Guardrails play a crucial role in ensuring roadside safety by preventing vehicles from encountering roadside hazards such as rigid objects, steep slopes, cliffs, or bodies of water. These protective barriers are strategically placed along highways, bridges, and curves to minimize the severity of collisions. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of guardrails, with a specific focus on guardrail terminals—the critical components that mark the beginning or end of a guardrail system.

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Guardrail Face: Redirecting Vehicles Safely

The guardrail face is the visible part of the barrier that faces the road. Its primary purpose is to redirect a vehicle back onto the roadway if it veers off course. Here are some key points about guardrail faces:

Composition: The most common guardrail design features galvanized steel w-beam panels that are lapped and connected with rigid splice bolts. Alternative designs include concrete barriers and cable barriers.

Considerations: There is no single “best” barrier system. Each has its own benefits and potential drawbacks that make it better suited to specific applications.

• Cable Barrier: High-tension Cable barrier is often the preferred choice in relatively wide medians or on roadsides where there is sufficient “safe space” beyond the barrier location. Cable barriers have the greatest dynamic deflection of the three most prominent barrier types, and are thus more forgiving for the occupants of the impacting vehicle. While that behavior is desirable in locations that allow for it, many locations where barrier is installed feature hazards that are located just beyond the barrier.
• W-Beam Guardrail: W-beam guardrail is considered to be a semi-rigid barrier. It still allows for some dynamic deflection, thus reducing the impact forces exerted on occupants.
• Concrete Barrier: Concrete barrier is considered to be a rigid barrier. It has essentially no dynamic deflection (except for precast, temporary barriers, which can move somewhat when struck). This makes concrete barriers the least forgiving for the occupants of an impacting vehicle, but also the only option for many situations where no room for dynamic deflection exists because the hazard is located immediately beyond the barrier.

End Terminals: Absorbing Kinetic Energy

While guardrails are meant to protect drivers from roadside hazards, they themselves can become a hazard, especially at the end, where the guardrail is secured with a rigid anchor, and the narrow, relatively sharp end of the guardrail is exposed to impacting vehicles. Guardrail terminals are the critical components at the beginning and end of a guardrail system. Their purpose is to anchor the guardrail for redirectional impacts while minimizing the severity of a direct impact. Let’s explore end terminals in more detail:

Energy-Absorbing Guardrail Terminals: These designs utilize various means to dissipate energy, gradually decelerating an impacting vehicle. This is most commonly achieved by extruding the guardrail through an impact head that kinks, cuts, or crushes the guardrail as it passes through the impact head.

Gating End Terminals: Gating end terminals are designed to give and allow a vehicle to pass if struck near the end. Gating terminals are designed to function as a redirective barrier after a specific distance from the end.

Crashworthiness Testing

Guardrail systems undergo rigorous crash tests to assess their performance. These tests simulate real-world collisions and evaluate factors such as occupant safety, vehicle redirection, and structural integrity. The results guide improvements in guardrail design and installation practices.

Global Safety Standards

Several safety standards govern guardrail design and installation worldwide. Notable ones include:

NCHRP Report 350: The crash testing standards described in Report 350 were superseded by MASH, but are still applicable for many existing installations, depending on the installation date.

AASHTO MASH (Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware): Developed by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), MASH provides guidelines for crashworthy guardrail systems. MASH is the current crash test standard for safety hardware used on new construction in the U.S.

EN (European Standard): EN outlines requirements for road restraint systems in Europe. It covers various performance levels and impact scenarios.

Conclusion

Guardrails, along with their end terminals, are unsung heroes of roadside safety. By redirecting vehicles and reducing crash severity, they save lives and prevent catastrophic accidents. As we continue to improve our transportation infrastructure, let’s appreciate the silent guardians that keep us safe on the roads.

Hey there, Chicago!

When you’re cruising down the highway or crossing one of our iconic bridges, have you ever thought about the unsung heroes of road safety—guardrails and bridge railings? These sturdy guardrails are more than just metal fixtures; they’re vital components in keeping everyone safe. Let’s dive into why they’re so important and how Driven Fence contributes to their design and implementation.

What Are Bridge Railings and Barriers?

Bridge railings, also known as bridge barriers or parapets, are crucial safety components that serve multiple purposes on bridges. They play a key role in ensuring the safety and functionality of these structures by providing several benefits.

Vehicle Containment
One of the primary functions of bridge rails is to prevent vehicles from leaving the roadway. In the event of an accident, these barriers help keep vehicles from falling off the bridge, drastically reducing the risk of severe injuries or fatalities.

Are you interested in learning more about bridge guardrails? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety
Bridge railings also separate vehicular traffic from pedestrian walkways and bicycle lanes. This separation provides a safe space for non-motorized users and minimizes the risk of collisions, making bridges safer for everyone.

Structural Protection
Bridge rails protect critical bridge components like piers, abutments, and girders from vehicle impact damage. By preserving the structural integrity of the bridge, they help minimize maintenance costs and extend the lifespan of the bridge.

Aesthetic Appeal
Who says safety can’t be stylish? Well-designed bridge rails enhance the appearance of a bridge and contribute to the visual appeal of the surrounding landscape. In urban settings or areas of cultural significance, aesthetic considerations are often a vital part of bridge design.

Materials Used in Guardrail Construction
Choosing the right materials for guardrails is crucial for their effectiveness and longevity:

Steel

Pros: Highly durable and strong, steel is the most common material used in guardrail construction. It offers excellent impact resistance.
Cons: Can be prone to rust if not properly coated or maintained.

Aluminum

Pros: Lightweight and resistant to corrosion, aluminum is a great choice for areas with high exposure to moisture.
Cons: Generally less robust than steel, making it more suitable for lighter applications.

Wood

Pros: Offers a natural aesthetic and is often used in rural or scenic areas.
Cons: Requires regular maintenance to prevent rot and damage from pests.

Concrete

Pros: Extremely strong and durable, concrete barriers provide excellent vehicle containment.
Cons: Heavy and less flexible in terms of installation and design.

How Guardrails Contribute to Overall Safety

Traffic Flow Management
Guardrails help manage traffic flow by serving as visual guides for drivers. By helping maintain proper lane discipline, they reduce the risk of accidents caused by lane changes or merging issues.

Noise Reduction
Especially in busy urban areas, bridge rails can help reduce traffic noise for pedestrians and nearby residents. Some designs incorporate noise-absorbing materials, making them both functional and community-friendly.

Crash Energy Absorption
Modern bridge rail designs often come with impact-attenuating features. These features absorb and dissipate crash energy, reducing the severity of collisions and improving overall roadway safety.

Industrial Guardrails: Protecting More Than Just Roads
Driven Fence also offers guardrail design and implementation services for industrial settings. These sturdy barriers protect employees, machinery, and the structure of a facility from accidents.

Specifications and Benefits

Attention-Grabbing: Designed to alert and caution individuals in high-risk areas.
Impact Resistance: Constructed to absorb shock and maintain form under pressure, providing a long-term safeguard.
Customizable: Available in various sizes and designs to fit different industrial landscapes.

Why Choose Driven Fence?

As a leading provider in the Midwest, Driven Fence specializes in designing and implementing guardrails that meet your specific needs. Whether it’s highway safety or industrial protection, we ensure durability and reliability.

Custom Solutions: Tailored to suit the unique requirements of your project.
Expertise: Our team offers knowledgeable advice and top-notch service.
Chicago Fence Rental: For temporary needs, we provide a range of rental options including construction fencing, fence panels, and more.

Conclusion: Safety First with Driven Fence
Guardrails and bridge railings are critical for ensuring the safety and efficiency of our roads and bridges. They protect not only vehicles but also pedestrians, cyclists, and the structures themselves. By investing in quality guardrails, you’re investing in safety and peace of mind.

If you’re looking to enhance your property’s safety, contact Driven Fence today. We’re here to help with all your fencing and guardrail needs.

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