| Introduction | | | | The U Base is a more recent design similar to the |
| The most vulnerable part of a steel barricade is | | | | traditional bridge base. Originally utilized by France's |
| its bases. The wear and tear caused by the use | | | | Interior Department, the U base provides |
| and movement of a steel barrier will most often | | | | excellent four-point stability. U bases are about 22 |
| become evident in damage to the bases. | | | | inches in width on the male end; 17 inches on the |
| To minimize the risk of having any of your | | | | female end. The U base also offers the added |
| barriers "out of commission" due to base damage, | | | | benefit of rubber stoppers, which reduce sliding |
| purchase barriers with bolt-on replaceable bases, | | | | and result in damage-free indoor use. |
| rather than welded-on bases. Barriers which | | | | Wheel Base |
| feature bolt-on replaceable bases are much more | | | | Wheel bases can be used on both the male and |
| cost-effective. A barrier with a damaged base | | | | female ends of a barrier, making the barrier |
| won't sit idle for long - it is very easy and | | | | easier to move. Each wheel base consists of two |
| inexpensive to replace a base, as opposed to | | | | wheels, with a nearly 25-inch width span. When a |
| purchasing an entire new barrier. | | | | wheel base is attached to the male end of a |
| There are four main types of interchangeable | | | | barrier, any other type of base can be used at |
| bases for steel barricades. Each offers | | | | the other end. The wheel base is ideal for areas |
| advantages for specific applications. | | | | where constant lifting or moving occurs (such as |
| Traditional Bridge Base | | | | barriers used in parking lots). There are differing |
| The bridge base has been the most popular base | | | | quality levels of wheel bases, so the size and |
| style since steel barriers were invented. Bridge | | | | strength of the wheels and bearings should be |
| bases provide the best resistance to "push" by | | | | considered, especially when a barrier with wheel |
| crowds at events such as parades. | | | | bases will be used repeatedly. |
| Bridge bases are designed so that each individual | | | | Inserts |
| barrier has one large base (a little over 26 inches | | | | Inserts (with a rubber tip) are available for use as |
| wide) and one small base (19.5 inches wide). This | | | | an alternative to a base on the female end of a |
| allows all four points of the base to "dig in" and | | | | barrier. Inserts allow barriers to be placed at |
| remain in constant contact with the ground, | | | | angles (particularly when flat bases are utilized), |
| providing maximum stability on uneven surfaces. | | | | keeping the barrier in constant contact with the |
| Bridge bases also accommodate the placement of | | | | ground. Inserts are standard on the female ends |
| barriers in both straight lines, and at various | | | | of 1-meter barriers, and they are not |
| angles. | | | | recommended for the longer 2.5 meter barriers. |
| Flat Base | | | | A Proper Fit? |
| The flat base is becoming increasingly popular and | | | | The base styles discussed above will result in a |
| is particularly ideal when barriers are used as | | | | proper fit for almost all existing styles of barriers. |
| portable pedestrian railings in situations when | | | | However, there are some discontinued frame |
| crowds will be walking parallel to barriers. | | | | variations which may not accommodate the |
| Barricades with flat bases are used by the New | | | | standard base styles. In such rare instances, |
| York City Department of Transportation to divert | | | | workable replacement bases are available from |
| pedestrians around construction sites. | | | | most long-standing companies serving the crowd |
| Flat bases for the male and female ends of a | | | | control barrier market |
| barrier are identical in length (23.5" wide), but the | | | | Conclusion |
| placement of the bolt hole is higher on the male | | | | The specification of steel barricades with bolt-on |
| end. Rubber inserts for flat bases were introduced | | | | bases is far more cost-efficient than barricades |
| in 1998, and most suppliers have now made this | | | | with welded on bases. With interchangeable |
| feature standard on flat bases. With rubber | | | | replacement bases, barricades with damaged |
| inserts to protect flooring, flat bases can be used | | | | bases can be easily and inexpensively put back to |
| indoors. Rubber inserts are most effective when | | | | work. There are four popular base styles, each |
| they are wider on the bottom than on the top. | | | | offering advantages which have historically been |
| Most high-quality flat bases now feature beveled | | | | dependent upon the specific use of the barrier or |
| corners to eliminate any sharp edges which could | | | | the preference of the entity using the barrier. |
| potentially cut anyone coming in contact with the | | | | Most reputable suppliers of steel crowd control |
| base. | | | | barricades can quickly identify and provide the |
| Flat bases also feature holes for optional | | | | ideal base style which meets their customers' |
| semi-permanent anchoring in outdoor locations. | | | | needs. |
| "U" Base | | | | |