Citation

Stratfull RF, Spellman DL, Halterman JA. Transp. Res. Rec. 1974; 506: 56-64.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1974, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Severe corrosion of reinforcing steel and concrete deterioration in reinforced concrete bridge decks caused by salt applied to the decks to control ice and snow has prompted a search for a noncorrosive deicing chemical suitable for maintenance use. Seventeen candidate chemicals have been evaluated. Tetrapotassium pyrophosphate (TKPP) exhibited good frost preventing properties and two years of limited field testing on bridge decks is reported. A skidding car method of coefficient of friction is presented. The test results of sodium formate used as a deicer and its detrimental effect on concrete is evaluated. Since its general nationwide adoption, the standard W-beam or flex-beam has been widely used as a traffic barrier element, its performance has been proved in crash tests and field use. However, the mounting height of the W-beam has been shown to be critical in tests as well as in field installations. Background information in the conception and development of a configuration known as the Thrie beam is presented in this paper along with findings of a crash test series (five test) on this new barrier element. Basically, the Thrie beam can be described as a triple corrugated beam as compared to a double corrugated W-beam. It is 1-1/2 times the width of the W-beam, however, the corrugation geometry, especially the 3-1/4 inch (83 mm) depth, are similar. The crash test series was conducted on blocked-out steel post median barrier and guardrail systems. Test conditions included 4,500 to 2,200-lbs. (2.0 to 1.0 mg) vehicles with speeds ranging 54 to 67 mph (87 to 108 Km/h) and impact angles ranging from 16 to 29 degrees.

Language: en