The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) utilizes several types of concrete barriers. For permanent installations UDOT typically calls for slip formed, cast-in-place concrete barriers that do not require connecting or stabilization pins. However, UDOT also utilizes two different styles of precast concrete barriers for temporary projects that require connecting and stabilization pins: the 32″ New Jersey Barrier (for use in highway and road projects where the speed of traffic is under 40 mph), and the 42 inch constant slope barrier. Both styles of precast barrier have two options for the connection pin and one standard design for the stabilization pin. All three styles of pin are required to be made from ASTM A36 steel and hot dip galvanized after fabrication.

Connection Pin Option 1

Option 1 for UDOT connection pins is a design that features an 1-1/4″ diameter ASTM A36 steel bar with a 3/8″ thick x 2-1/2″ diameter round plate washer welded near one end and 3/8″ diameter steel loop welded to the washer and the bar. This creates a large washer to rest on the barrier connection loops and a ring/handle which makes installation and removal of the pins quick and easy.

Per Note 4 on Standard Drawing BA 1A2, use of a connection pin with a hot forged head is acceptable as long as the head dimensions meet those of the specified welded plate. The entire connecting pin assembly is required to be hot dip galvanized after fabrication and welding.

Since there are two different styles of barrier that these connecting pins may be used with, the height of the connecting pin will depend on the type of barrier it is being used with. For the 32″ Jersey Barrier, this connecting pin has an overall height of 28 inches. For the 42″ constant slope-style barrier, this connecting pin has an overall height of 37 inches. The details of the design can be seen on page BA 1A2 of the Utah Standard Drawings.

Connection Pin Option 2

Option 2 for UDOT connection pins is the same as Option 1 in that it features a 1-1/4″ diameter ASTM A36 steel bar with a 3/8″ thick x 2-1/2″ diameter round plate washer welded near one end. However, rather than a welded steel loop, a second 3/8″ x 2-1/2″ diameter plate is welded to the top of the bar. This creates a second “lifting lip” for installation and removal of the pins. Per Note 4 on Standard Drawing BA 1A2, use of a connection pin with a hot forged head is acceptable as long as the head dimensions meet those of the specified welded plate washer. The entire connecting pin assembly is required to be hot dip galvanized after fabrication and welding.

Since there are two different styles of barrier that these connecting pins may be used with, the height of the connecting pin will depend on the type of barrier it is being used with. For the 32″ Jersey Barrier, this connecting pin has an overall height of 27 inches. For the 42″ constant slope-style barrier, this connecting pin has an overall height of 36 inches. The details of the design can be seen on page BA 1A2 of the Utah Standard Drawings.

Stabilization Pin

For anchoring precast barrier sections in place, UDOT utilizes a stabilization pin made from 1″ diameter ASTM A36 steel round bar with a 3/8″ thick x 2-1/2″ diameter round plate washer welded near one end. The other end is given a 1″ bevel to facilitate placement.

Per Note 4 on Standard Drawing BA 1A2, use of a stabilization pin with a hot forged head is acceptable as long as the head dimensions meet those of the specified welded plate. The entire stabilization pin assembly is required to behot dip galvanized after fabrication and welding.

Regardless of barrier style, the stabilization pins are required to be 40″ in overall length. Prior to installing the stabilization pins a 1″ diameter hole must be pre-drilled through the pavement to accept the pin. The details of the stabilization pin can be seen on page BA 1A2 of the Utah Standard Drawings.