A crash barrier that hasn't been maintained is a barrier that won't perform when an actual hit happens. Routine inspection and quick repair are as important as the original installation.
Routine inspection items: rail alignment and level, post plumb, bolt torque on splice plates, zinc coating integrity at terminals and cut ends, reflector visibility, vegetation clearance, drainage at post bases, signs of impact (scuffs, paint marks, vehicle parts).
Post-impact repair: damaged W Beam rails should be replaced as full panels (do not patch). Bent posts should be pulled out and re-driven or replaced; never straighten in place. Splice plates and bolts at the impact zone should be replaced as a precaution. Where end terminals are damaged, the full terminal assembly is replaced.
Galvanising touch-up: zinc coating loss at cut ends, welded transitions or impact damage should be field-treated with zinc-rich paint or cold galvanising spray to match the original coating. Galvanic continuity protects the surrounding steel.
Documentation: every barrier hit and repair should be logged with date, chainage, vehicle type, damage extent, and parts replaced. This data feeds the next round of barrier specification.
Auroguard supplies replacement rails, posts, splice plates, bolts and end terminals for W Beam, Thrie Beam and Highway Crash Barrier systems on short lead times for maintenance contracts and damage repair.