Two Test Level 4 Bridge Railing and Transition Systems For Transverse Timber Deck Bridges by Ronald K. Faller, Ph.D., P.E. Michael A. Ritter, P.E. Barry T. Rosson, Ph.D., P.E. Michael D. Fowler Sheila R. Duwadi, P.E.
Introduction Bridge railing research Bridge deck systems - concrete - timber (longitudinal vs. transverse) Need for high performance crashworthy railings FPL, FHWA, & MwRSF
Research Objectives Two bridge railings for transverse timber deck bridges - steel - wood High performance railing systems (TL-4) Two approach guardrail transitions Force level determination
Bridge Railing History Bridge railing design -10-kip static load method -LRFD method -computer simulation modeling Full-scale crash testing -NCHRP Report 230 -AASHTO Guide Specifications -NCHRP Report 350
Test Requirements and Evaluation Criteria NCHRP Report 350 Three required tests - 820C kph & 20 deg P kph & 25 deg S - 80 kph & 15 deg Structural adequacy, occupant risk, & vehicle trajectory after collision
Wood Bridge RailSteel Bridge Rail
Conclusions Two bridge railings for transverse timber deck bridges Wood and steel rail options Two approach guardrail transitions Crash tests met the TL-4 evaluation criteria Modifications based on load data