Slip Formed Concrete Traffic Barriers

Mile after mile of cast-in-place concrete median barriers have been used across the country and WWR used in many of them. The use of bent cages of Welded Wire Reinforcement made up of large diameter wire has many advantages. The steel has higher yield strength than rebar which allows less steel to be used. The wires can be placed in just the location needed and because the size and spacing can be varied, no over-steeling occurs.

When the slip-form method of placing concrete is utilized, the rigid welded cage of WWR will not distort under pressure of the slip-form machine. Another advantage is the accuracy in placing the reinforcing to meet the required tolerances. Typically crews placing rebar work to a one-inch tolerance, while the wires in a cage of WWR are positioned within a quarter-inch tolerance. One great advantage in the use of cages made up of WWR over tying individual rebar is the reduced time the workers are exposed to traffic dangers. The safety of the workers in the median of a busy highway is a major reason to use Welded Wire Reinforcement. The use of mesh cages allows the workers to get in and get out as quickly as possible.