Sand Barrels [Price for 3]
Traffix Devices Big Sandy Impact Attenuator Sand Barrels
The Big Sandy is built to absorb vehicle collision energy before an errant vehicle reaches a fixed object. Positioned at gore points, bridge piers, lane dividers, and work zone hazards, sand barrel arrays slow a vehicle progressively on impact, reducing injury risk to the occupant and protecting the structure behind the array.
- NCHRP-350 tested and certified for crash performance at national standards
- One-piece molded construction with no seams, no leaks, and no assembly required
- External weight markings show target sand fill so field crews can verify load without measuring
- Optional lifting and dumping ring available for faster setup, repositioning, and sand removal
- Available in five capacity configurations: 200, 400, 700, 1400, and 2100 lbs
- TxDOT approved
The 1400lb model (SKU: TSAND1400) is the most common highway configuration and ships in sets of 3. The 2100lb model is used in high-speed applications where a heavier fill is required. Smaller 200, 400, and 700lb units fit tighter urban or lower-speed work zones.
Sand Barrel Specifications by Capacity
| Capacity | Height | Diameter (Top) | Empty Weight | Wall Thickness | Common Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 / 400 / 700 lb | 40 5/16 in | 37 in | 43 lbs | Standard | Low-speed work zones, urban roads, parking redirects |
| 1400 lb | 40 3/4 in | 37 in | 38 lbs | Standard | Highway ramps, bridge approaches, standard work zone arrays |
| 2100 lb | 52 1/2 in | 37 in | 38 lbs | 1.5 in | High-speed highways, major interchange gores, design speed over 45 mph |
All configurations share a 37-inch top diameter, which keeps array spacing consistent across mixed deployments. The 2100lb model is 12 inches taller than the standard 1400lb unit and carries 1.5-inch walls throughout.
Click Here To Download Spec Sheet For Sand Barrels
Click here for lifting ring details
Which Sand Barrel Capacity Do You Need?
For most highway and interstate work zones, the 1400lb barrel is the standard choice. It meets the weight and array requirements for NCHRP-350 certified deployments at typical design speeds and fits the footprint of a standard channelizer drum layout.
The 2100lb barrel is specified where design speed exceeds 45 mph and the calculated impact energy requirement calls for a heavier fill weight. Its taller profile and reinforced walls support greater sand weight and are common at major interchange gores and freeway-to-freeway connectors.
The 200, 400, and 700lb configurations are used on lower-speed urban corridors, secondary road work zones, and in the front positions of progressive arrays where a full highway barrel is not required by the project spec.
Not sure which capacity your project calls for? Call 1-866-930-4604 and a Trans-Supply product specialist will match you to the right configuration before you order.
Sand Barrels: NCHRP-350 Certification and Crash Testing
The Big Sandy line is tested and certified to meet the crash performance requirements of NCHRP-350, the national standard for roadside safety hardware. NCHRP-350 defines the test conditions, vehicle impact speeds, and performance metrics that crash attenuation products must pass before they can be specified on federally funded highway projects. The Federal Highway Administration references NCHRP-350 and its successor MASH when evaluating roadside device approvals. For projects requiring documentation, Trans-Supply can provide the Traffix Devices certification records upon request.
Impact Attenuator Sand Barrels: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sand barrel and how does it work?
A sand barrel, also called a crash barrel or impact attenuator barrel, is a sand-filled plastic container placed in front of fixed roadway hazards. On impact, the sand absorbs collision energy and decelerates the vehicle gradually rather than stopping it abruptly, reducing occupant injury and damage to the structure behind it. The Traffix Devices Big Sandy is NCHRP-350 certified, meeting national crash performance standards for use on federally funded highway projects.
Where are impact attenuator sand barrels used?
Sand barrel arrays are placed at highway gore points, ramp noses, bridge pier approaches, tollbooth approaches, and work zone lane drops, anywhere an errant vehicle could strike a fixed object at speed. State DOTs, county road departments, and traffic control companies specify them wherever design speed and hazard exposure warrant impact protection.
How heavy are sand barrels when they are empty?
The 200/400/700lb configuration weighs 43 lbs empty. Both the 1400lb and 2100lb models weigh 38 lbs empty. Because empty barrel weight is low, a two-person crew can position them without mechanical equipment. Each barrel is marked on the exterior with the target sand weight so crews can confirm proper fill in the field without a scale.
Are Big Sandy sand barrels approved by TxDOT?
Yes. The Traffix Devices Big Sandy line is approved by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). You can verify current approval status directly on the TxDOT Approved Products List. The barrels also meet NCHRP-350 crash performance requirements, which most state DOTs accept as the baseline for roadside safety hardware approvals. Buyers in other states should confirm their state DOT's current acceptance criteria before ordering.
What is the wall thickness on the 2100lb sand barrel?
The 2100lb Big Sandy has 1.5-inch thick walls. The increased wall thickness supports the structural load of carrying 2,100 lbs of sand and adds durability in high-impact deployments. The 200, 400, 700, and 1400lb models use standard wall thickness, which is appropriate for their respective sand weights and design speed applications.
How fast do sand barrels ship?
Shipping lead time depends on your destination zip code, order quantity, and carrier availability. Sand barrels ship by freight. Trans-Supply will provide a freight quote with your order or inquiry. For time-sensitive projects with hard mobilization dates, call 1-866-930-4604 and ask about expedited freight options before placing your order.
Order Sand Barrels Today from Transportation Supply
Transportation Supply has earned its reputation for the quality of our products and our willingness to work with our customers. In addition to impact attenuator sand barrels, we also offer other road safety products, such as traffic barriers and traffic cones.
