Acording to the recent case study by Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA), Rubber T-Lok – a new generation of safety barriers made from tire-derived materials (TDM) – offering enhanced safety benefits, a longer life span and cost-effective solutions for a variety of industries.

An innovative use of tire derived material that will enhance public safety and support the recovery of end-of-life tires in Australia – 1 kilometre of T-Lok barriers uses 12 tonnes of recycled rubber which is the equivalent of 2,000 passenger tires, and it is projected the product could use up to 60,000 (360 tonnes) passenger tires per year.

The inclusion of rubber crumb derived from tires enhances the flexibility and durability of the concrete barrier resulting in better energy absorption, reduced risk to vehicle occupants and increased barrier lifespan.

Rubber T-Lok has been developed by Saferoads and researchers from the University of Melbourne’s Advanced Protective Technologies of Engineering Structures (APTES) Research Group, with funding and support from TSA. TSA invested in the project $180,000 AUS and supported the team for product design, testing, building and commercialisation.

Live tests conducted in September 2023 proved that the road safety barriers were in compliance with Australian and New Zealand Standard 3845.1:2015. The Austroads Safety Barrier Assessment Panel was advised to approve the T-Lok barriers in April 2023 after receiving a recommendation for them in March 2023.