Not all projects require a new barrier just out of the mold. A used precast concrete barrier can provide the same level of protection as new, and can be implemented in a number of different ways which will achieve the same results, at a reduced cost, for a short-term site enclosure, temporary traffic diversion or a budget-conscious contractor managing a tight project margin. There’s a real resale/reconditioned market for these barriers in the UAE, but there are a couple of additional questions that arise when considering the purchase of used barriers. In this guide, you will find the advantages of used precast concrete barriers in UAE, when to use, the things that you need to consider, and where to get them from.
Used Precast Concrete Barriers Are Well-Suited for Specific Projects for a Host of Reasons
To begin with, concrete barriers are engineered to absorb impact and endure high volume usage for many years during the life of a project — which means that concrete barriers that have been removed from an old project may have a long life remaining on the new project. At the end of large infrastructure or road construction projects, contractors often sell back barriers that are still in good condition, but slightly modified – generating a predictable secondary market of structurally sound barriers at a lower price than new.
There’s the obvious benefit of the cost but there are others, too. Unlike a new order, used barriers are usually available immediately from stock and do not require manufacturing lead time – a time that is often not controlled, as the needs of traffic management and security on site may not be predicted. When budget is truly taking precedence in a project, or if you are in need of barriers only for a short term or for a hire that is not going to last too long, it may be a lot more affordable to purchase used barriers with some sort of buy-back or resale agreement, than to lease new barriers for a long-term project.
However, for some applications, used barriers are not the solution. If appearance is an issue, it’s typically in high visibility areas (town centres, high-end developments or projects where the barrier is part of a presentation), where new units are often preferred as refurbishing cosmetic damage can incur additional cost and time in the project.
Types of Used Precast Concrete Barriers Available in the UAE
Generally, the used barrier market is the same as the new barrier market, with primarily distinctions of condition and not design.
Lightly Used Barriers
Units that have minor cosmetic blemishes such as scuffs, light staining, and small non-structural chips, but no compromise to the structural integrity. These are typically the best performing and have the least cleaning up required to return to service.
Refurbished Barriers
Units which have been cleaned, patched and repainted with approved methods to restore a presentable finish, are generally between lightly used and new units and would be suitable where appearance is somewhat important, but budgets do not allow for new units.
Ex-Project Bulk Lots
Larger amounts of barriers from a single project, generally sold at a discount for “bulk” purchase, use for a contractor that requires a large number of barriers, but has not had time to submit a new order.
Jersey, F-Type and Interlocking Used Barriers
The used market is generally similar in profile type to the new market — Jersey barriers, F-type profiles, interlocking and free-standing — and buyers can still consider the type of barrier to the type of traffic management or security application they need.
There Are Various Factors to Look at When Purchasing Used Precast Concrete Barriers in UAE
When purchasing used, more of the liability for inspection falls to the buyer, so some extra care will go a long way.
Structural Integrity Assessment
The single most important check is. Structural cracking, spalling or exposed and corroding reinforcement is not cosmetic damage and is unacceptable. Before listing one of these units for resale ask the seller what is used to evaluate each unit, and if possible, see it before purchasing a large quantity.
Prior Use History and Age
Inquire about the source of the barriers and their duration of service. A low impact application (site boundary, static security) usually means that the barriers have longer remaining life than those deployed in a high impact traffic redirection application for a long time.
The Grading and Pricing of Conditions
A reputable dealer will provide clear condition grading options (lightly used, refurbished and heavily used stock) and will charge accordingly. Larger orders are harder to believe if they are vague, ungraded and are classified as used.
Refurbishment Standards
When purchasing refurbished units, inquire the quality of the work performed on them and whether they are repainted or patched to a road authority/municipality standard as opposed to just given a cosmetic touch up.
Purchase and Resale Opportunities
There are some suppliers that provide a purchase with buy back arrangement, which means that you can sell barriers back at the end of the project instead of holding or demming them. This can make it more affordable to buy up front than to hire for a long term, especially in the case of longer projects.
Quantity and Consistency
For larger orders, ask the seller if she can provide a “100%” amount of the barrier type and condition grade (as a mixed lot will cause the installation to be difficult to achieve a uniform condition).
Where to Source Used Precast Concrete Barriers in UAE
1. KKK Precast Concrete Industry LLC
KKK Precast offers precast concrete barriers within its infrastructure and road safety products as it can recommend the right precast barriers for projects where there is a need for new or used or refurbished barrier stock.
2. Solid Rock Concrete Works
Solid Rock concrete’s concrete barrier presence is targeted particularly at new, used and refurbished concrete barriers in the UAE and Oman, a more relevant area in regards to buyers specifically looking for used stock rather than new production.
3. Roshni Group
Roshni Group sources precast concrete barriers from trusted manufacturers and has a variety of barrier types to supply throughout the UAE, it is advisable to directly approach Roshni Group and ask them about getting used/ex project barrier stock.
4. Jet Concrete Work
Jet Concrete Work produces and distributes precast concrete barriers for UAE infrastructure and construction projects, and the quantity of barriers requested by buyers can be as big as to require bulk or ex-project supply, based on time and cost.
5. Online Marketplaces (Dubizzle Business & Industrial, Youmats)
Smaller or one-off orders are available if using a local classifieds or B2B marketplace, so buyers need to take a deeper dive into the structure condition of the items they’re interested in, as details are often lacking and sellers may not be reliable.
Purchase & Delivery of Used Barriers
Getting barriers for reuse is typically less cumbersome and more direct than ordering new production.
Stock Enquiry
Check with the seller the number of items available, the condition and the barrier type, especially when ordering in large quantities – ask for photos or have a visit before ordering.
Condition Verification
If possible, examine a representative sample of the stock to determine structural soundness (cracking, exposed reinforcement or structural spalling beyond cosmetic wear).
Purchase and Scheduling
With used stock often available right away, it can be possible to schedule deliveries much sooner than starting a new manufacturing order — especially important for time-constrained projects.
Delivery
Barriers are delivered on a flatbed truck, and are normally placed by the receiving contractor’s own site crew with standard lifting equipment appropriate to the weight and type of barrier.
The Following Information is Provided for Your Reference When Considering the Use of a Used Barrier
For the purposes of traffic management on public roads, the safety and structural requirements of barriers used in new and used applications are usually the same, however, ensure that the relevant emirate authority, either Dubai Municipality, the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah Municipality, or the RTA (or appropriate authority in other emirates) deems the condition documents required for used barriers intended for traffic diversion or public road applications.
Non-public use (site security, boundary enclosure, compound use) requirements are generally not as demanding, but it is never advisable to rely on structural soundness without a proper inspection regardless of the application.
Summary of Used Precast Concrete Barriers in UAE
In UAE projects where there is no need to produce new barriers due to budget, time or short-term use, the used precast concrete barrier is the real cost-friendly solution. Solid Rock Precast and Jet Concrete Work bring used or ex-project stock availability alongside their new production lines, while online marketplaces help for smaller orders or one-offs, and more directly barrier-focused sourcing like STARK Gulf and Roshni Group fill in missing elements.
Regardless of which path you choose, it is always important to confirm structural condition prior to buying a home, not relying on the listing description. A used barrier that has some scuff marks and no apparent damage is a good deal — if it has any cracks or rusted rebar it is not worth the extra expense of repairing or replacing.
