Anchor Pins

In most cases barriers need to be anchored or pinned in place. The requirements defining when a barrier section must be anchored in place can vary depending upon the type of barrier (median, guard rail), the surface it is being used upon (concrete, asphalt, bridge deck), whether it is a temporary or permanent barrier, and the traffic speed on the road or highway it will be used on. The anchoring pin itself can come in many different sizes, materials, and configurations depending on the type of barrier and which state is specifying it. Terminology differs from state to state and this anchoring hardware may be called an anchor pin, a stabilization pin, or an anchor bolt, depending on which state’s drawings you are looking at.

To find out the particulars for your state’s anchoring hardware, please see the interactive map.

1-1/2” Stabilization Pin

Many state DOT’s have adopted a design for a 1-1/2″ in diameter A36 stabilization pin for highway concrete barriers.  This steel pin is used to connect precast concrete barrier sections (often Jersey barriers or F-shape barriers) to asphalt or concrete surfaces. The idea is to improve their stability under impact and lateral loading. These pins have a ¼” thick A36 square plate welded to the top end at an 85-degree angle. If these pins are connecting the barrier to an asphalt surface, they are 48” in length and have a 2” cone point on the end being driven into the ground. If they are connecting the barrier to a concrete surface, the pins are 21-1/4” long and do not require a cone point. Although this may vary by state, these pins are typically hot-dip galvanized.