Crash Barrier Terminals & End Treatments
Fish Tail Terminals, ET-2000 & SKT End Treatments
Proper crash barrier terminals and end treatments are critical for highway safety. An improperly terminated barrier can transform from a life-saving device into a dangerous spear during vehicle impact. TMR Traffic Safety manufactures MORTH-compliant end treatments including fish tail terminals, ET-2000 systems, buffer ends, and transition sections for both W-beam and Thrie beam barriers.
Our highway barrier terminals are engineered to prevent spearing, provide smooth vehicle redirection, and meet the highest safety standards for Indian road conditions.
Types of Crash Barrier Terminals
TMR Traffic Safety manufactures and supplies four main categories of crash barrier terminals and end treatments
Fish Tail Terminals
Fish tail terminals are the most common end treatment for metal beam barriers in India. The distinctive curved shape (resembling a fish tail) provides an economical solution for barrier termination.
Specifications
Best Used For:
- Locations with low-speed traffic
- Areas where vehicles should not pass beyond the barrier
- Projects with budget constraints
- Median barrier ends
ET-2000 Terminals
The ET-2000 (Extruder Terminal) is an energy-absorbing terminal that uses a head assembly to absorb impact energy during head-on collisions.
Specifications
Best Used For:
- High-speed roadways
- Locations with limited deflection space
- Sites requiring energy absorption
- Areas with high-speed head-on collision risk
SKT Terminals
SKT terminals (Sequential Kinking Terminal) are energy-absorbing systems that use a kinking mechanism to manage impact forces.
Specifications
Best Used For:
- High-tension barrier systems
- Locations requiring controlled deceleration
- Sites with limited space behind barriers
- Highway terminals in high-speed zones
Buffer Ends
Simple buffer ends provide a blunt, rounded termination for barriers in low-risk locations.
Specifications
Best Used For:
- Low-speed areas (parking lots, industrial sites)
- Temporary installations
- Locations with minimal impact risk
- Budget-sensitive projects
Transition Sections
Transition sections connect different barrier types (e.g., W-beam to Thrie beam, or barrier to bridge rail):
| Transition Type | Application |
|---|---|
| W-beam to Thrie | Upgrading containment level |
| Barrier to Bridge Rail | Bridge approach connection |
| Barrier to Concrete | Concrete barrier transition |
| Different Post Types | I-beam to C-channel transitions |
Terminal Selection Guide
| Site Condition | Recommended Terminal |
|---|---|
| Low speed (< 60 km/h) | Fish Tail or Buffer End |
| High speed (> 80 km/h) | ET-2000 or SKT |
| Limited space behind barrier | ET-2000 or SKT |
| Median barrier ends | Fish Tail |
| High head-on risk | ET-2000 |
| Budget constrained | Fish Tail |
| Bridge connections | Transition + Terminal |
Why Are Crash Barrier Terminals Important?
Crash barrier terminals serve essential safety functions that make them indispensable for every barrier installation
Preventing Spearing Hazards
An exposed barrier end can pierce (spear) a vehicle during head-on impact, causing severe occupant injuries. Proper end treatments either:
- Redirect the vehicle away from the barrier end
- Absorb impact energy and safely decelerate the vehicle
- Provide a smooth, controlled collapse of the barrier
Reducing Impact Severity
Well-designed terminals reduce the severity of impacts by:
- Gradually decelerating vehicles
- Preventing sudden stops that cause high g-forces
- Providing predictable vehicle behavior during crashes
Providing Smooth Transitions
Terminals and transition sections ensure:
- Smooth connection between barrier types
- Gradual change in barrier stiffness
- Continuity of protection through connections
Meeting Safety Standards
MORTH and IRC guidelines mandate proper end treatments for all crash barrier installations to ensure consistent safety performance across India's highway network.
Material Specifications
| Component | Material | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal Rail | IS 2062 E250/350 | IS 17090 |
| Head Assembly | Galvanized steel | IS 17090 |
| Posts | Wood / Steel breakaway | MORTH |
| Fasteners | Class 8.8 bolts | IS 1367 |
| Galvanizing | 550 g/m² minimum | IS 2629 |
Dimensional Specifications
| Terminal Type | Length | Width |
|---|---|---|
| Fish Tail | 1.5 m | 310 mm |
| ET-2000 | 11.5 m | 310 mm |
| SKT | 11.5 m | 310 mm |
| Buffer End | 0.5 m | 310 mm |
Performance Specifications
| Parameter | Fish Tail | ET-2000 | SKT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impact Type | Redirective | Energy-absorbing | Energy-absorbing |
| Gating | No | Yes | Yes |
| Speed Rating | < 60 km/h | Up to 100 km/h | Up to 100 km/h |
| Test Level | N/A | NCHRP 350 TL-3 | NCHRP 350 TL-3 |
Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid
Terminal & End Treatment FAQs
Common questions about crash barrier terminals and end treatments
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