Citation

Nordlin EF, Stoker JR, Stoughton RL. Transp. Res. Rec. 1976; 566: 44-55.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1976, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The results of four vehicle impact tests into metal beam guardrail using three types of posts and blocks are reported. The then current (1971) California standard plans for metal beam guardrail required 8 by 8-in. (203 by 203-mm) nominal douglas fir posts and blocks. We wanted to determine whether smaller sized wood posts and blocks could be used and whether steel posts and blocks could be used in place of the 8 by 8-in. (203 by 203-mm) blocks to reduce guardrail costs. We also wanted to obtain another permissible post material besides wood. It was concluded that 6 by 8-in. (152 by 203-mm) nominal douglas fir wood posts and blocks were an acceptable substitute and that wide-flange 6-in. by 8.5-lb/ft (152-mm by 12.7-kg/m) steelposts and blocks could be used provided W-section backup plates were used at alternate posts where no beam splice occurred and a positive connection was used at the end-anchor cable in place of cable clips. All four tests conducted used 4,960-lb (2250-kg) passenger vehicles with nominal impact speeds and angles of 65 mph (105 km/h) and 25 deg respectively.