3M: Innovative new frangible post system to make its debut on the M54 and M6

Innovative new Frangible Post System to make its debut on the M54 and M6.

Diversified technology company 3M announced its Frangible Post System in 2007, in response to the traffic industry’s growing support for the idea of ‘passive safety’. The Institution of Civil Engineers has come out strongly in favour of passive safety, and the concept also has the backing of the Highways Agency.

Currently, approximately one fifth of road fatalities result from a collision with a road side feature, such as a post, a street lamp or tree. By progressively replacing rigid steel posts with ‘crash friendly’ posts that minimise occupant injury when impacted by a vehicle, the roadside will gradually become less hazardous.

Short deadline
Once the decision had been taken to use passive posts for the most vulnerable signs between junctions 1-3 of the M54, and 10A-12 of the M6, the only issue that had to be addressed was finding the posts. 3M was uniquely able to deliver within the two week deadline imposed, and for sign installation company, JPCS that was the key factor in specifying 3M.

JPCS is the installation partner for signmaker, Morelock, which partners alongside Amey Mouchel on the Managing Agent Contract Area 9 with the Highways Agency. “We had a two week supply deadline for fifteen of the signs,” says JPCS managing director, Malcolm Stead. “Only 3M could supply within that deadline and the order and delivery process was excellent.”
As far as the installation itself was concerned, Malcolm is certain that the composite posts offer many advantages over the old-fashioned steel posts. “They’re first class to work with, very light and very easy to install. We can use all the installation techniques and equipment we’re familiar with but the light-weight 3M post just makes it so much easier for everyone.”

Highest performance
Tests at TRL (Transport Research Laboratory) assessed the Frangible Post System from 3M against the parameters described in EN12767. It achieved an exceptional NE:3 classification for a 100km/h collision, and a NE:2 grade for lower speed impacts. In fact, the NE:3 level is the best passive safety performance recorded to date for any sign support. Uniquely, the Frangible Post System has approval to be spaced as close as 750mm apart because of its NE2 performance when a vehicle hits both posts at 100kph.

In essence, the tests show that a vehicle colliding with one of these posts suffers significantly less damage than a vehicle that collides with a steel post. As a consequence, passengers are less likely to experience injury.

“Along with the use of composite materials for the sign backs, and the 3M reflective material on their face, these 15 signs probably represent the future of signing,” says Malcolm. “From an installation perspective we welcome the development of components that are easier to lift and handle.”

For more information on the Frangible Post System visit, www.3M.co.uk/traffic


ENDS

Notes to editors

3M is a trademark of 3M company

3M – Practical and ingenious solutions that help customers succeed

3M is a $24.5 billion diversified technology company which, since 1902, has been creating innovative products that help make the world healthier, safer and more productive. Well known 3M brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate and Scotch-Brite.

3M employs 76,200 people worldwide, producing thousands of innovative products for customers in dozens of diverse markets in some 200 countries. Its 45 technology platforms touch nearly every aspect of modern life - the company has applied its expertise in RFID technology to deliver biometric passports; it is using its understanding of the healthcare industry to provide hospitals with infection prevention and detection solutions; and its digital signage offerings are revolutionising the way businesses communicate with their customers, their employees and the general public.

The UK and Ireland is home to one of the largest 3M subsidiaries outside the USA, employing 4000 people across 18 locations, including 12 manufacturing sites. Products manufactured in the UK include coated abrasives, occupational health and environmental safety equipment, adhesive tapes, industrial microbiology products, drug delivery systems, high-performance coatings, secure documents and passport scanners.

3M Centre, Cain Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 8HT
Tel: 08705 360036
www.3M.co.uk/traffic


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