Pictured: The EASYRAIL system is installed using a special machine which pushes the posts into the ground

Andrew Mentis has embarked on the local manufacture of a new European approved and crash tested modular guardrail system called EASYRAIL, under licence from Volkmann & Rossbach a German company. This makes it the first guardrail of its type to be manufactured in South Africa for use on local highways and secondary roads.

The company has made a major investment in additional production lines to accommodate the new system. In the same tradition as its sought-after and widely used Mentrail Guardrail product line, the company expects the new EASYRAIL system to become another local institution. EASYRAIL has a N2 rated containment specification. The N2 containment offers a variable working width from 0.8 to 1.7 metres. This line-up includes four modules with post spacings of six, four, two or 1.33 metres respectively, all tested according to EN 1317 for restraining a passenger car at an impact severity of ASI < 1.0.

The modularity of this innovation system makes it possible to select the most cost efficient module for each application. For instance, obstacles can be secured with a firm W2 (< 0.8 metre) barrier, while in the interspace the post spacing can be extended up to an economical six metres. All modules have an identical construction base, making it a simple matter to change over to the EASYRAIL with a H1 containment specification.

EASYRAIL H1 is available in two modules with post distances of two or 1.33 metres, providing working widths of W4 (< 1.3 metres) and W3 (< 1 metre) respectively. Both modules are also tested at H1, N2 and L1 levels. The enhanced L1 level combines the requirements of N2 and H1, making EASYRAIL ideal for roads with more truck traffic.

EASYRAIL 1.33 and 2 metres are fully interchangeable with other EASYRAIL modules, making it possible to install the system in a continuous stretch in places where two or more other guardrail systems, as well as related transitions, are required. EASYRAIL, with a containment specification of P2, is the turned-down terminal solution for all EASYRAIL installations. Tested according to ENV 1317, P2 is a performance level for downstream and upstream installation and has been proved reliable at speeds typically adopted on rural roads. P2 offers the best possible performance in terms of rebound, deflection and impact severity and is compatible with other EASYRAIL modules at N2 and L1 (H1) level.

The SA EASYRAIL system is SABS certified for SANS1350 and is in the process of being certified for SANS 51317.

Road Furnishings Services is the approved installer of the SA EASYRAIL system.