Dimensions, specifications, price, containment levels, IRC code requirements, and exactly when to use each type — by DG Constructions, India's crash barrier manufacturer since 2008.
| Parameter | W-Beam | Thrie-Beam |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Corrugations | 2 (W-shape) | 3 (triple) |
| Rail Width | 312 mm | 686 mm |
| Rail Depth | 83 mm | 125 mm |
| Standard Length | 4,318 mm | 4,318 mm |
| Thickness Options | 2.67 mm (12G) / 3.0 mm | 2.67 mm (12G) / 3.0 mm |
| Containment Level (EN 1317) | N2 | H1 (higher) |
| Strength vs W-Beam | Baseline (100%) | ~140–150% stronger |
| Steel Weight per Metre | ~7.2 kg/m ✓ lighter | ~15.8 kg/m |
| Relative Cost per Metre | Lower ✓ | Higher (~2x more steel) |
| Post Type | C-Channel or I-Beam | C-Channel or I-Beam (same) |
| Post Spacing | 2,000 mm c/c | 2,000 mm c/c |
| Galvanizing Standard | IS 2629 (85 µm) | IS 2629 (85 µm) |
| Steel Grade | IS 2062 Grade 345 | IS 2062 Grade 345 |
| IRC Code Reference | IRC SP 84 — 2019 | IRC SP 84 — 2019 |
| MORTH Section | Section 800 | Section 800 |
| Crash Test Standard | EN 1317 | EN 1317 |
| Primary Use | Highway edges, medians, roads | Bridges, expressways, high-risk |
| Bridge Application | Not recommended | Mandatory (MORTH) ✓ |
| Expressway Median | Sometimes | Preferred ✓ |
| Normal Highway | Standard choice ✓ | Overkill for most |
Use this guide to determine which barrier type is required for your specific project location and application.
Quick Rule: If MORTH specifications are not clear, choose W-Beam for road sections and Thrie-Beam for bridge sections. When in doubt, consult your project's IRC SP 84 specification sheet — it will explicitly state the required containment level (N2 = W-Beam, H1 = Thrie-Beam).
The main difference is the number of corrugations: W-Beam has 2 corrugations (W-shape, 312 mm wide) while Thrie-Beam has 3 corrugations (686 mm wide). This makes Thrie-Beam approximately 40–50% stronger, achieving H1 containment level vs N2 for W-Beam. Thrie-Beam weighs about 15.8 kg/m vs 7.2 kg/m for W-Beam, making it roughly twice as heavy and more expensive per running metre.
Thrie-Beam is significantly more expensive than W-Beam because it uses approximately 2.2× more steel per metre (15.8 kg/m vs 7.2 kg/m). As steel is the main cost component in crash barriers, the price difference is roughly proportional to the weight difference. However, the choice isn't purely cost-based — MORTH specifications mandate Thrie-Beam in certain locations regardless of cost. For exact current pricing on both, call DG Constructions at +91 94296 93035.
No. MORTH Section 800 and IRC SP 84 — 2019 mandate Thrie-Beam barriers on all bridge side barriers and bridge medians. W-Beam provides N2 containment which is considered insufficient for bridge edges due to the catastrophic risk of vehicles falling off. NHAI will not accept W-Beam on bridge sections in DPR inspections. If your budget is limited, you must use W-Beam on approach roads but must switch to Thrie-Beam on the bridge itself.
W-Beam dimensions (IRC SP 84): 4318 mm long × 312 mm wide × 83 mm deep × 2.67 mm thick (standard). Thrie-Beam dimensions (IRC SP 84): 4318 mm long × 686 mm wide × 125 mm deep × 2.67 mm thick (standard). The significantly wider and deeper Thrie-Beam profile is what gives it higher containment performance. Both use the same post spacing of 2,000 mm c/c.
Yes. DG Constructions manufactures both W-Beam and Thrie-Beam crash barriers at our plants in Karad and Lonand, Satara, Maharashtra. Both types are TB11 and TB42 certified to EN 1317 standard, MORTH Section 800 compliant, and available for immediate dispatch or manufacture-to-order. We also manufacture Modified Thrie-Beam, Single Thrie-Beam, Double W-Beam (back-to-back), and complete accessories (posts, spacer blocks, end treatments). Contact us for pricing on any type.
Tell us your project type, location, and quantity. We'll confirm the right barrier type per MORTH spec and give you pricing within 24 hours.