A NEW WAY TO TEST PRESSURE-TREATED GUARDRAIL POSTS

The test program and results are described of an investigation of the dynamic strength properties of timber posts. As a result of this program, data on breaking characteristics of timber were made available for use in computer programming. Project data can be used in predictive computer programs. The computer will be used for new system development and for analysis of present systems leading to refinement in present designs. Project design procedures for selection of guardrail ssytems will also change and become more accurate as more data becomes available. A research project on what happens when posts are embedded in a range of nonchoesive soils, found that the dynamic response of post/soil systems varies with 3 primary factors: soil strength, specimen width, and embedment depth. Dynamic responses are 2 to 4 times the corresponding static response. This data also applied to breakaway sign posts and light standards. Simple soil test data obtained with a penetrometer will enable the designing of embedment lengths of the post to give them an optimum force-deflection curve for the strong-post system. Embedment lengths could be varied in the future depending on the type of soil.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Wood Preservers Institute

  1651 Old Meadow Road
  McLean, VA  United States  22101
• Authors:
  • Duke, T J
• Publication Date: 1971

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: 4 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Computer programs; Dynamic loads; Emergency exits; Forecasting; Guardrails; Lighting columns; Posts; Testing; Timber construction; Wood preservatives; Wood structures
• Uncontrolled Terms: Dynamic response
• Old TRIS Terms: Timber guardrails
• Subject Areas: Design; Geotechnology; Highways; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00153018
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 19 1977 12:00AM