Defective Metal Beam Crash barrier

The Concessionaire­,

Subject: Defective Metal Beam Crash Barrier.

De­ar Sir,

We conducted a site inspection on the project highway. The site inspection revealed a variety of safety concerns related to defective and damaged MBCB.

The following are the various defects of the W-beam crash barrier on the project highway.

Defective metal beam Crash barrier: case 1 Reduced height

The image illustrates the reduced height of the MBCB at ROB’s after a periodic overlay.

The issues are at specific sites, including high embankments and bridge approaches. The height of the barrier has diminished after periodic overlays. The height reduction varies from 100 to 300 mm. Embankment settlements occur in the following locations:

(a) At ROB km. 14+500

(b) At Major Bridge, approach slabs at km. 30+200.

On the contrary, you are instructed that it’s important to maintain the standard height of the barrier immediately, especially in high embankment areas that could pose a serious safety hazard.

The MBCB from the BC top should have a typical height of 925 mm. For reference, please refer to IRC: 119 Guidelines for Traffic Safety Barriers, Fig. 11. The typical details of the ‘W’ structural elements will follow.

Defective metal beam Crash barrier: case 2 Missing, lost, or damaged

The image displays the lost or missing length of MBCB on the structure.

We have also noticed lost or missing certain lengths of metal beam crash barriers at km. 5+000 and km. 12+500, due to an accident or other reasons. This can lead to unsafe situations, particularly at night. It’s crucial to repair or replace the missing lengths immediately.

Hence, we must reinstate or replace the missing length of the MBCB on a priority basis. The time limit for repair and rectification is as per the CA stipulations.

Defective metal beam crash barrier: case 3: Improper end connections of the MBCB

Improper connections to the barrier are observed at locations like km. 15+000, km. 18+200, and km. 31+650.

In all these locations, a gap exists between the structure’s RCC barrier and the MBCB.

Due to such conditions, two-wheelers suffer from protruding ends of the MBCB. These loose ends can cause accidents, especially for two-wheelers.

All these location gaps must be filled and proper end connections made to the structure barrier as per IRC 119 Guidelines for Traffic Safety Barriers. For reference, see Page No. 16, Fig. 16 W. The beam-to-concrete connection details will follow.

Contractual Provisions for Rectification of Defective Project Facilities/Metal Beam Crash Barrier

1. According to CA clause 1.1 of Schedule K, the concessionaire shall, at all times, operate and maintain the project highway in accordance with the agreement’s provisions.
2. Under clause 1.2, the concessionaire is required to repair or rectify any defect or deficiency outlined in Schedule K within the specified time limit, as well as any failure.
3. Also, under clause 3, the concessionaire is responsible for fixing any problems that aren’t listed in Annex 1 of this Schedule K. The concessionaire must carry out this task in a manner that aligns with industry best practices.

According to the above contractual conditions of CA, as part of their maintenance duties, the concessionaire must promptly repair any defects, correct any deficiencies, and address unlisted problems in accordance with industry best practices.

Conclusion

On this basis, you are notified to repair or rectify the defective barriers at the mentioned sites to tackle the safety issues caused by them in the project corridor. Submit your action report at the earliest opportunity.

Sincerely,