Edinburgh Book Festival Barrier Design

Neil Armstrong BDES (Hons) Product Design Yr2

Edinburgh International Book Festival

Crowd Control Barrier

Neil Armstrong

Materials and Structures 2

29th April 2013

(Unknown, 2011c)


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Introduction

This design proposal is in response to the request for Tender by the city of Edinburgh

to provide a design for crowd control barriers for the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

All materials, design and construction methods will conform to the British and EN

standards for such things as ergonomics, structural loading, materials, construction, and

finishes.

Ergonomics is defined as the scientific area relating to the understanding of

interactions that occur between a person and other factors of an arrangement (Unknown,

2011b). ISO26800:2011 is the standard that was issued in relation to ergonomics and sets

out to improve a number of design features including safety, reliability and maintainability of

the final design (Unknown, 2011a, Whitfield, 1971). Such considerations as colour, material

type and performance will be dealt with in order to produce a crowd control barrier that is

appealing and useable to the public and is fit for purpose.

Structural loading relates to the stability of a building. All matter, whether man made

or natural, consists of a load bearing structure (Hunt, 2003). Without this structure, objects

would lack the ability to stand freely. The crowd control barrier must therefore consist of a

structure strong enough to stand freely and not be affected by high impact loads such as

crowds.

All construction materials which will be used in the production of the barrier must

conform to the standards imposed by the government. This is to ensure that materials most

suited for the job are selected to ensure a safe and reliable product. Every material will have

a magnitude of stiffness and strength (Hunt, 2003). These characteristics describe the

physical properties of the structure with shape influencing the structure’s performance. The

strength of a material can be defined as the force required to break the material (Hunt,

2003). Strong materials include mild steel or nylon rope and materials such as sheet glass

and rubber can be defined as weak materials. Structural materials will generally exhibit

elastic behaviour as governed by Hooke’s Law. Hooke’s Law states that the removal of a

load on a structure will allow the structure to recover back to its original shape and size.

Materials all have differing levels of stiffness and can be described as being stiff, flexible,

floppy, springy or stretchy. Young’s modulus defines the value of stiffness for a material and

is expressed as the ratio of the materials stress/strain. Another important factor when

dealing with the materials used, is the shape of the design. Shape is important for the


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performance of a material, particularly during structural loading (Hunt, 2003).Shape can be

disregarded if the structure is in pure tension but the shape will affect the structure when in

compression, bending or shear. Therefore the shape must be considered. Isotropic

materials, such as steel or aluminium, perform equally when in both tension and

compression modes. Anisotropic materials, such as concrete, provide differing performance

characteristics when in tension and compression.

All barriers need to conform to BS8442:2006 British Standard legislations:

Miscellaneous road traffic signs and devices. Requirements and test methods. Parts of the

regulations are that the barrier must be able to withstand wind speeds of 50km/h, 70km/h &

100km/h (Unknown, 2012).

Background

The Edinburgh International Book Festival was introduced in 1983 and has grown

over the years to become one of the key features of the world famous Edinburgh festival.

Initially the festival was hosted every two years but due to rapid growth and interest, this was

changed to annually in 1997. It is now the largest festival of its kind in the world. Since its

humble beginnings in 1983, the festival has seen events grow from 30 meet the author

events to over 700 events during the festival calendar. Authors from all around the world

attend the event which, along with the International Festival, the Jazz Festival, the Edinburgh

Fringe, the Art Festival, the Film Festival and the Edinburgh Mela, forms what is now widely

regarded as the biggest and best arts festival in the world. Famous writers that have

appeared at the Edinburgh International Book Festival include Ian Rankin, JK Rowling,

Salman Rushdie, Al Gore, Ruth Rendell, Alan Bennet and Harold Pinter. As well as adult

orientated events, the festival also runs events aimed at children which incorporates

workshops, storytelling events, discussions, author events and book signings (Unknown,

2013c).


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Mind Mapping


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Existing examples of barriers

Fixed Leg Galvanised Steel Barrier

(Depot, 2013)


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The fixed leg galvanised barriers are manufactured using a 38.1mm tubular steel

frame and fitted with sixteen 12mm diameter infill bars. Each barrier weighs 10.6kg and is

usually 1100mm x 1270mm in size. The barriers are hot dip galvanised to ensure its

durability and prevent the barriers from rusting. The barriers are usually supplied with the

standard galvanised finish, although can be painted to suit individual customers needs. The

can either be used individually or linked together using hook and eye fixings located at either

end of the frame (Depot, 2013).

Aluminium Barriers

The aluminium barrier illustrated is manufactured from 1.3mm (16 gauge) thickness

6063-T5 Aluminium tubing and features thirteen 22mm² aluminium infill bars. Each barrier

weighs just 8kg and is 2000mm x 1100mm in size. Due to the barriers aluminium structure, it

is corrosion resistant, strong and ductile. The barrier can either be supplied in natural

aluminium or can be powder coated to a customer’s desired colour. The barrier features one

rigid foot and one PA66 nylon bridge foot to increase the barriers stability (Unknown, 2013b).

(Unknown, 2013b)


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Plastic Crowd Control Barriers

The plastic crowd control barrier is manufactured by blow moulding high density

polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE has a high strength to weight ratio and is capable of

withstanding high temperatures in comparison to other plastics. It is also a hard plastic,

which makes it ideal for barrier systems. This style of barrier comes in three sizes: 1000mm

x 1000mm (weighing 9.75kg), 1250mm x 1000mm (weighing 10.5kg) and 2000mm x

1000mm (weighing 14kg). Due to its blow moulded HDPE manufacture, there is no need for

welding, rivets or screws (Unknown, 2013b).

(Unknown, 2013b)


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Materials

Materials research is fundamental in a design project (Harper, 2001). Without the

knowledge of the materials the designer cannot predict the behaviour or longevity of the

product through the manufacturing process or general everyday use. Table 1 looks at the

potential materials that can be used within this design project. It details the material

properties and any further comments related to the end design.

Table 1 Materials Research Information

MATERIAL PROPERTIES CONSIDERATION IN THE

DESIGN

High density polyethylene (HDPE)

HDPE can be easily rotationally

moulded and any leftover material

can be recycled. It is sustainable

and cost effective and has a high

surface and tensile strength1.

This plastic is very appealing for the

intended design of the crowd

control barrier. The relative light

weight and ease of modelling would

make it ideal for the design.

Aluminium

Aluminium is a soft, ductile and

malleable material, which can be

easily shaped and moulded2.

The relatively low price and ease of

use of aluminium makes it a

promising addition to my design.

Mild Steel

Mild steel, or carbon steel, is a high

tensile, tough material that provides

great strength to a design3.

Mild steel would add unnecessary

weight to the otherwise lightweight

design. The corrosive nature of the

metal is also a disadvantage.

Acrylic

Acrylic can be produced in a variety

of shapes and colours and is easy

to machine. It is lightweight, durable

and easy to maintain4.

Acrylic does not come without its

disadvantages. These include

toxicity through manufacture,

discolouration of the final product

and the lack of recyclable elements.

This means acrylic will not feature

in my final design.

1.(Solidworks, 2013) 2. (Azom, 2002) 3. (Scott, 2013) 4. (Smith, 2012)


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Ergonomics

Ergonomics are vitally important when looking to design a product. Ergonomics deals

with how people relate to their environment. A designer must ensure that the product they

are designing is fit for the person it is intended for. Factors such as comfort, colour, shape

and safety, along with many others, must be considered in the final design.

In this project, the product being designed is a crowd control barrier. Therefore, the

most important ergonomic factors that must be kept in mind is safety and performance. It

has been recorded that for optimal performance, the standard height of a barrier is 43 inches

(Unknown, 2013a).

Design Control

A designer can control design changes by completion of a product change request

form. The product design change request form (Figure 1) can be used to detail the reason

for any changes, when they were approved and by whom.

The product change request form needs to:

Identify which product design needs to be changed

State the nature of the change required

Identify what the requirements are for change, as well as the drawings, specifications

or other design documents affected by the changes

State the reason for the changes in design

Provide the results of any product evaluation.

Provide details on who approved the changes and on what date

These changes are to be made under ISO 9001:2008 standards (Part of ISO 9000 which

relates to quality management systems) under the documentation procedure “Control of

records” (Hoyle, 2009).


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Product Change Notification

#:_______

Product: Version: Revision:

Description of change:

Reasons:

Reference:

Originator: Date: Required date:

Type of change

Engineering Manufacturing

Software Alternative or replacement part

Firmware Improve manufacturability

Hardware (Electronics Design) Vendor or supplier request

Hardware (PCB) Cost savings: _____/unit (If applicable)

Hardware (Plastics or enclosure) Eco#:____________

Documentation

Correction Enhancement

Product Changes Attached Spec Initials Spec/Rev #

Was

Is

Sign Off Signature Date See attached doc

R&D New Spec

DOCUMENTATION Cutsheet Manual

TESTING Test Report #

TRAINING ABC Acme Manufa Sales

QUALITY MANAGER

MANUFACTURING Next production run

Scrap existing inventory

Rework work in progress

Revision history

Original PCN # for this product ________________

Past PCN # for this product

Approval

Comments:

Final release version: Final release approval Date:

Figure 1 Product Change Request Form


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Initial Design Ideas


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Design Development Sketches


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Forces

There are a number of forces which could affect the barrier.

1. Bending Force = A combination of tension force acting on one side of an object and

compression force acting on the other side.

2. Compression Force = A force which compacts an object from both sides.

3. Tension Force = A force which pulls or stretches an object from both sides.

4. Torsion = A force which twists an object by use of lateral force to turn one side of an

object.

5. Shear Force = Two equal forces that are pushing an object on two opposite sides

along two distinct lines.


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Final Design Proposal

The final design consists of two hollowed out rotationally moulded high density

polyethylene (HDPE) supports at either end of the barrier, shaped as books. The spine of

the book shape features a hook or eye attachment, which is moulded during the

manufacturing process in order for the barriers to be linked together if required. The centre

of each side support features a chamber which can be filled with water sand via a screw cap.

This can be a lockable feature to prevent contamination or vandalism. Once filled with water

or sand, the barrier will have sufficient ballast and will be able to withstand high winds or

excessive force. Once the client has finished with the barrier, there is a second screw cap,

which again can be supplied as lockable, located in the bottom of the book shape. This

enables the water to be drained effectively from the chambers.

The middle section of the barrier consists of four moulded high density polyethylene

(HDPE) bars of two designs, a cross section of each can be seen in the diagram below:

These are slotted into 25mm deep cut outs moulded into each end support. A raised

bump on the top of the bars will fit into a shallow chamber in the top of the cut outs to

prevent the bars from coming apart easily when in use. Once the client has finished with the

barrier, it will be easy to remove the bars.


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The last section of the barrier features three sustainably sourced recycled aluminium

sheets which slide between the bars and are used to advertise the event with either the

companies name or logo etched into the aluminium. These panels also provide extra ballast.

The overall design has utilised materials that are low cost but highly durable. The

materials all have the structural ability to overcome environmental conditions that they may

be subject to. The colours and design have been chosen to appeal to all ages and the large

book design makes the festival area easy to identify. The actual barrier is of a height that is

easily workable to prevent backache and injury and the over components of the barrier can

be put together easily. Overall, the crowd control barrier is both ergonomic and cost effective

and can provide a more appealing alternative to conventional crowd control measurements.


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Design Review

Our company was approached by the organisers of the Edinburgh International Book

Festival to design and produce a crowd control barrier that was safe and functional, as well

as a design that was in keeping with the surrounding festival theme. The arrangements of

features and dimensions of the crowd control barrier design responds clearly to the

requirements set out by the organiser of the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

The design elements that feature in the crowd control barrier include:

Two ends, designed to imitate books, act as weights and supports to the barrier.

The bars and sheet parts prevent people from queue jumping and control the crown

effectively.

The clips enable other products and barriers to be attached to the original placed

barrier.

All elements conform to the standards set out and provide safe and efficient control

of large crowds.

Failure can occur within the product if the barrier is used without any ballast. The

crowd control barrier is designed to be filled with either water or sand in order to provide

weight and prevent collapse.

All materials selected for the design project, namely aluminium and HDPE, are

suitable for the crowd control barriers. Both materials are durable, fit for purpose and will

provide enough strength to withstand the forces and loads exerted on the barriers

throughout their usage. The manufacturing process, rotational moulding, provides a low cost,

low wastage and highly efficient process of making the barriers. The moulds are simpler in

design than other processes and can allow for multiple colours to be added to the final

design. Assembly of the final product is completed by the user which will allow easier

storage and use.


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Company Policy

It is our company’s policy to use sustainable products wherever possible, using

locally sourced materials and production services in order to reduce our carbon footprint and

make products that are cheaper for our customers. We follow stringent safe practices in

order to protect the environment. We pride ourselves on being an ethical company,

supporting local businesses and giving our workforce a friendly, safe environment to work in.

We make our customers and employees need our number one priority each and every time.

We strive to produce the highest quality products at the lowest possible price which enables

our clients to get the maximum life cycle from our products. We as a company, adhere to all

safety standards when it comes to our products and our barriers conform to BS8442:2006

British Standard legislations.


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REFERENCES

Azom (2002). Aluminium - Advantages and Properties of Aluminium [ONLINE]. Available at:

http://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=1446 [Accessed 24th February 2013].

Depot, T. W. (2013). Fixed Leg Crowd Control Barrier [ONLINE]. Available at:

http://www.theworkplacedepot.co.uk/fixed-crowd-control-barrier [Accessed 27 April

2013].

Harper, C. A. (2001) Handbook of materials for product design. McGraw-Hill.

Hoyle, D. (2009) ISO 9000 Quality Systems Handbook. 6th ed. Oxford: Elsevier.

Hunt, T. (2003) Tony Hunt's Structures Notebook. 2nd ed. Oxford: Elsevier.

Scott, D. (2013). Mechanical Properties of Mild Steel [ONLINE]. Available at:

http://www.ehow.co.uk/list_6618717_mechanical-properties-mild-steel.html

[Accessed 24th February 2013].

Smith, J. (2012). What Are Some of the Properties of Acrylic Plastic? [ONLINE]. Available at:

http://www.ehow.com/list_7437054_properties-acrylic-plastic_.html [Accessed 24th

February 2013].

Solidworks 2013. PE High Density Material Properties.

Unknown (2011a). Ergonomics - General approach, principles and concepts [ONLINE].

Available at: http://www.iso.org/iso/ [Accessed 15th February 2013].

Unknown (2011b). Human factors briefing note no.8 - Ergonomics [ONLINE]. Available at:

http://www.energyinstpubs.org.uk/ [Accessed 15th February 2013].

Unknown (2011c). Profile Books [ONLINE]. Available at: http://www.profilebooks.com/

[Accessed 27 April 2013].

Unknown (2012). Self Righting Bollards - BS 8442 explained [ONLINE]. Available at:

http://www.leafieldhighway.com/ [Accessed 27 April 2013].

Unknown (2013a). Barriers That Help With Crowd Control [ONLINE]. Available at:

http://www.crowdcontroldirect.com/crowd-control-barriers-a/312.htm [Accessed 27

April 2013].

Unknown (2013b). Crowd Control Barrier [ONLINE]. Available at:

http://hongmen88.en.made-in-china.com/ [Accessed 27 April 2013].

Unknown (2013c). Edinburgh International Book Festival [ONLINE]. Available at:

https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/ [Accessed 27 April 2013].

Whitfield, D. (1971) 'British standards and ergonomics', Applied Ergonomics, 2 (4), 236-242.

Edinburgh Book Festival Barrier Design

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