You have your steel barriers set, and now you need to make them sturdy, robust, and safe.
To do this you need to choose the right bases for your barriers. Bases that are suitable, durable, can stand the test of time, and more.
The first signs that your barriers are starting to deteriorate and suffering from slight wear and tear will typically originate at their bases. The bases or feet is where most of the weight is felt, and the area that receives the most bumps and scuffs along the way.
To minimise the risk of barricades no longer providing you with a vital service, at Site Fencing, we recommend opting for crowd barrier bases that are replaceable, bolt-on bases, as opposed to those bases that are welded into place.
A bolt-on base is a much more cost-effective base, too, because if the base becomes damaged, this is the only part of the unit you need to replace. Whereas, with welded bases, an entire new barrier would need to be purchased.
Plus, bolt-on bases are extremely simple and straightforward to replace, so they won’t take up too much of your time, and you will have a stable and durable fence again asap.
Different types of bases
There are various types of crowd barricade bases to choose from, and the choice largely depends on the type of barrier and the location of your barriers, i.e., type of event/venue.
Below we take a quick glimpse at the different types of bases available and some of their characteristics.
Traditional (Bridge)
These standard bases are the most popular types of bases found on steel barriers, providing excellent resistance to movement, making them perfect for crowd control and crowd management at large events and festivals.
Bridge bases were initially designed alongside steel barriers, so they automatically became the common and popular choice for many—this and the fact that they can be positioned at different angles as well as straight lines.
The design of these traditional bridge bases consists of one large and one small base, allowing all four base points to dig in while remaining in constant contact with the ground. This helps to provide the barrier with maximum stability even on the most uneven of terrains.
Flat
Flat bases are increasing in popularity, especially if portable pedestrian barriers are used.
Today, most flat bases also come with rubber inserts to protect flooring, which makes barriers using flat bases suitable for indoor use.
Flat bases are most suitable where foot traffic is heavy as they are used to guiding pedestrians around specific sites.
Removing any jagged corners on the barriers and avoiding sharp edges, you will also find corners rounded to prevent accident and injury, with bases also containing holes so you can use semi-permanent anchors for outdoor locations/events.
Flat bases for the male and female end of the barrier are identical in width; however, the bolt holes location is higher on the male finish.
U Bases
A more recent and much more modern design that is very similar to the traditional. U bases provide four-point consistency and stability with rubber stoppers also available to prevent barriers from sliding – again ideal for indoor locations such as sports halls.
Wheelbase
Suitable for both male and female ends of barriers, wheelbases make barriers much easier to manoeuvre due to each base consisting of two wheels.
There are different levels of quality wheelbases, so it is important to think about the wheel’s bearings’ size and strength before making your final decision.
Wheelbase barriers are great for car parks where the barriers need to be moved around regularly.
Inserts
Inserts are required if you need to set your barrier systems up on an angle. Used on the female end of a barrier, inserts help to keep the barricade in constant contact with the ground. However, it is important to note that inserts will not be suitable for barriers with a width of 2.5 metres or longer.
When choosing the right crowd control barrier base for you, you must consider how often you or your team will be moving the barrier, the terrain, the volume of traffic, etc. At Site Fencing, we can help with recommendations and supply the right base for your barrier system.
Call us on 01274 833 396 or check our page to find out more.
Read related post: Take care of your barrier jackets!
Reference video: The Audiopedia
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