You’ve probably noticed those large yellow plastic tanks attached to concrete barriers on certain construction sites. This equipment, commonly known as a temporary impact attenuator, is installed on roadwork sites to protect motorists in the event of a head-on collision with a concrete Jersey barrier.
The temporary impact attenuator is designed to collapse progressively to minimize damage in the event of an accident. In summer, the tanks are filled with water, and in winter, they are filled with an antifreeze solution called calcium chloride. Like water, calcium chloride is in liquid form and is mixed according to precise specifications to maintain a freezing point below -40°C. During installation, the length of the attenuator is determined based on a specific chart linked to the posted speed limit.
When deploying an impact attenuator, a certificate issued by an engineer who is a member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec is required to confirm that the assembly complies with the manufacturer’s specifications. Lives depend on its proper installation, so a thorough inspection is essential.
At Choquette, we once again offer a complete turnkey service—covering all levels: sales, rentals, installation, filling, and official certifications for impact attenuators (TL-1, TL-2, TL-3). As a note, TL stands for “Test Level,” followed by a number from 1 to 3, depending on the posted speed limit. All services can be provided à la carte or as a full package, depending on your needs.
For attenuator filling, we offer a trailer with a capacity of over 22,000 litres, available to operate 24/7. It can also perform water drainage before inserting the winter solution, or vice versa.
