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Citation |
Hirsch TJ, Buth CE. Transp. Res. Rec. 1992; 1367: 23-35. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 1992, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing) |
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DOI |
unavailable |
PMID |
unavailable |
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Abstract |
Railings have been developed to withstand impact loads from vehicles of ever-increasing size; however, aesthetic considerations have been overshadowed by safety and structural requirements. The objective of this study was to develop aesthetically pleasing, structurally sound alternative railings for cities and urban areas. A new concrete combination pedestrian-traffic bridge rail, Texas Type C411, is presented. The bridge rail was constructed of reinforced concrete 42 in. high x 12 in. thick. It contains 6-in.-wide x 28-in.-high openings at 18-in. center-to-center longitudinal spacing. The combination pedestrian-traffic bridge rail was located on a 6-ft-wide sidewalk with an 8-in.-high curb separating it from traffic. The rail was developed for use on urban streets on which speed limits are 45 mph or less. Service Level 1 in NCHRP Report 230 and Performance Level 1 in the 1989 AASHTO "Guide Specifications for Bridge Railings" were considered inappropriate. A different test matrix was being considered under NCHRP Project C22-7, Update of Roadside Safety Hardware Crash Test Specifications, and NCHRP Project 12-33, Development of a Comprehensive Bridge Specification and Commentary, at the time these tests were conducted. It was decided to use a 4,500-lb automobile at 45 mph and a 25-degree impact angle and a 1,900-lb automobile at 45 mph and a 20-degree impact angle. The new C411 bridge rail performed well under these two crash tests. The results of the crash tests easily met the standard safety evaluation criteria. The C411 should be safe for use on low-speed (45 mph or less) roadways. Language: en |