ASTRA systems and components

The ASTRA catalogue of devices and components is mainly intended for the Swiss road network. 

This catalogue, published by the ASTRA (Federal Roads Office), includes :

• National standards and regulations: The guidelines are based on Swiss standards, such as SIA 261 for the dimensioning of restraint systems, as well as local requirements for materials and installation methods.
• Systems commonly used in Switzerland: The systems described correspond to the restraint systems most commonly used in the country, adapted to the specific characteristics of Swiss road infrastructure.
• Adaptation to local conditions:
  - Climatic conditions (freezing/thawing) influence the recommended materials and treatments.
  - Particular emphasis is placed on integration with Swiss infrastructures such as tunnels, bridges and embankments.
• Local target audience: The document is aimed at Swiss project owners, designers, manufacturers and contractors, with terminology and approaches aligned with the national context.

Usefulness of the document :

• Standardisation: Provides a common basis for specialists, reducing diversity and increasing the effectiveness of restraint systems.
• Quality and safety: Ensures that products and processes comply with standards to ensure optimum safety.
• Practical reference: Serves as a guide for project owners, designers, manufacturers and contractors, with diagrams, detailed instructions and drawings.
• Cost savings: Allows you to focus on the most common systems to rationalise costs.

Key points:

Structure in three parts:

• Part A: Standards, terminology and presentation of road systems.
• Part B: Details of assembly, inspection and drawings.
• Part C: Specifications of materials and construction elements.

Technical requirements :
Installation tolerances, recommended temperatures, and distance between posts and repair methods, screw connections, and corrosion coatings.

Detailed drawings:
- System diagrams (slides, walls, accessories).
- Longitudinal and situational profiles for precise installation.

Quality control :
Test methods to check installation and components.
Inspection plans including destructive and non-destructive tests.
Accessories and specific transitions:
Integration of elements such as reflectors, movement joints and specific protection.

This document is essential for all those involved in road projects requiring vehicle restraint systems, to ensure that the equipment is applied correctly and safely. Please do not hesitate to contact us.