Containment classes are how road authorities describe the impact severity a crash barrier is designed to handle. IRC: 119 follows the international EN 1317 framework, with normal containment classes W1 to W5 and high-containment classes H1 to H3.
Normal containment classes W1 to W5: tested using a 900 kg passenger car at 100 km/h (W1) up to 13,000 kg truck at 65 km/h with various angles (W5). Each class describes the worst impact the barrier has been certified to contain.
High containment classes H1 to H3: tested with heavier vehicles — articulated lorries, coaches, tankers — at higher impact energies. Specified for bridge edges, tunnel approaches and high-consequence sections.
For Thrie Beam, typical achievable classes are W4, W5 and H1 with appropriate post spacing and embedment. Concrete barriers reach H2 and H3.
Key practical implication: containment class chosen must be supported by certified test data from the manufacturer. Auroguard supplies Thrie Beam Crash Barrier with applicable test references and certification suitable for NHAI, MORTH and PSU tender submission.