica 1075,
whereby the shock of the vehicle impact with the cable is absorbed
by the silica and the end post 1040. Similarly, when the exterior
section of the tension cable 1072b is impacted by a vehicle V2, the
cable is stretched axially to move the disc 1074b within the silica
1075, whereby the shock of the vehicle impact with the cable is
absorbed by the silica and the end post 1040. It is noted that,
while the plan view of FIG. 77a shows that the end post 1040, and
each module 1042 of the end post, are round or circular, they could
be formed in other shapes, such as, for example, square or
rectangular.
[0253] As shown in FIG. 78, a plurality of tension members 1078
(two shown) are located around the perimeter of the stacked modules
1042, with each member extending through the stacked modules. A
lower end of each tension member 1078 is attached to a retainer
1079, which, in turn, is embedded in a concrete anchor footer 1081,
extending into the soil 106, below the ground level 110.
[0254] For illustration purposes, the cable 1072b extends into the
opening 1056 of the uppermost module, and is secured to the disc
1074b. If a vehicle impacts the cable 1072a, and pulls the disc
1074b to the right, as described above, the uppermost module 1042
would roll, or tip, to the right, and disturb the integrity of the
post 1040. However, the mounting arrangement of the tension members
1078 prevents any rollover of the uppermost module 1042 when the
cable 1072b is impacted by the vehicle.
[0255] It is noted that each of the modules 1042 of the post 1040,
of FIG. 78, could include the discs 1074a and 1074b, secured to
associated cables 1072a and 1072b, respectively, with the discs and
module-enclosed portions of the cables, buried in the silica, in
the manner shown in FIG. 77. With this fully complemented assembly,
the tension members 1078 would preclude any rollover of the
modules, in the manner described above.
[0256] Referring to FIG. 79, a subterranean concrete anchor 1080 is
located within the soil 106, with an upper surface 1082 of the
anchor being in the plane of the ground level 110. A plurality of
spaced notches 1084, or channels, are formed in the upper surface
1082 of the anchor 1080. The end post 1040 includes the plurality
of stacked modules 1042, with the lowermost module formed with a
plurality of projections 1086, or ribs, in an undersurface 1088
thereof, which extend away from the undersurface.
[0257] In assembly, the projections 1086, or the ribs, of the
lowermost module 1042b are located within the notches 1084, or
channels, of the subterranean anchor 1080, to thereby anchor the
end post 1040. This technique of anchoring the end post 1040 is
particularly useful in areas where the soil 106 is weak.
[0258] Referring to FIG. 80, the end post 1040 of the barrier fence
includes the plurality of stacked modules 1042 and 1042a, and the
lid 1060, in the manner described above. With respect to the module
1042, each of the tension cables 1072a and 1072b extends into the
opening 1056 of the module, and is coupled to a respective one of
the discs 1074a and 1074b, in the manner described above. Each of
the cables 1072a and 1072b extends from the module 1042, and is
coupled to a respective panel 1090 (one shown).
[0259] A first plurality of spaced sacrificial projections 1092b
are formed integrally with the floor 1058 of the lowermost, or
first, module 1042, and extend upward into the opening 1056 of the
module, toward, but spaced from and below, the cable 1072b. A
second plurality of spaced sacrificial projections 1094b are formed
integrally with the undersurface 1046 of the superjacent, or
second, module 1042a, which is stacked immediately above the first
module 1042. The second plurality of projections 1094b of the
second module 1042a extend downward into the opening 1056 of the
first module 1042, toward, but spaced from and above, the cable
1072b, and are located in vertical alignment with the first
plurality of projections.
[0260] The first plurality of projections 1092b, and the second
plurality of projections 1094b, which are in vertical alignment,
are located in a path of movement of the disc 1074b to the right,
as viewed in FIG. 80.
[0261] Each of the projections 1092b and 1094b are strengthened in
their formation with the floor 1058 and the undersurface 1046 of
the respective modules 1042 and 1042a by sections of rebar, which
extend through the projections and into adjacent portions of the
respective modules.
[0262] When a vehicle impacts the tension cable 1072b, or an
associated panel 1090, the portion of the cable 1072b, within the
opening 1056 of the first module 1042, is stretched axially,
whereby the single disc 1074b moves to the right toward, and begins
to engage, the projections 1092b and 1094b. Upon continued movement
of the single disc 1074b to the right, the projections 1092b and
1094b are broken away from formation with the floor 1058 and the
undersurface 1046, respectively, of the respective modules 1042 and
1042a. In this manner, the sacrificial projections 1092b and 1094b,
in conjunction with the moving single disk 1074b, provide
absorption of the shock resulting from the impact of the vehicle
with the cable 1072b or the associated panel 1090.
[0263] This arrangement can be repeated in successively higher
modules 1042, with the uppermost module and the lid 1060 ultimately
forming the support for the projections 1092b and 1094b,
respectively, which are located in the opening 1056 of the
uppermost module.
[0264] A third plurality of spaced sacrificial projections 1092a
(one partially shown) are formed integrally with the floor 1058 of
the lowermost, or first, module 1042, and extend upward into the
opening 1056 of the module, toward, but spaced from and below, the
cable 1072a. A fourth plurality of spaced sacrificial projections
1094a (one partially shown) are formed integrally with the
undersurface 1046 of the superjacent, or second, module 1042a,
which is stacked immediately above the first module 1042. The
fourth plurality of projections 1094a of the second module 1042a
extend downward into the opening 1056 of the first module 1042,
toward, but spaced from and above, the cable 1072b, and are located
in vertical alignment with the first plurality of projections.
[0265] The third plurality of projections 1092a, and the fourth
plurality of projections 1094a, are located in a path of movement
of the disc 1074a to the left, as viewed in FIG. 80, and are
situated behind the first plurality of projections 1092b, and the
second plurality of projections 1094b, respectively.
[0266] The third plurality of projections 1092a, and the fourth
plurality of projections 1094a, in conjunction with movement of the
single disk 1074a to the left as viewed in FIG. 80, provide
absorption of the shock resulting from the impact of a vehicle with
the cable 1072a, in the manner described above with respect to the
first plurality of projections 1092b and the second plurality of
projections 1094b.
[0267] Again, this arrangement can be repeated in successively
higher modules 1042, with the uppermost module and the lid 1060
ultimately forming the support for the projections 1092a and 1094a,
respectively, which are located in the opening 1056 of the
uppermost module.
[0268] As shown in FIG. 81, a portion of one module 1042 is shown
with a well 1098 formed in a portion of the top edge 1050 thereof.
A lifting bar 1100, or any other lifting member, such as an eye
bolt, is mounted, and secured, within the well 1098. A plurality of
the wells 1098, each with the lifting bar 1100, are formed at
spaced locations in the top edge 1050 of each module 1042, about
the top perimeter thereof, to facilitate handling of the module
during the stacking of the modules to form the end post 1040.
[0269] Referring to FIG. 82, the end post 1040 of the barrier fence
includes the stacked modules 1042 as described above. End portions
of a pair of tension cables 1072c and 1072d are spatially located
within the opening 1056 of a lowermost one of the modules 1042. The
ends of each of the pair of spaced cables 1072c and 1072d are
attached to spaced portions of a common disc 1074a. Silica 1075 is
deposited within the opening 1056 of the lowermost module 1042,
thereby burying the disc 1074a and the end portions of the cables
1072c and 1072d within the silica.
[0270] The cables 1072c and 1072d extend outward from the opening
1056, and form an exterior portion of the barrier fence. The
sacrificial tensioning link 1076 is attached, at one end thereof,
to an interior wall of the opening 1056, and at an opposite end to
the common disc 1074a, to insure that the disc is retained at a
desired location within the opening 1056, at least during a period
when the silica 1075 is being deposited into the opening.
[0271] When exterior portions of the tension cables 1072c and 1072d
are impacted by a vehicle, the cables are stretched axially to move
the common disc 1074a within the silica 1075, whereby the shock of
the vehicle impact with the cables is absorbed by the silica and
the end post 1040. Upon movement of the common disc 1074a, the
sacrificial link 1076 is broken, which does not deleteriously
affect the shock absorbing reaction described above.
[0272] The arrangement with the common disc 1074a, and the pair of
cables 1072c and 1072d, can be repeated within the openings 1056 of
the plurality of stacked modules 1042.
[0273] As shown in FIG. 83, an intermediate post 1102 of a barrier
fence is formed with an upstanding beam 1104 and a pedestal or foot
1106 which is resting on the soil at ground level 110. The beam
1104 of the post 1102 is formed with a plurality of spaced cable
passages 1108, which provide through-passage for a corresponding
plurality tension cables (not shown) of the barrier fence.
[0274] When a vehicle impacts the intermediate post 1102, the post
will slide, or will roll as shown in phantom in FIG. 83, depending
on the parameters of the intermediate post. When the intermediate
post 1102 rolls, the portion of the foot, which is farthest from
the vehicle, will dig into the soil, and the portion of the foot,
which is closest to vehicle, will pivot upward into destructive
engagement with the undercarriage of the vehicle. During the
rolling of the intermediate post 1102, the plurality of the tension
cables are stressed to slow, and stop, the continued movement of
the vehicle.
[0275] Referring to FIG. 84, a round end post 1110, of a barrier
fence, is formed by stacking a plurality of circular modules 1112.
Each of the modules 1112 is formed with cable passages 1114, which
can be arranged in such a manner that tension cables 1116 enter the
end post 1110 from a first direction, pass through the end post,
and can be directed in any selected direction, which is different
from the first direction, upon exiting the end post.
[0276] As shown in FIG. 85, the module 1042 is formed with a window
1118 in a side wall 1120 thereof. A detachable funnel 1122, formed
generally in a quarter-round cross-section, is positionable
adjacent the window 1118, to facilitate the timely deposit of the
silica 1075 into the opening 1056 of the module 1042, as described
above with respect to FIGS. 77 and 82.
[0277] Referring to FIG. 86, an intermediate post 1124 of a barrier
fence is formed with an upstanding beam 1126 and a pedestal or foot
1128. A first portion 1130a of a flat plate 1130 is secured to an
undersurface 1132 of the foot 1128, with a second portion 1130b of
the flat plate extending in cantilever in a direction away from the
foot.
[0278] A channel, moat, trench, or ditch 1134 is formed in the soil
106 along a length of the fence with an opening 1136 at ground
level 110. The assembly of the first portion 1130a of the flat
plate 1130, and the intermediate post 1124, is placed on the ground
at ground level 110, immediately adjacent or over the opening 1136
of the channel 1134 along the length of fence, with the first
portion 1130a of the flat plate resting at least partially on the
ground and covering the channel 1134, and the second portion 1130b
of the flat plate being located over, and covering, the channel
along the length of fence. With this arrangement, the second
portion 1130b of the flat plate 1130 extends from a channel-side
1138 of the intermediate post 1124.
[0279] When a vehicle approaches the channel-side 1138 of the
intermediate post 1124, and impacts the post, or cables and fence
panel adjacent the post, the post and the plate 1130 will slide
over the ground, away from the channel 1134, to thereby expose the
now-open channel. If, thereafter, a second vehicle attempts to
approach the intermediate post 1124 from the channel-side 1138,
forward portions of the second vehicle will fall into the open
channel 1134, and be precluded from advancing beyond the
channel.
[0280] When impacted by the vehicle, the intermediate post 1124
could roll instead of sliding, whereby the post and the plate 1130
are pivoted to expose the open channel 1134.
[0281] With this arrangement, whether the intermediate post 1124
slides or rolls upon impact by a vehicle, a redundant barrier is
established to preclude movement of two successive vehicles beyond
the intermediate post and the channel 1134.
[0282] It is noted that the redundancy principle of the post 1124
and the channel 1134, as described above, could function without
the use of the flat plate 1130. For example, the width of the foot
1128 of the post 1124 could be formed with a sufficient dimension
that the foot would be placed over, or straddle, and conceal the
channel 1134. When the post 1124 is impacted by a vehicle, the post
would tip, roll or slide away from the channel 1134, thereby
exposing the redundant barrier of the channel to a second
vehicle.
[0283] As shown in FIG. 87, an intermediate panel 1140 of a barrier
fence is formed, in a casting operation, from reinforced concrete,
by pouring fluid concrete into a cavity of a mold, which, upon
curing of the concrete, forms the panel in a desired shape. During
the casting process, the panel 1140 is formed with a decorative
face on one side 1142 thereof, and is formed with a plurality of
"L" slots 1144 on a side 1146 of the panel opposite from the one
side. Each of the "L" slots 1144 are formed with a long-leg opening
1148, which is perpendicular with the side 1146, and a short-leg
opening 1150 which is perpendicular with the long-leg opening.
[0284] When attempts are made to remove the cured concrete panel
1140 from the cavity of the mold, difficulty may be encountered due
to the manner in which the mold is configured to facilitate the
forming of the short-leg openings 1150. To alleviate any difficulty
during the removal of the finished concrete panel 1140 from the
mold cavity, and prior to the pouring of the fluid concrete into
the cavity, an integral preform 1154 is manufactured in the
configuration of the plurality of the "L" slots 1144.
[0285] As the fluid concrete is poured into the cavity of the mold,
the fluid concrete forms about the exterior of the preform 1154.
After curing of the concrete in the configuration of the panel
1140, the preform 1154 is now captured with the panel, and the
formed assembly of the cured concrete and the preform can be easily
removed from the cavity as an integral unit.
[0286] It is noted that the integral preform 1154 could be composed
of PVC, aluminum, steel, or any other suitable material.
[0287] In similar fashion, a passage 1156 can be included within
the cast concrete for placement of electrical or optical
wiring.
[0288] When assembling the panel 1140 with each of a plurality of
tension cables 1152, each of the cables is inserted in, and moved
through, the long-leg opening 1148 of a respective one of the
plurality of "L" slots 1144, and then, with relative movement
between the cable and the panel, the cable is moved into the
respective short-leg opening 1150. In this manner, the intermediate
panel 1140 is hung from the plurality of tension cables 1152.
[0289] Shapes and configurations, other than those of the long leg
openings 1148 and the short leg openings 1150, of the "L" slots
1144, could be employed to provide facility for hanging the
intermediate panel 1140 on the tensions cables 1152.
[0290] Referring to FIG. 88, each of a plurality of posts 1160, of
a barrier fence, is formed with a beam 1162 having a
vertically-elongated side passage 1164 formed therethrough, which
is formed with a prescribed top-to-bottom dimension. The post 1160
is formed with a foundation comprising a short foot 1166, which
extends laterally, in a first direction, from a base of the beam
1162, and a long foot 1168, which extends laterally from the base
of the beam in a second direction opposite the first direction. The
beam 1162 is formed with an enlarged section 1170, above the long
foot 1168, with the enlarged section being formed with a sloping
surface 1172 extending downward and outward from a top of the
beam.
[0291] Each of a plurality of panels 1174, of the barrier fence, is
formed with a top-to-bottom dimension, which is less than the
prescribed top-to-bottom dimension, with each panel extending
between opposite ends 1176 and 1178 thereof. A plurality of cable
passages 1179, or conduits, are formed in each panel 1174, and
extend between the opposite ends 1176 and 1178 of the panel. At
each of two ends of each of the cable passages 1179, the passage is
formed with an opening 1180, which is flared, at least upward and
downward.
[0292] In the formation of the barrier fence, a plurality of the
posts 1160 are spaced along a sloping terrain 1182, with each post
being mounted in a vertical orientation. With respect to each post
1160, the opposing ends 1176 and 1178 of two adjacent panels 1174
are located within the vertically-elongated passage 1164 of the
post.
[0293] Due to the sloping terrain 1182, adjacent, spaced
vertically-oriented posts 1160 will be mounted at different levels
over the sloping terrain. As noted above, the vertically-elongated
passage 1164 of the post 1160 is formed with the prescribed
top-to-bottom dimension, which is greater than the top-to-bottom
dimension of the panels 1174. This allows serial post-mounted
panels 1174 to be mounted angularly with respect to the
vertically-oriented posts 1160, whereby the panels follow the slope
of the terrain, as illustrated, while the posts remain in the
vertical orientation.
[0294] With the sloping arrangement of adjacent panels 1174, the
centerlines of the respective passages 1179 of the panels are
offset and not aligned, as illustrated. Therefore, a continuous
length of a tension cable 1184, which extends through the
respective passages 1179 of adjacent panels 1174 will also be
offset at the juncture of the adjacent panels.
[0295] To accommodate the offset condition of the tension cable
1184, at the juncture of the adjacent panels 1174, the respective
passages 1179 of adjacent panels 1174 are formed with the upward
and downward flared openings 1180, as described above. In this
manner, the tension cable 1184 is allowed to form a jog at the
juncture of the adjacent panels 1174, but the portions of the
cable, which are located within the respective passage 1179 of each
panel, essentially are aligned with the centerline within the
respective passage.
[0296] It is noted that the openings 1180 could also be formed with
flared portions in other directions, besides upward and downward,
such as, for example, funnel-shaped, to accommodate other
directional misalignments of the centerlines of the passages
1179.
[0297] When a high-speed vehicle impacts the barrier fence, the
posts 1160 could be moved as a result of such an impact, which
could result in stretching and lateral movement of the tension
cables 1184. Also, the panels 1174 could shift in such a manner
that the centerlines of the passages 1179 could be offset still
farther from the offset misalignment illustrated in FIG. 88.
[0298] If the openings 1180 were not flared, and the panels 1174
are impacted by the high-speed vehicle, the relative shifting of
the panels and the tension cables 1184 could cause the cables to
engage sharp corners at the entry and exit ports of the openings,
thereby subjecting the cables to deleterious stresses, resulting in
damage to, and even severing of, the cables.
[0299] Since the openings 1180 of the panels 1174 are flared, as
noted above, the portions of the cables 1184, which are located
within the area of the flared openings, are allowed to move
laterally with minimal stress, and without engaging any sharp
corners of the panels. In this manner, the flared openings 1180
provide a stress relief for the tension cables 1184 when the
barrier fence is impacted by a high-speed vehicle.
[0300] As shown in FIG. 89, adjacent integrally-formed panel/post
modules 1185a and 1185b, of a barrier fence, are formed with panels
1186a and 1186b, respectively, and with post-like structures 1188a
and 1188b, respectively, at opposing ends thereof. The modules
1185a and 1185b are formed with interfacing end surfaces 1187a and
1187b, respectively, and are assembled in an end-butting
arrangement where the post-like structures 1188a and 1188b,
respectively, combine to form an intermediate post 1190 of the
barrier fence.
[0301] The structure of the modules 1185a and 1185b are nearly
identical. Therefore, the detailed description below will be
limited to the module 1185a, with numerals which identify
structural features of the module 1185a being followed by the
suffix "a." It is to be understood that, in FIG. 89, the same
numerals, with the suffix "b," will be used to identify identical
or similar structural features of the module 1185b.
[0302] A pair of spaced cable passages 1194a and 1196a are formed
in a rear face 1198a of the module 1185a. The module 1185a is
formed with a pedestal 1200a, having a prescribed width and a
prescribed length, which extends from a lower portion of the rear
face 1198a, with a bottom of the pedestal being flush with
remaining portions of a bottom of the module 1185a.
[0303] The post-like structure 1188a of the module 1185a is formed
with a plurality of vertically-aligned spaced projections 1202a,
1204a and 1206a, each of which have an end surface which forms a
portion of the end surface 1187a of the module 1185a. The
projection 1202a includes an upper section 1210a, which extends
upward from a top face 1212a of the module 1185a, and a rear
section 1214a, which extends outward from the rear face 1198a of
the module. The projection 1204a extends outward from the rear face
1198a of the module 1185a. The projection 1206a includes an upper
rear section 1216a and a lower rear section 1218a, both of which
extend from the rear face 1198a of the module 1185a.
[0304] The lower rear section 1218a extends rearward farther than
the upper rear section 1216a, and is formed integrally with an
upper surface 1220a of the pedestal 1200a. Also, the lower section
1218a is formed with a width and a length which are less than the
prescribed width and the prescribed length, respectively. Further,
an outboard side surface 1222a of the lower rear section 1218a is
bevelled, at a prescribed angle, outward from top to bottom
thereof.
[0305] It is noted that, as illustrated in FIG. 89, the modules
1185a and 1185b are spaced slightly apart to show the various
structural features thereof. When the modules 1185a and 1185b are
to be assembled, in the process of forming the barrier fence, the
interfacing end surfaces 1187a and 1187b may be moved into abutting
engagement to form the intermediate post 1190. Thereafter, a pair
of tension cables 1224 and 1225 are placed laterally into the
aligned cable passages 1194a and 1194b, and 1196a and 1196b.
[0306] A keeper 1226 is formed integrally with a base section 1228,
an intermediate beam section 1230, and a top section 1232. A
forward edge of the top section 1232 is formed with a downturn
1233. A bottom channel 1234 is formed in a bottom surface 1236 of
the base section 1228, and extends in a rearward direction toward,
but not through, an exterior rear surface 1238 of the base section
1228. Spaced, interfacing side walls 1240 and 1242 of the bottom
channel 1234 are bevelled at an angle which is complementary to the
prescribed bevel angle of the side surfaces 1222a and 1222b of the
modules 1185a and 1185b, respectively.
[0307] A front channel 1244 is formed in a front surface 1246 of
the intermediate beam section 1230, and extends, from a location
where the front channel communicates with the bottom channel 1234,
toward, but not through, the top section 1232 of the keeper 1226.
While not illustrated in FIG. 89, an undersurface channel could be
formed in an undersurface 1248 of the top section 1232 of the
keeper 1226, which, at a rear end thereof, is in communication with
the front channel 1244, and which extends toward, but not through,
the downturn 1233.
[0308] Following the assembling of the modules 1185a and 1185b in
the abutting relationship as described above, the keeper 1226 is
placed over, and onto, the intermediate post 1190. Eventually, the
bottom surface 1236 of the keeper rests on the upper surfaces 1220a
and 1220b of the pedestals 1200a and 1200b, respectively. As the
keeper 1226 is moved into place, the bottom channel 1234 is
positioned onto the lower projection 1218a and 1218b, with the
bevelled walls 1240 and 1242 of the bottom channel locating onto
the bevelled outboard side surfaces 1222a and 1222b. In addition,
the front channel 1244 is located about the rear sections 1214a and
1214b of the projections 1202a and 1202b, respectively, the
projections 1204a and 1204b, and the upper rear sections 1216a and
1216b of the projections 1206a and 1206b, respectively. Further,
the undersurface channel of the top section 1232 is located about
the upper sections 1210a and 1210b of the projections 1202a and
1202b.
[0309] In this manner, the keeper 1226 is firmly and snugly
assembled with the intermediate post 1190 to hold the panel/post
modules 1185a and 1185b in the assembled relationship, and also to
cover adjacent portions of the cable passages 1194a, 1194b, 1196a
and 1196b to retain the cables 1224 and 1225 within the
passages.
[0310] It is noted that the opposite end of the module 1185a, which
end is not shown, could be formed with a post-like structure
identical to the post-like structure 1188b for abutting assembly
with a post-like structure identical to the post-like structure
1188a of an adjacent module. Similarly, the opposite end of the
module 1185b, which end is not shown, could be formed with a
post-like structure identical to the post-like structure 1188a for
abutting assembly with a post-like structure identical to the
post-like structure 1188b of an adjacent module. In this manner, a
plurality of the modules 1185a and 1185b can be arranged in serial
abutting assembly, with the keepers 1226 assembled therewith, to
form continuous sections of the barrier fence.
[0311] As shown in FIG. 93, a combination precast panel and post
unit 1250 includes an "L" shaped member 1252, having a vertical leg
1254 and a horizontal leg 1256, and an "L" shaped keeper 1290.
Referring to FIGS. 90 and 91, the vertical leg 1254 of the "L"
shaped member 1252 is formed by a solid front portion 1258 having a
rear surface 1259. A first set of three vertically-spaced tabs
1260a, 1260b and 1260c extend in a rearward direction from a rear
vertical section of the solid front portion 1258 of the vertical
leg 1254, adjacent one side thereof. As shown in FIG. 91, a second
set of three vertically-spaced tabs 1262a, 1262b and 1262c extend
in a rearward direction from a rear vertical section of the solid
front portion 1258 of the vertical leg 1254, adjacent a side
thereof which is opposite the one side.
[0312] As shown in FIG. 91, three pairs of the tabs 1260a and
1262a, 1260b and 1262b, and 1260c and 1262c, are spaced
horizontally apart by a prescribed distance, which results in the
formation of a vertical nesting channel 1263 adjacent the Vertical
leg 1254.
[0313] Referring again to FIGS. 90 and 91, the horizontal leg 1256
of the "L" shaped member 1252 extends integrally rearward from a
lower portion of the vertical leg 1254. The horizontal leg 1256 is
formed with a solid bottom portion 1264, and with horizontally
spaced side walls 1266 and 1268, which extend upward from the solid
bottom portion. The side walls 1266 and 1268 are spaced apart by
the prescribed distance, and have interfacing surfaces 1265 and
1267, respectively. A floor 1269 is formed in the horizontal leg
1256 above the solid portion 1264, and extends between lower
portions of the interfacing surfaces 1265 and 1267 of the spaced
side walls 1266 and 1268, respectively.
[0314] The horizontal leg 1256 is also formed with a solid rear
portion 1270, which is integral with, and extends upward from, the
solid bottom portion 1264 of the horizontal leg. The solid rear
portion 1270 is formed with a front interior surface 1271, of a
prescribed concavity, extending between a rearward portion of the
spaced side walls 1266 and 1268. The front interior surface 1271
joins, and blends with, the floor 1269. The floor 1269, the front
interior surface 1271, and the interfacing surfaces 1265 and 1267
of the horizontal leg 1256 form a horizontal nesting chamber 1273,
which communicates with the vertical nesting channel 1263.
[0315] The horizontally spaced side walls 1266 and 1268 are formed
with upper surfaces 1272 and 1274, respectively, which rise upward,
at a prescribed slope angle, from the solid rear portion 1270 to
respective forward ends 1276 and 1278 of the upper surfaces, which
are spaced below the tabs 1260c and 1262c, respectively.
[0316] The tabs 1260a, 1260b, 1260c, and the forward end 1276 of
the side wall 1266, are vertically spaced and shaped to form three
vertically spaced slots 1280a, 1280b and 1280c, each of which
extend downward and forward from an entry passage thereof. The tabs
1262a, 1262b, 1262c, and the forward end 1278 of the side wall
1268, are vertically spaced and shaped to form three vertically
spaced slots 1282a, 1282b and 1282c, each of which extend downward
and forward from an entry passage thereof. Each respective pair of
the slots 1280a and 1282a, the slots 1280b and 1282b, and the slots
1280c and 1282c, are horizontally spaced and aligned, and receive
three tension cables 1284, 1286 and 1288, respectively.
[0317] Referring to FIG. 92, the "L" shaped keeper 1290 is formed
with a vertical leg 1292 and a horizontal leg 1294, and with a
width slightly less than the above-noted prescribed distance. The
vertical leg 1292 is formed with a front face 1296, and with an
enlarged head 1298, at an upper end thereof, having a lifting eye
1300 formed therethrough. The horizontal leg 1294 is formed
integrally with, and extends from, a lower portion of the vertical
leg 1292, rearward to a rear end 1302 of the horizontal leg. An
exterior surface of the rear end 1302 of the horizontal leg 1294 is
formed with a convexity, which is complementary to the above-noted
prescribed concavity. Also, the horizontal leg 1294 is formed with
a bottom surface 1303 and an upper surface 1304, which rises from
the rear end 1302, at the above-noted prescribed slope angle, to a
juncture with a rear face 1306 of the vertical leg 1292.
[0318] Referring the FIGS. 92 and 93, after the cables 1284, 1286
and 1288 have been placed in the respective adjacent pairs of the
slots 1280a and 1282a, 1280b and 1282b, and 1280c and 1282c, the
keeper 1290 is manipulated, by use of the lifting eye 1300, to
place the vertical leg 1292 of the keeper into the vertical nesting
channel 1263, and to place the horizontal leg 1294 of the keeper
into the horizontal nesting channel 1273.
[0319] With this arrangement, portions of the front face 1296 of
the keeper 1290 engage portions of the cables 1284, 1286 and 1288,
which appear in the vertical nesting channel 1263, to capture the
portions of the cables between the front face of the keeper and the
rear face 1259 of the solid portion 1258 of the vertical leg 1254.
In this manner, the cables 1284, 1286 and 1288 are retained within
the respective pairs of the slots 1280a and 1282a, 1280b and 1282b,
and 1280c and 1282c. Further, a gravitational force maintains the
horizontal leg 1294 of the keeper 1290 within the horizontal
nesting channel 1273 to retain the keeper in assembly with the "L"
shaped member 1252, and thereby retain the cables 1284, 1286 and
1288 with the combined precast panel and post unit 1250.
[0320] Referring to FIG. 94, a plurality of stackable modules 1310
(one shown) can be stacked to form an intermediate anchor post.
Each of the modules 1310 is formed with an intermediate solid
planar layer 1312, having an top surface 1314 and a bottom surface
1316. Four spaced half-round pedestals 1318 extend upward from the
top surface 1314, with peripheral circular walls 1320 of the
pedestals facing generally toward a center of the top surface.
[0321] With this arrangement, four cable passages 1322, 1324, 1326,
and 1328 are each formed by a space between the closest portions of
the peripheral circular walls 1320 of adjacent pairs of the
pedestals 1318. The four cable passages 1322, 1324, 1326 and 1328
communicate with a respective cable port 1322a, 1324a, 1326a and
1328a, with all of the cable passages communicating with a common
central region 1330, defined generally by the widest spacing
between non-adjacent opposing pedestals 1318. Due to the peripheral
circular design of the pedestals 1318, each of the cable ports
1322a, 1324a, 1326a and 1328a are formed with a flared opening.
[0322] In one example of assembling a cable 1340 with the module
1310, the cable is passed directly through the aligned cable
passages 1322 and 1328. In another example of assembling a cable
1340a with the module 1310, the cable is passed through the cable
passages 1322 and 1326, whereby the pass-through of the cable is at
a right angle.
[0323] Three spaced legs 1332, 1334, 1336, and a fourth leg which
does appear in FIG. 94 ("the non-illustrated leg"), extend downward
from the bottom surface 1316 of the intermediate layer 1312, and
are located in alignment with the cable passages 1322, 1324, 1326
and 1328, respectively, of the module 1310. When an upper module
1310 is stacked atop a lower module, the spaced legs 1332, 1334,
1336, and the non-illustrated leg, of the upper module will locate
within the respective cable passages 1322, 1324, 1326, and 1328 of
the lower module. In this manner, any portion of any cable, such as
the cable 1340, which is located in any of the cable passages 1322,
1324, 1326 and 1328, will be pressed into, and retained in, the
cable passage by the respective legs 1332, 1334, 1336, and the
non-illustrated leg.
[0324] When forming an intermediate anchor post using a plurality
of the modules 1310 as described above, a post support base (not
shown) is first placed into position on a support, such as, for
example, an anchor footer, and a required number of the stackable
modules 1310 are placed atop the support base. During the stacking
process, cables 1340 are placed in a desired pass-through
arrangement within each module, after each module has been placed
on the stack, and before the next successive module is placed on
the stack. A cap (not shown), formed with four legs, arranged in
the same manner as the legs 1332, 1334, 1336 and the
non-illustrated leg, and extending downward from a bottom surface
of the cap, is placed onto the uppermost stackable module 1310,
whereby the legs of the cap press and retain the cable 1340 of the
uppermost stackable module with the assembled post.
[0325] Each of the stackable modules 1310, and the base and the
cap, of each post is formed with a plurality of tie bolt holes
1342, which are alignable upon assembly of the base, the modules
and the cap. Each of a plurality of tension members (not shown), of
the type identified above and in FIG. 78 as the tension member
1078, is assembled with a retainer and an anchor footer as
described above. As the base, the modules 1310 and the cap are
assembled as described above, the tie bolt holes 1342 are located
over the tension members to retain the completed anchor post in the
manner described above with respect to the tension members
1078.
[0326] It is noted that, while the above-described module 1310 is
designed to facilitate a direct cable pass-through, or a right
angle cable pass-through, of the cables 1340 and 1340a,
respectively, other designs, using the above-described principle,
could be employed to facilitate other angular pass-throughs.
[0327] Referring to FIG. 95, a pedestrian passage arrangement 1344
includes a first barrier fence section 1346, which includes an end
post 1348, a first spaced intermediate post 1350, and a first panel
1352 located between the end post and the intermediate post.
Successive spaced intermediate posts 1350a, and panels 1352a extend
serially from the first intermediate post 1350. Tension cables (not
shown) extend from the end post 1348 through the intermediate posts
1350 and 1350a and the panels 1352 and 1352a.
[0328] Further, the pedestrian passage arrangement 1344 includes a
second barrier fence section 1354, which includes an end post 1356,
a first spaced intermediate post 1358, and a first panel 1360,
located between the end post and the intermediate post. Successive
spaced intermediate posts 1358a, and panels 1360a extend serially
from the first intermediate post 1358. Tension cables (not shown)
extend from the end post 1356 through the intermediate posts 1358
and 1358a and the panels 1360 and 1360a.
[0329] The first barrier fence section 1346 is located in a first
plane, which extends vertically upward from the ground level 110,
and the second barrier fence section 1354 is located in a second
plane which extends vertically upward from the ground level. The
first plane and the second plane are parallel, and are spaced
apart.
[0330] The end posts 1348 and 1356 are diagonally offset from each
other, by a prescribed distance, such that the end post 1348 is
located in a third plane, which extends vertically upward from the
ground level 110, and which is perpendicular to the first and
second planes. With this arrangement, the end post 1348 is spaced,
within the third plane, by a third-plane distance, from the first
panel 1360 of the second barrier fence section 1354.
[0331] Also, with the diagonal offset of the end posts 1348 and
1356, the end post 1356 is located in a fourth plane, which extends
vertically upward from the ground level 110, and which is
perpendicular to the first and second planes. With this
arrangement, the end post 1356 is spaced, within the fourth plane,
by a fourth-plane distance, from the first panel 1352 of the first
barrier fence section 1346.
[0332] In this manner, the spaces defined by each of the prescribed
distance, the third-plane distance, and the fourth-plane distance,
are sufficient to allow a pedestrian to pass therethrough, but are
not sufficient to allow a vehicle to pass therethrough.
[0333] Referring to FIG. 96, a barrier fence includes an end post
1370, intermediate posts 1372 and 1372a, which are adjacent
opposite sides of the end post, and a pair of panels 1374 and
1374a, which are located adjacent outboard sides of the
intermediate posts 1372 and 1372a, respectively.
[0334] A concrete anchor 1376 is located within the soil 106, and
supports the end post 1370, which is resting on an upper surface
1378 thereof, flush with the ground level 110. Eyebolt 1380 is
formed integrally with eye 1382 at one end of a long shank 1384.
The shank 1384 extends from the eye 1382 to an opposite end of the
shank, which is attached to a retainer 1386. A major portion of the
shank 1384 and the retainer 1386 of each of the eye bolts 1380 are
embedded, and retained, in the anchor 1376.
[0335] Referring to FIG. 97, a first embodiment of the end post
1370 includes a tub 1388 having a front wall 1390, a rear wall
1392, a first side wall 1394, a second side wall 1396 (FIG. 96),
and a floor wall 1398. The tub 1388 forms an open well 1389, in
which is located the eye 1382 and a short length of the shank 1384,
of each of the eye bolts 1380. Several sections of rebar 1400 are
strategically placed within the walls 1390, 1392, 1394, 1396 and
1398 of the tub 1388 for strengthening of the tub. Also, a ledge
1401 is formed along an inboard upper edge of the walls 1390, 1392,
1394 and 1396 to support a cover 1402.
[0336] It is noted that the outer major surfaces of the first side
wall 1394 and the second side wall 1396, of the tub 1388, form
opposite sides of the end post 1370, which are widely spaced sides.
The distance between the widely spaced sides of the end post 1370
is significantly greater than the distance between opposite sides
of a conventional end post, and is comparable to the side-to-side
distance of the panels 1374 and 1374a.
[0337] As shown in FIGS. 96 and 97, with the cover 1402 removed, a
first pair of tension cables 1404 and 1406 extend through the panel
1374 and the intermediate post 1372, through openings formed
through the side wall 1394, into the well 1389 of the tub 1388, and
are angled downward nearly to the second side wall 1396. Ends of
the respective cables 1404 and 1406, which are within the well 1389
of the tub 1388, are secured to the eye 1382 of the eye bolt
1380.
[0338] Also, a second pair of tension cables 1404a and 1406a extend
through the panel 1374a and the intermediate post 1372a, through
openings formed through the second side wall 1396, into the well
1389 of the tub 1388, and are angled downward and extend nearly to
the first side wall 1394. Ends of the respective cables 1404a and
1406a, which are within the well 1389 of the tub 1388, are secured
to the eye 1382 of the eye bolt 1380.
[0339] Thereafter, the well 1389 of the tub 1388 is filled with a
heavy and removable material such as, for example, silica, sand,
stone, or the like. The cover 1402 is then placed on the ledge 1401
to complete the formation of the first embodiment of the end post
1370, with the ends of the cables 1404, 1406, 1404a and 1406a
secured in place.
[0340] Referring to FIGS. 96 and 98, a second embodiment of the end
post 1370 includes an "L" shaped member 1408, which is formed by a
front wall 1390a and a floor wall 1398a, and which extends between
widely spaced sides, as viewed in FIG. 96, in a manner similar to
the front wall 1390 and the floor wall 1398, respectively, of the
tub 1388 (FIG. 97). An outboard edge of the floor wall 1398a of the
"L" shaped member 1408 is formed with an upturned portion 1410,
which extends between the widely spaced sides of the member. An
inside surface of the upturned portion 1410, and the adjacent
portion of an upper surface of the floor wall 1398a, combine to
form a pocket 1412, which extends between the widely spaced sides
of the "L" shaped member 1408. Several sections of rebar 1400 are
strategically placed within the walls 1390a and 1398a of the "L"
shaped member 1408 for strengthening thereof.
[0341] The second embodiment of the end post 1370 also includes a
cap 1414, which is formed with an elbow 1416 along one end edge
thereof, and with angled end faces 1418 and 1420 along an opposite
end edge thereof. The free or outboard end of the elbow 1416 is
placed against an upper inside face of the front wall 1390a, and
the angled end faces 1418 and 1420 are placed in the pocket 1412.
In this manner, the cap 1414 is retained in a lean-to arrangement
with the "L" shaped member 1408. With this structure, widely spaced
sides of the second embodiment of the end post 1370 are open.
[0342] Prior to placing the cap 1414 in the position shown in FIG.
98, the first pair of tension cables 1404 and 1406 extend through
the panel 1374 and the intermediate post 1372, through a first and
adjacent one of the spaced open sides of the second embodiment of
the end post 1370, and are angled downward and extend nearly to a
second one of the spaced open sides. Ends of the respective cables
1404 and 1406, are secured to the eye 1382 of the eye bolt
1380.
[0343] Also, the second pair of tension cables 1404a and 1406a
extend through the panel 1374a and the intermediate post 1372a,
through the second of the spaced open sides of the second
embodiment of the end post 1370, and are angled downward nearly to
the first of the spaced open sides of the second embodiment of the
end post 1370. Ends of the respective cables 1404a and 1406a are
secured to the eye 1382 of the eye bolt 1380. Thereafter, the cap
1414 is placed in the position shown in FIG. 98.
[0344] It is noted that, while the single end post 1370, the pair
of intermediate posts 1372 and 1372a, and the pair of panels 1374
and 1374a, are the only components illustrated in FIGS. 96, 97, and
98, additional end posts, intermediate posts and panels would be
employed to complete the barrier fence.
[0345] In each of the above-described first and second embodiments
of the end post 1370, the manner of anchoring the barrier fence
will minimize any overturning moment. In addition, these
embodiments are easily assembled, easily repairable, and provide an
attractive appearance. Further, with the size of the end post 1370
blending with the size of the panels 1374 and 1374a, a common
decorative theme amongst the panels and the end posts can be
followed.
[0346] Referring to FIG. 99, a barrier fence is shown with a post
1460, a foundation 1458 for post 1460 embedded in soil 106, a
sleeve passage 1462 through post 1460, enclosures 1468a, 1468b, and
1466, and a cover 1470 for enclosures 1468a, 1468b, and 1466. Fence
panels 1450 are shown with a panel portion 1450a and a tongue
portion 1456a having tapered sides 1452. The panel 1450 also has a
groove portion 1454 with sides 1453 to receive the tongue portion
of an adjacent panel. The sides 1453 of the groove are of a
dimension such that the barrier fence may be positioned on uneven
terrain without allowing the tongue portion 1456a to leave the
groove portion, thus preventing unwanted access to the cable 150.
The panel 1450 also has at least one conduit 1455 formed within the
structure of the panel. A panel 1450b is shown having two tongue
portions 1456a and 1456b. The barrier fence also has intermediate
posts 1474 preferably made from a rigid material such as steel
plate of a size to provide rigidity to the barrier fence when a
force is applied to the fence in a "Y" direction, as shown in FIG.
99. Intermediate post 1474 is located in a preferably rigid square
or rectangular sleeve 1472. The size of the intermediate post in
the "X" direction, as shown in FIG. 99, is substantially smaller
than the sleeve 1472 in the "X" direction allowing for component
and assembly dimensional tolerance variations. The intermediate
post 1474 size in the "Y" direction is nearly the same but slightly
smaller than the internal size of the sleeve 1472 in the "Y"
direction. At least one cable is through sleeve 1462 in a first end
post, through conduit 1455 in each panel, through sleeve 1462 in a
second end post, and finally secured with a cable termination 1464.
It is within the scope of the invention that the cable termination
1464 may be an energy absorber or energy absorbing means, such as
has been described previously.
[0347] As shown in FIG. 100, a barrier fence comprises panels 1502a
and 1502b, end post 1504a, and end post 1504b. The end posts 1504a
and 1504b are attached to support 1500, which may be at, above, or
below ground level. The panels and end posts are held together with
cables 1512a and 1512b. Cables 1512a and 1512b may terminate with
energy absorbing means 1510a and 1510b. End posts 1504a and 1504b
are spaced apart a distance which may allow people to pass through
the barrier fence but narrow enough to prevent vehicle passage,
such distance being usually greater than 2 feet but less than 6
feet.
[0348] As shown in FIG. 101, energy absorbing means comprises a
portion of an end post 1602, a passage 1604 through the end post, a
load distributing plate 1606, a ductile tube 1608, and a swaging
end 1610. Cable 1600 passes through the panels of the barrier fence
as shown in FIG. 99, through passage 1604, through a passage in
swaging end 1610 and into a cable termination means 1612. Cable
termination means 1612 may be any means suitable for terminating a
cable. Swaging end 1610 is shown with a small end portion 1610a and
a large end portion 1610b.
[0349] Referring to FIG. 102, before any force is applied to the
energy absorbing means, the tube 1608 is a constant size shown at
the small end portion 1610a of the swaging end 1610. When a force
is applied to cable 1600, as shown in FIG. 101, swaging end 1610 is
pulled in the direction of load distributing plate 1606. As swaging
end 1610 is moved through tube 1608, tube 1608 is resized from a
diameter corresponding with the smaller end portion 1610a of
swaging end 1610 to a diameter corresponding with the larger end
portion 1610b. This resizing of tube 1680 causes the ductile
material of the tube to yield plastically from its yield strength
to near its ultimate tensile strength. Preferably, a very large
force "F" is required to cause the material to yield. Referring to
FIG. 102, as the swaging end 1610 moves from its rest position at
point 1615 of the tube to the point at which the small end portion
1610a comes to rest at plate 1606, the swaging end will have
traveled a distance "d". The energy which is absorbed can be
described as F.times.d.
[0350] The ductile material of tube 1608 may be comprised of
stainless steel pipe or tube. For example, type 304 stainless steel
pipe of approximately eight (8) inches in diameter with an
approximately one-half (1/2) inch wall thickness may be used. The
size and thickness of the pipe is chosen to provide a swaging force
which is lower than the breaking strength of tension cable 1600.
The 300 family of stainless steel has the ability to stretch 50%
before breaking. In accordance with Table 1 (above) and Table 2
(below), type 304 stainless steel possesses a yield strength of
30,000 psi, an ultimate tensile strength of 80,000 psi, and a 50%
elongation in 2 inches.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Physical Properties of Certain Pipes. Wall
Sq ft Sq ft Nominal Schedule thick- Inside Metal outside inside
pipe size, number .dagger. ness, I.D., area, area, surface,
surface, O.D., in. a b c in. in. sq in. sq in. per ft per ft 5 --
-- 5S 0.109 5.345 22.44 1.868 1.456 1.399 5.563 -- -- 10S 0.134
5.295 22.02 2.285 1.456 1.386 40 Std 40S 0.258 5.047 20.01 4.30
1.456 1.321 80 XS 80S 0.375 4.813 18.19 6.11 1.456 1.260 120 -- --
0.500 4.563 16.35 7.95 1.456 1.195 160 -- -- 0.625 4.313 14.61 9.70
1.456 1.129 -- XXS -- 0.750 4.063 12.97 11.34 1.456 1.064 6 -- --
5S 0.109 6.407 32.2 2.231 1.734 1.677 6.625 -- -- 10S 0.134 6.357
31.7 2.733 1.734 1.664 40 Std 40S 0.280 6.065 28.89 5.58 1.734
1.588 80 XS 80S 0.432 5.761 26.07 8.40 1.734 1.508 120 -- -- 0.562
5.501 23.77 10.70 1.734 1.440 160 -- -- 0.718 5.189 21.15 13.33
1.734 1.358 -- XXS -- 0.864 4.897 18.83 15.64 1.734 1.282 8 -- --
5S 0.109 8.407 55.5 2.916 2.258 2.201 8.625 -- -- 10S 0.148 8.329
54.5 3.94 2.258 2.180 20 -- -- 0.250 8.125 51.8 6.58 2.258 2.127 30
-- -- 0.277 8.071 51.2 7.26 2.258 2.113 40 Std 40S 0.322 7.981 50.0
8.40 2.258 2.089 60 -- -- 0.406 7.813 47.9 10.48 2.258 2.045 80 XS
80S 0.500 7.625 45.7 12.76 2.258 1.996 100 -- -- 0.593 7.439 43.5
14.96 2.258 1.948 120 -- -- 0.718 7.189 40.6 17.84 2.258 1.882 140
-- -- 0.812 7.001 38.5 19.93 2.258 1.833 -- XXS -- 0.875 6.875 37.1
21.30 2.258 1.800 160 -- -- 0.906 6.813 36.5 21.97 2.258 1.784 10
-- -- 5S 0.134 10.482 86.3 4.52 2.815 2.744 10.750 -- -- 10S 0.165
10.420 85.3 5.49 2.815 2.728 20 -- -- 0.250 10.250 82.5 8.26 2.815
2.683 -- -- -- 0.279 10.192 81.6 9.18 2.815 2.668 30 -- -- 0.307
10.136 80.7 10.07 2.815 2.654 40 Std 40S 0.365 10.020 78.9 11.91
2.815 2.623 60 XS 80S 0.500 9.750 74.7 16.10 2.815 2.553 80 -- --
0.593 9.564 71.8 18.92 2.815 2.504 100 -- -- 0.718 9.314 68.1 22.63
2.815 2.438 Weight Moment Nominal Schedule Weight of water of
Section Radius pipe size, number .dagger. per ft, per ft, inertia,
modulus, gyration, O.D., in. a b c lb lb in..sup.4 in..sup.3 in. 5
-- -- 5S 6.35 9.73 6.95 2.498 1.929 5.663 -- -- 10S 7.77 9.53 8.43
3.03 1.920 40 Std 40S 14.62 8.66 15.17 5.45 1.878 80 XS 80S 20.78
7.89 20.68 7.43 1.839 120 -- -- 27.04 7.09 25.74 9.25 1.799 160 --
-- 32.96 6.33 30.0 10.80 1.760 -- XXS -- 38.55 5.62 33.6 12.10
1.722 6 -- -- 5S 5.37 13.98 11.85 3.58 2.304 6.625 -- -- 10S 9.29
13.74 14.40 4.35 2.295 40 Std 40S 18.97 12.51 28.14 8.50 2.245 80
XS 80S 28.57 11.29 40.5 12.23 2.195 120 -- -- 36.39 10.30 49.6
14.98 2.153 160 -- -- 45.30 9.16 59.0 17.81 2.104 -- XXS -- 53.16
8.17 66.3 20.03 2.060 8 -- -- 5S 9.91 24.07 26.45 6.13 3.01 8.625
-- -- 10S 13.40 23.59 35.4 8.21 3.00 20 -- -- 22.36 22.48 57.7
13.39 2.962 30 -- -- 24.70 22.18 63.4 14.69 2.953 40 Std 40S 28.55
21.69 72.5 16.81 2.938 60 -- -- 35.64 20.79 88.8 20.58 2.909 80 XS
80S 43.39 19.80 105.7 24.52 2.878 100 -- -- 50.87 18.84 121.4 28.14
2.847 120 -- -- 60.63 17.60 140.6 32.6 2.807 140 -- -- 67.76 16.69
153.8 35.7 2.777 -- XXS -- 72.42 16.09 162.0 37.6 2.757 160 -- --
74.69 15.80 165.9 38.5 2.748 10 -- -- 5S 15.15 37.4 63.7 11.85 3.75
10.750 -- -- 10S 18.70 36.9 76.9 14.30 3.74 20 -- -- 28.04 35.8
113.7 21.16 3.71 -- -- -- 31.20 35.3 125.9 23.42 3.70 30 -- --
34.24 35.0 137.5 25.57 3.69 40 Std 40S 40.48 34.1 160.8 29.90 3.67
60 XS 80S 54.74 32.3 212.0 39.4 3.63 80 -- -- 64.33 31.1 244.9 45.6
3.60 100 -- -- 76.93 29.5 286.2 53.2 3.56
[0351] FIGS. 103 to 112D illustrate another embodiment of a barrier
system as well as a method of making the barrier system. The
barrier system 2000 includes a plurality of reinforced concrete
posts 2200 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 103) and barrier
walls 2100, such as barrier walls 2100a and 2100b. It should be
understood that barrier walls 2100 extend between two posts 2200.
The walls 2100 can include above-ground and below-ground portions.
The below-ground portion of the barrier walls 2100 can include, for
example, a compacted stone dust foundation or concrete footer 2110,
which can be formed using a form in much the same way a house
foundation is formed. The foundation or footer 2110 may not be
needed in regions that do not encounter frost. The above-ground
portion 2120 of the barrier walls 2100 is preferably a continuous,
monolithically poured concrete structure. The size of the walls
will depend on the nature of the site at which the barrier system
is installed, but in certain embodiments a barrier wall 2100 has a
length between about 40 to 100 feet, and preferably around 80 feet
in length.
[0352] As described above in connection with other embodiments, the
walls 2100 include channels or passages through which tension
cables extend. One or more passages for electrical or optical
wiring can also be included in the walls 2100.
[0353] The reinforced concrete post 2200 is illustrated in greater
detail in FIGS. 104-107. The concrete post 2200 includes a
subterranean anchor post portion 2210 and an above-ground upper
portion 2250. A base ring 2220 is disposed roughly between the
anchor post portion 2210 and upper portion 2250. The base ring 2220
can be a precast structure or poured in situ. As can be seen from
the drawings, the concrete is reinforced by way of a rebar
structure, including vertical rebars 2216, which are aligned using
rebar rings 2214 and rebar alignment form 2212. In an exemplary
embodiment of the post 2200, the anchor post portion 2210 and upper
portion 2250 (notwithstanding the recess portions 2252 discussed in
more detail below) have a common diameter between about 1 to 6
feet, and preferably about 4 feet. The subterranean anchor post
portion 2210 has a length or height (extending into the ground)
between about 4 to 12 feet and preferably about 10 feet. The upper
portion 2250 has a height of about four feet extending above base
ring 2220. Of course, the necessary dimensions will depend on the
level of security desired, i.e., to what ASTM standard for impact
speed (e.g., M30, M40, etc.) and penetration (P1, P2, etc.) for a
given vehicle type must be met.
[0354] As can be seen in FIG. 104, the upper portion 2250 has one
or more conduits 2260 is defined in the concrete through it and
extending generally between opposite sides of the reinforced
concrete post 2200. With respect to the reinforce concrete post
2200, the term "conduit" is used in its broad sense to mean
passageway, pass-through, channel or void and does not imply a
particular shape or material. The conduits may be of any shape that
can accommodate the tension cables, more specifically the larger
diameter cable terminations for the tension cables (discussed
below) and in the illustrated embodiment are cylindrical. Each
conduit has a first open end 2262 and a second open end 2264. In
the illustrated embodiment, the reinforced concrete post 2200 has
four conduits 2260 including a first pair of conduits that are
aligned with one another and a second pair of the conduits are
aligned with one another. The pairs of conduits crisscross one
another both with respect to the vertical and horizontal planes.
More specifically, a pair of spaced cables 2300a, 2300b passes
through a wall 2100a along a straight axis and at first and second
respective constant vertical heights within the wall 2100a. It is
desirable to have the second pair of spaced cables 2300d and 2300c
pass through wall 2100b along a common axis and at the same first
and second respective constant vertical heights as the cables
2300a, 2300b. It is also desirable to keep the size of the
reinforced concrete post 2200 as small a possible. The design must
also consider that the conduits 2260 must be sized larger than the
diameter of the cables 2300 to accommodate the insertion of cable
terminations into, through and within the conduits, as discussed in
more detail below. For example, a 1.5'' diameter cable 2300 may be
terminated with a 2 foot long, 3'' diameter swage stud. To
accommodate these considerations, within the post 2200 the conduits
2260 slope downward from their ends 2262 to their ends 2264 and are
angled with respect to the axis of the cables 2300 within walls
2100 so that the conduits miss one another within the post 2200
while the cables 2300 are positioned at the correct vertical
locations for entry into walls 2100. FIGS. 113A and 113B show the
top portion 2250 of the post 2200 in greatly simplifed form in
order to help illustrate the orientations of the conduits 2260. The
conduits 2260 themselves are not illustrated but it should be
understood that the portions of the cables 2300a to 2300d that are
located within the upper portion 2250 of the post 2200 are coaxial
with the conduits. As can be seen from the side view of FIG. 113A
and the top view of FIG. 113B, the cables 2300a and 2300d are
coaxial with one another. Cables 2300a and 2300c are also coaxial
with one another but are hidden in the view of FIG. 113A. It is
important that these cables be coaxial as their proper locations
within the walls 2100 are carefully engineered to meet the proper
security rating. So that the cables 2300a and 2300b, and cables
2300b and 2300C, can have this coaxial relationship, the conduits
in which the cables run slope at a common oblique angle .alpha. (in
the Z-direction/in the vertical plane) with respect to the coaxial
axis of the cables within the walls 2100a, 2100b and at a common
oblique angle .theta. (in the X-direction/in the horizontal plane)
with respect to the coaxial axis. In one exemplary embodiment, the
total angle between the cable portion within the wall (i.e., the
axes of the major portion/length of the cable) and the axis of the
oblique conduits within the anchor post is 12.6.degree., which is
provides an apparent angle .alpha. of 7.6.degree. (seen in a side
view) and an angle .theta. of 12.6.degree. (seen in a top view). Of
course, other angular relationships as the size requirements
dictate may be appropriate.
[0355] It should be apparent that it is not necessary to provide
the sloped and angled orientation for the conduits formed in a
terminus reinforced concrete end post which has only one adjacent
wall because such an end post would have only a single set of
parallel conduits. That is, the conduits can be coaxial with the
tension wire 2300 within the adjacent wall.
[0356] As shown in FIG. 106, tension cables 2300, specifically
cables 2300a to 2300d, extend through the conduits 2260 and
terminate at conduit ends 2262 thereof. A steel washer plate 2270
is positioned in recessed area 2252 against a planar side wall of
the reinforced concrete post 2200. The ends of the tension cables
2300a and 2300b are bolted in place using cable nuts 2280, which
rest against the washer plate 2270. Washer plate 2270 distribute
the force from an impact with the tension cables 2300 to prevent
cracking of the concrete post 2200. Though not shown, tension
cables 2300c and 2300d are anchored to the opposite side of the
reinforced concrete post 2200 in the same manner as tension cables
2300a and 2300b. Alternatively, the cable nut can be provided with
a large enough washer surface so that a separate washer plate 2270
is not required. Cable bushings 2290 are used during
fabrication/assembly to keep the cables 2300 on-center in their
respective conduits 2260 until they are properly bolted in
place.
[0357] FIGS. 103-107 illustrate an embodiment of a reinforced
concrete post 2200 that is designed to be disposed between two
other reinforced concrete posts. That is, cables 2300a and 2300b
extend between the concrete post 2200 shown in FIG. 106 and a
second concrete post 2200 of similar construction, and cables 2300c
and 2300d extend between the concrete post 2200 and a third
concrete post 2200 of similar construction. It should be
understood, therefore, that the concrete post 2200 may be
considered an intermediate post in a barrier system as opposed to
an end post. Assuming two cables 2300 extend between each post in
the barrier system, an end post of similar construction would
require only two conduits 2260 to accommodate the two cables 2300
that terminate at the end post though it may have other conduits
that are not used or are used for other purposes.
[0358] Each tension cable 2300 exits the second open end 2264 of a
respective conduit 2260. As can be seen from the figures, a strain
relief sector 2266 extends from the second open end 2264 of each
conduit. In exemplary embodiments, the strain relief sector takes
the form of a curved recess or groove extending generally laterally
or horizontally from the conduit 2260. The curved recess or groove
forms a flared or tapered opening into the conduit 2260. The shape
of one embodiment of the strain relief sector 2266 can be seen in
more detail in FIG. 111 and from the shape of the insert shown in
FIGS. 110A to 111B used to form the strain relief sector 2266. It
should be understood, however, that broadly speaking the strain
relief sector 2266 is a space that is provided in the concrete
profile that allows sufficient room for the tension cable 2300 to
be deflected within the reinforced concrete post without a sharp
bend therein, thereby minimizing bend stress and possible failure.
While FIG. 106 shows cables 106 extending from the post 2200, it
should be understood that the wall panels 2100 through which the
cables 2300 extend are not shown so as to allow for better
illustration of the connections of the cables 2300 to the post
2200.
[0359] Assuming an impact of sufficient force from a vehicle on a
wall panel 2100 in the illustrated direction of impact, the tension
cables 2300 would deflect in the direction of the impact. The
strain relief sectors 2266 are shaped to allow the tension cables
to extend in the direction of the impact without encountering any
sharp edges in the reinforced concrete post 2200. It has been
observed that if the strain relief sector 2266 is not provided,
i.e., there is no side opening in the conduit in the direction of
the impact, then the tension cable 2300 can fail due to a stress
concentration at the conduit end 2264 from bending around a sharp
corner.
[0360] FIG. 107 illustrates a concrete post 2220 in cross-section
taken through a strain relief sector 2266. The rebar reinforcement
is not shown in the cross-section. At the end 2264 of the conduit
2260, a strain relief sector 2266 is formed in the concrete. In the
illustrated embodiment, the strain relief sector 2266 forms a
tapered opening into the conduit 2260. The wall 2267 that defines
the taper is preferably curved at least in the area where it meets
the straight wall 2269 of the conduit 2260 such that the opening
has a non-linear taper to it. It is preferably to avoid any sharp
edges in the conduit opening that may cause the tension cable 2300
to fail. When the barrier system is in a quiescent state (labeled
as position A), the tension cable 2300 extends at the angled
orientation discussed above in connection with FIG. 113B towards a
second post 2200 to which its opposite end is anchored. However,
when the tension cable is deflected in the direction of the
illustrated arrows, such as by impact of a vehicle with the barrier
wall (not shown), the tension cable 2300 is free to move in that
direction to some limited amount within the strain relief sector
2266. Since the retention cable 2300 is already at an angled
orientation (position A), at a somewhat pre-stressed orientation,
deflection of the retention cable 2300 in the direction of impact
actually serves to straighten the retention cable 2300 (position B)
and relieve stress. There are no stress concentration points at
intermediate position B in this straight orientation. If the impact
is sufficient to deflect the retention cable 2300 all the way into
the strain relief sector 2266 (e.g., to position C), then the
presence of the strain relief sector 2266 helps prevent failure of
the tension cable 2300 as discussed above. If the tension cable
2300 is displaced enough so that it encounters the wall 2267 of the
strain relief sector 2266, the gentle transition provided by the
curved edge helps prevent catastrophic failure of the tension
cable, as would occur with a conduit shaped as shown in FIG. 107A.
Specifically, the tension cable could fail at the Failure Point
shown in FIG. 107A.
[0361] The figures illustrate other features of the post 2200. As
discussed above, the post 2200 may include a concrete base ring
2220, which forms a circumferential channel 2234 around the upper
portion 2250 of the reinforced concrete post 2200, though this base
ring 2220 is by no means a requirement. A decorative side cover
2230 is disposed around the upper end portion 2250, preferably in
two halves (one of which is shown in FIG. 106). The side cover 2230
can be a precast concrete structure. The side cover 2230 includes
an overlap 2232 that sits in the channel 2234 to properly seat the
side cover 2230 in the channel 2234. In this embodiment, a top
cover 2200 is then seated on the side cover 2230. FIG. 108 is a top
view of the side cover 2230. Specifically, FIG. 108 shows that the
side cover 2230 is formed from two halves 2230a and 2230b. These
halves 2230a, 2230b are seated in the channel 2234 and form a pair
of openings or slots 2231. The ends of the wall panels 2120a, 2120b
are disposed in the slots 2231 to close the slot 2231. The top
cover 2200 is then placed on top of the side cover 2230, thus
concealing the internal connections of the tension cable to the
post 2200 and limiting tampering therewith. Of course, other
designs and shapes for the side cover 2230 could be used. For
example, the side cover need not be provided in multiple pieces.
Rather, the side cover could be a single piece with slits precut
for the size one or more walls.
[0362] It should be understood that this cover is merely decorative
and is not required. The barrier system functions adequately
whether covered or not. In another embodiment, no cover is provided
and the recessed region 2252 in the upper portion 2250 is
over-filled with concrete or other material to shape the upper
portion 2250 into a desired form (e.g., a continuous 48'' diameter
cylinder) and to conceal the cable connections.
[0363] The end of the tension cable 2300 is terminated by a cable
termination. There are several types of cable terminations and a
cable termination that operate at 100% cable strength efficiency is
preferred. One example of an efficient cable terminations is the
wire rope socket (poured spelter, resin or swaged, for example).
More preferably, a swaged stud termination is used to terminate the
tension cable 2300, such as shown in FIG. 109. FIG. 109 shows cable
2300 terminating at a swaged stud termination 2400, such as a
swaged steel threaded swage stud No. STS-48 available from Muncy
Machine and Tool Company, Inc. of Muncy, Pa., which has a threaded
stud end for receiving the cable nut 2280. In exemplary
embodiments, the cable 2300 has a diameter of about 1.5 inches and
the swaged stud connector 2400 has a diameter of only about 3
inches. The connector 2400 is about 2 feet in length. This rather
long, narrow connector is inserted into the conduits 2260, with the
threaded end extending outside of the conduit end 2262. The profile
of this preferred connector is small enough to allow for the
crisscross pattern of the four conduits 2260 shown in FIG. 104.
[0364] It should be understood that for barriers of lesser or
greater impact requirements, the cable, conduit, terminations, ends
post and strain plates may be smaller or larger.
[0365] FIGS. 110 and 110 A illustrate structures for forming the
conduits 2260 and strain relief sectors 2266 in the reinforced
concrete post 2200. FIG. 110 is a top view of those structures and
FIG. 110A is a side perspective view thereof. As discussed above,
the concrete post 2200 includes rebar skeleton, including vertical
rebar 2216 and rebar rings 2214. Four tubes 2600 are positioned to
form the conduits 2260. Strain relief inserts 2500 are attached to
the outside of the tubes 2600 to form the strain relief sector 2266
at the end of the tubes 2600. The tubes 2600 and strain relief
inserts can be made of any material of sufficient strength to hold
the desired shape during the concrete pour. The inserts can be left
in the structure as long as they are relatively week in crush
resistance when compared to the concrete. The crushable inserts are
simply crushed by deflection of the tension cables 2300 during a
vehicle impact and thus do not interfere with the operation of the
strain relief sector 2266. Crushable inserts of foam, metal,
plastic (e.g., PVC tubes), wood, fiber or other material are
contemplated though other materials could be used. The inserts may
also be removed if desired.
[0366] It should be appreciated that instead of providing inserts
for forming conduits 2660, a solid concrete post could be formed
followed by machining or drilling out conduits of the desired shape
and orientation. The same procedure could also be used for
formation of strain relief sectors 2266 and even recessed sections
2252.
[0367] FIGS. 111A to 111C illustrate in more detail the strain
relief insert 2500. FIG. 111A is a side view of the insert 2500.
FIG. 111B is a perspective view of the insert 2500 and FIG. 111C is
a end view. Sloped surface 2502 defines the contour of the strain
relief sector 2266, specifically the wall 2267 thereof (See FIG.
107). Surface 2506 is shaped to be seated on the tube 2600. Surface
2504 is aligned with the end of the tube 2600. The shape of the
insert 2500 defines the shape of the strain relief sector 2266. The
shape of the insert is preferably a radius larger than one cable
diameter, and preferably on the order of about 4 to 5 cable
diameters, but may be another geometric shape that provides a
concrete gap that permits the cable space to bend to greater than
one cable diameter, and preferably about 4 to 5 cable diameters
without encountering a stress concentration point in the concrete.
The strain relief sector 2266 could be square, triangular,
rectangular or any other shape that serves this purpose.
[0368] FIGS. 112A-112D illustrate a recess form assembly 3000 for
forming the recess 2252 in the upper portion of the reinforced
concrete post 2200 and for facilitating accurate placement of the
conduits 2260, specifically the conduit forming tubes 2600. In
order to form the reinforced concrete post 2200, a cylindrical tube
form 3500 is used, such as a SONOTUBE.RTM. concrete form available
from Sonoco of Hartsville, S.C. Two recess form assemblies 3000 are
placed in each tube form 3500, one for each recess section 2252
formed on opposite sides of the concrete post 2200. The recess form
assembly 3000 is properly spaced from the tube form 3500 by sector
chords 3100. The recess form assembly includes a pair of conduit
spuds 3200 around which the first ends of a pair of conduit tubes
2600 are fitted. The recess form assembly also includes a pair of
angled conduit spuds 3300 for receiving the second end of a pair of
conduit tubes 2600. That is, the recess form assemblies 3000 are
aligned across from one another, and four conduit tubes 2600 are
secured therebetween by connection to the conduit spuds 3200, 3300.
As can be seen in FIG. 112A, the conduit spud 3300 is also
surrounded by a ring element 3310 with a slot 3315. Those familiar
with using concrete forms will understand that the various forms
and insert elements can be secured to one another using screws,
glue, wire, fitted connections or a combination thereof. After
assembly and placement of all forms and inserts around the rebar
skeleton, concrete of a sufficient rating, e.g., about 3000-8000
psi and preferably 5000 psi or greater, is poured and allowed to
set, thus forming a continuous approximately four foot diameter
reinforced concrete post extending roughly four feet above ground
and roughly ten feet below ground. The forms are then removed along
with, optionally, the inserts, leaving an in-situ formed post 2200
for a barrier system at a desired location.
[0369] It should be understood that post 2200 may be of any
geometric shape including diametral, rectangular, polygonal or any
combination of geometric shapes
[0370] A method of forming the barrier system 2000 is now
described. First. The reinforced concrete posts 2200 are formed as
described above. Second, forms are placed between the so-formed
concrete posts 2200 for formation of the barrier walls 2120. These
forms can include those for forming passages in the barrier walls
for the tension wires 2300 and any electrical or optical wiring
though it should be understood that the concrete can be poured
directly over the tension wires 2300 without forms for forming a
channel around the tension wires spaced from the tension wires
2300. Third, the tension wires 2300 are suspended and anchored as
shown in the figures between adjacent posts 2200. Fourth, the
concrete is poured for forming the barrier walls 2120. Fifth, the
forms are broken down and removed. Sixth and finally, an optional
cultured stone facade may be applied to the barrier walls 2120 for
aesthetic reasons.
[0371] It is important that the wall panels not be anchored into
the ground in any significant way, such as by the use of a
subterranean anchor post 2210 that is used for the reinforced
concrete post 2200, though structural elements may be provided to,
for example, help provide vertical stability to the wall from the
frost. Such elements are not needed in climates where frost is not
a concern. The wall is truly a facade and it is important that the
force of a vehicle impact be transferred to the tension cables 2300
roughly evenly when the force of the impact exceeds the strength of
the concrete wall 2100. The tension cables 2300 have some
elasticity. It has been discovered that in certain instances, if
the bottom portion of the wall 2100 is anchored or made strong in
any significant sense, the bottommost tension cable 2300 may embed
in the vehicle while the topmost tension cable 2300, which is
further from the anchor point, is free to extend in the direction
of the impact. This uneven displacement of the tension cables can
lead to a vehicle being ramped over the barrier system rather than
being stopped by the barrier system on the side of the impact. As
such, it is desirable that the wall 2100 essentially fail,
disintegrate or otherwise break apart to some extent under
sufficient impact to expose the internal tension cables 2300 to the
vehicle chassis so that the cables can engage the vehicle chassis
to perform their function. The wall 2100 should, for example, not
be reinforced with rebar.
[0372] The barrier system described in connection with FIGS. 103 to
113B was tested in a crash test using a 15,000 gross vehicle weight
crash vehicle loaded with barrels of sand. Mechanical steering was
employed. In a first test, the vehicle was crashed mid span into
the wall between two reinforced posts. The wall disintegrated,
allowing the two 1.5'' cables to tear out of the concrete wall over
the entire length of barrier. The two cables migrated over the
truck engine and locked into chassis to successfully stop the
truck. The post crash condition of the cables was excellent, with
no damage found to the cables at impact site or at the reinforced
end posts.
[0373] In a second test, the vehicle was crashed directly into the
end post. In this test, the engine and transmission displaced
entirely under the truck cab and the truck was stopped. The anchor
post was displaced slightly (around 6'') but maintained its
integrity.
[0374] It is to be understood that the present invention is by no
means limited only to the particular constructions herein disclosed
and shown in the drawings. The appended claims should be construed
broadly to cover any variations or modifications within the scope
or range of equivalents of the claims.
* * * * *