Different manufacturing materials for wheel stops, speed bumps, and ramps

Wheel stops, speed bumps also known as speed humps, lane separators, curb ramps, and some chocks

These road safety devices:

• Stop a vehicle's wheel during parking maneuvers (parking stop)
• Reduce the speed of traffic on public roads (speed bumps)
• Delimit and separate the public road (lane separators)
• Bridge the height difference of curbs to facilitate vehicle access (ramps)

For their manufacture, robust and resistant materials such as rubber and PVC are usually used. Rubber is mostly used, which can be natural, recycled, vulcanized, or compacted.

Rubber

Rubber is an elastic and flexible material obtained from the sap of the rubber tree. Natural rubber is a viscous and sticky substance that can be vulcanized to improve its physical and chemical properties, through chemical synthesis in the case of synthetic rubber.

The

compact rubber refers to solid rubber sheets without a porous structure. Vulcanized rubber and compact rubber are terms used to describe different forms and properties of rubber material.

Recycled Rubber

Recycled rubber is widely used in the manufacturing of parking stops due to its resistance and durability. It has the ability to absorb impacts and provide a suitable friction surface to stop the vehicle's wheel.

Manufacturing: It is obtained from the processing of used tires or other discarded rubber products. It is crushed and processed for reuse. Composition: The composition may vary, but generally contains natural or synthetic rubber, along with other materials used in the original manufacturing of the recycled rubber product. Resistance: Resistance may vary depending on its composition and manufacturing process, but in general, it offers good impact and abrasion resistance. Suitability for outdoor or indoor use: It is suitable for both outdoor and indoor use. It is weather-resistant and can withstand adverse weather conditions.

Vulcanized Rubber

Vulcanized rubber is the result of a process called vulcanization. Vulcanization is a chemical treatment in which natural or synthetic rubber is combined with sulfur and other additives to improve its strength and durability. During the vulcanization process, rubber molecules are linked together by sulfur bridges, resulting in a stiffer, wear-resistant, elastic, and less sticky material than unvulcanized rubber.

Compact Rubber

The term "compact rubber" does not refer to a specific type of rubber but to a form of presentation of the material. Compact rubber refers to solid sheets or slabs of rubber that do not have a porous or cell-like structure. These sheets of compact rubber can be used in various applications, such as gaskets, seals, linings, and other components where a solid and continuous rubber surface is required.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

PVC is another commonly used material in parking stops. It is resistant, durable, and can provide an effective friction surface to stop the vehicle's wheel. These materials are suitable for the manufacture of parking stops designed to stop the wheels of cars. They provide the necessary strength and durability to withstand the weight and braking force of cars and light vehicles. It is important to ensure that parking stops are correctly installed and comply with the relevant safety standards to ensure effective and safe use.

Installation and Fixation

Beyond the characteristics of the materials, the strength of the device will also depend on its fixation during installation. Properly fixing wheel stops to the ground is a critical aspect in implementing road safety measures in traffic and parking areas. Proper fixation ensures that the stops effectively absorb impacts and guide parking maneuvers, providing a safe environment for both drivers and vehicles involved. To ensure the stability and firmness of wheel stops, a fixation process is carried out using plugs and screws anchored to the ground. These plugs and screws are selected based on the soil characteristics and specific requirements of the industrial or logistics environment where the stops are installed. There are several types of plugs and screws available for fixing wheel stops. These can vary in composition, size, and load capacity. Among the most common options are expansion plugs, metal plugs, and chemical plugs. In the special case of truck stops and heavy vehicles, they must withstand the impact of many tons, which is why we recommend fixing them with chemical plugs. The chemical plug is recognized as one of the most resistant and reliable methods for fixing elements to the ground. It consists of a special chemical substance that is inserted into the hole drilled in the ground. This substance solidifies and adheres to both the ground material and the screw itself, creating a very solid and durable bond.

The chemical plug fixation process involves the following steps:

1. A hole is drilled in the ground using a properly sized drill bit.
2. The chemical plug is inserted into the hole.
3. The screw is placed in the plug or chemical plug.

For the chemical plug:

1. The chemical substance is applied to the hole, surrounding the plug and the screw.
2. The chemical substance hardens and creates a firm and resistant connection between the screw and the ground.

This method offers several advantages, such as greater tensile strength and the ability to support heavy loads. Additionally, the chemical plug is especially useful in soils where traditional fixation methods, such as expansion plugs, may be less effective due to the material characteristics. Proper fixation of wheel stops to the ground is essential to ensure road safety and the effectiveness of these measures in industrial and logistics environments. The use of plugs and screws, including chemical plugs, provides a robust and durable solution to ensure that the stops function optimally. The chemical plug generally uses an epoxy or polyester resin as the chemical substance for fixation to the ground. These resins are known for their ability to adhere solidly and durably to both the ground material and the screw or bolt inserted in the hole. Epoxies are widely used in fixing applications due to their high mechanical and chemical resistance, as well as their ability to support heavy loads. On the other hand, polyester resins are also effective in many situations and are a popular choice due to their ability to cure relatively quickly. The choice between epoxy and polyester resin depends on the project's characteristics, soil type, the load expected to be supported by the anchor, and other relevant factors. Both resins are generally mixed with a hardener or catalyst before being applied to the hole drilled in the ground, and then the screw or bolt is inserted.