Metal Beam Crash Barrier · 2026-05-04
Metal Beam Crash Barrier Height and Mounting per MoRTH
Mounting height is a make-or-break dimension for a metal beam crash barrier. Here is how it is set and why it is checked at every post.
Why height matters. The corrugated rail must present its full face at vehicle bumper height so that, on impact, the vehicle loads the rail and is redirected rather than overriding it (mounting too low) or underriding it (mounting too high). For a W beam, the top of the rail is generally held around 700–760 mm above the carriageway or paved shoulder; a Thrie beam follows the height set for its containment-level design.
What it is measured from. Height is referenced to the adjacent carriageway or paved-shoulder level, not to variable ground at the post — so on superelevated curves and varying shoulders, the installer must maintain the rail height relative to the driving surface, adjusting post height as needed.
Consistency. A run whose rail height wanders — because posts were driven to inconsistent levels — is a common inspection failure. The correct method sets a string line or level reference and keeps the top of rail uniform along the run, with a smooth vertical transition on grade changes.
Spacer/blocking piece. The spacer between post and rail is part of the height and offset geometry; it is not optional.
Interaction with embedment. Because height is set relative to the carriageway, posts are driven to the embedment that both anchors them and leaves the rail at the correct height — which is why post length and embedment are coordinated with height on the drawing.
Metal Beam Barriers manufactures metal beam crash barriers with matched posts and spacers so the specified mounting height is achievable on site, and supplies installation drawings that fix the height reference. Send your cross-section for a factory-direct quotation.
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