Bridge Rail to Restrain and Redirect 80,000 Lb. Trucks

摘要

A standard Texas traffic rail type C202 was modified to increase its height and strength to restrain and redirect an 80,000 lb (36,300 kg) van type tractor-trailer under 50 mph (80.5 km/h), 15 degrees angle impacts. The concrete parapet was increased to 36 in. (91 cm) high, and an elliptical steel rail was mounted on steel posts to increase the rail height to 54 in. (137 cm). One crash test was conducted on the bridge rail. The truck was restrained and smoothly redirected. This test has shown that a simple and economical rail can redirect heavy van type trucks at speeds up to 50 mph (80.5 km/h) and 15 degrees angle impact. The cost of this rail is estimated at about $80 to $90 per foot. Typical passenger car bridge rails in Texas now cost about $25 to $35 per foot.