Crash Tests of Box-Beam Upgradings for Discontinuous-Panel Bridge Railing

摘要

A 6- by 6- by 3/16-in. box-beam guiderail upgrading for discontinuous-panel bridge railings was tested to develop a system for safe redirection of 4500-lb cars impacting at 60 mph and 25 degrees. After several design changes and seven crash tests, the system consists of a single box-beam blocked out from the existing railing on the bridge and a double box-beam approach guiderail with the upper rail blocked out from the S 3x5.7 posts. This system will provide a safe, economical, relatively easy-to-maintain upgrading for discontinuous-panel bridge rails.