ULTIMATE CAPACITY AND MODE OF FAILURE OF A TIMBER BRIDGE GUARDRAIL

This report is an interim report for the first phase of an ongoing project entitled "Moderate Weight Bridge Guardrail for Rural Sites". The objective is to examine the potential of a new bridge guardrail concept as a means of increasing the safety of travel over rural bridges. Full-scale exploratory laboratory tests will be conducted on a moderate weight guardrail system for potential use on rural bridges. To date, load tests have been completed on another (much heavier) guardrail system that previously passed an optional federal crash test and that will serve as the control specimen for the subsequent testing of the moderate weight guardrail system. The control specimen with five posts and a rail attached was tested under transverse loading. Load was increased until failure, with load and displacement monitored electronically. Failure occurred at a load of 24,000+ lbs. Compared to the AASHTO design load level of 10,000 lbs, this represents a factor of safety of about 2.4. This is considered to be a rational, expected margin for the specimen. This report presents details of the conduct and findings of the destructive testing of the control specimen.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Digital/other
  • Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: 57 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00669021
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: MPC Rept No. 94-19B
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Nov 22 1994 12:00AM