Citation

Bronstad ME, McDevitt CF. Transp. Res. Rec. 1984; 970: 18-28.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1984, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The development of the self-restoring barrier (SERB) guardrail system for the FHWA demonstrated that a high-performance flexible barrier that was damage resistant was technically and economically feasible. To extend the SERB concept into other applications, FHWA contracted with Southwest Research Institute to design and develop SERB retrofit bridge railing, SERB deck-mounted bridge railing, and SERB median barrier systems. In this paper the SERB retrofit and median barrier designs that have been fully evaluated at this time are described. The SERB bridge rail retrofit, consisting of an articulated tubular Thrie-beam mounted on a narrow safety walk and parapet installation, was subjected to a full range of vehicle impacts from a 40,000-lb (18 000-kg) intercity bus to an 1,800-lb (800-kg) Honda Civic.

RESULTS of these 60 mph (95 km/h) tests indicate satisfactory performance. The SERB median barrier concept constructed of single Thrie-beams with internal truss shear webs was successfully evaluated in a test series that included a 40,000-lb intercity bus and an 1,800-lb Honda. Development of the SERB deck-mounted bridge railing is currently in progress.

Language: en

Keywords

HIGHWAY ENGINEERING; ACCIDENT PREVENTION; HIGHWAY SYSTEMS - Guard Rails