The organization of safe traffic involves the installation of signal objects in various designs. Columns as an element of the marking infrastructure occupy a special place in this group. They are installed on public roads and act as indicators of the boundaries of different zones of use. At the same time, the road column can differ in dimensional characteristics, made of various materials, and also have a special color scheme.
Purpose of a signal column in road infrastructure
The general purpose of this element of the road arrangement is to provide visual orientation for drivers. In addition, each modification is used for use on a specific site. For example, models with white cases are designed to be mounted on the side of the road. The features of such models include the presence of oblique markings and reflective element KD1. Directly on the carriageways, a P-format road column with an orange or red body is installed. Such modifications can be found on the security islands and the dividing strip. Other versions of the columns are included in the described groups, but have less noticeable differences.
Features of the body of the signal road column
Almost all models of columns are made of materials that have sufficient impact resistance for outdoor use. Concrete versions are calculated on the possibility of physical opposition to transport, while others are used solely to inform participants of the movement. These include plastic traffic signal posts , which also suggest the possibility of quick dismantling without the use of special equipment. Moreover, the body of plastic objects of this type is initially designed for destruction, bending or deviation from the supporting part during collisions. Regardless of the material of manufacture, the upper body has a triangular or rectangular section with rounded corners.
Wooden cases for columns are also used. Usually they are made from conifers growing in territorial areas of direct operation. By the way, wooden models are considered the most affordable among the rigid supports - they can be purchased on average for 300-400 p. Another thing is that a signal road column, the price of which does not exceed 500 rubles, usually does not differ in high indicators of durability.
Main characteristics
There is no strict standardization of models in this segment. A variety of modifications causes a wide range of shapes and dimensional parameters, which, however, are regulated by GOST. So, in height, the average range is 750-1000 mm. Thickness is a more general parameter and most often is 100 mm. Marking strips on the surface of the case have different formats, not to mention the color versions. The thickness of the signal lines of the color varies from 40 to 250 mm. In this case, the stripes can have both vertical and horizontal, as well as oblique directions. For installation, metal pins are also provided that hold the posts. Signal road plastic supports can have bearing rods about 50 cm long. For reinforced concrete models, a foundation foundation is often provided, corresponding to possible mechanical loads in collisions.
Varieties of columns
The main sign of classification is the material of manufacture. It has already been noted that there are reinforced concrete, plastic and wooden cases. In the class of plastic models, a flexible road column has also spread, which is characterized by low cost and ease of installation. However, such modifications are more often used as a temporary signal object.
By design, the columns are divided into simple and composite. The first are based on a monolithic basis without additional inclusions. In turn, the composite road column is a prefabricated structure, which may also include special restraint devices. Plastic models in some versions belong to composite signal supports and are made from various composite alloys and fillers.
Bar Layout Requirements
For different categories of columns, individual markup is intended. So, on models that turn towards the approaching transport, a vertically directed black marking is applied, supplemented by a retroreflector. The body of the column, which has a bevel in the upper region, is formed by an inclined black stripe, the width of which can vary from 150 to 250 mm. Models with a cross section in the form of a ring, circle or arc also receive a horizontal black strip with a width of 100 mm. It is important to consider that double-sided painting is also practiced, which covers universal road columns. GOST number P 50970-96 notes that the retroreflector is applied only on one side - in the direction of oncoming transport.
Bollards
In addition to the fact that the column body must meet the requirements of mechanical resistance, the outer surfaces also receive protective layers. They are calculated on counteraction to negative climatic factors. Moreover, coatings that are resistant to moisture and temperature influence are often combined with the marking itself. As a rule, these are special paints and varnishes that perform the functions of signaling and act as a barrier to external exposure. The most demanding for such protection are wooden posts, which without special impregnation are easily biodegradable. Therefore, a road column made of lumber in the lower part is additionally covered with hot bitumen along the entire depth of its immersion in the subgrade. In addition, technologists take into account the reverse harmful effects from plastic cases. Manufacturers are developing special compositions of the same composites that ensure the object's resistance to external factors, but also comply with environmental safety requirements.
Terms of Use
Placement of road posts is carried out in accordance with the rules of the construction work. In particular, the regulations require that signaling objects of this type be installed within the boundaries of the loose zone of the curb 35 cm from the edge of the land cover. If a column intended for the dividing strip is used, then its location is determined in accordance with the rules for installing road fences. In this case, all models with the presence of bevels are placed so that the cut side turned to the roadway. Reinforced concrete objects are fastened by means of a foundation, and plastic road posts are integrated in-depth using metal rods by an average of 50-70 cm. This value can be reduced if anchor fasteners are additionally used.
Conclusion
Road poles fulfill a responsible task, informing drivers about driving directions. Manufacturers are striving to develop more and more effective means of delivering a visual signal. Despite the introduction of high-tech road monitoring systems, this type of traditional signposts is still in demand. This is facilitated by the low cost at which the road plastic column is sold. The price of such facilities is only 200-300 p. Of course, reinforced concrete models are available at a higher cost, which can reach 1-1.5 thousand, depending on the modification. How effective this means of indicating on the road will be depends on the characteristics of a particular instance and on the correctness of its installation.