GUARDRAIL NEED FOR EMBANKMENTS AND CULVERTS

A cost-effectiveness analysis procedure was utilized to study safety treatment options for embankments and culverts on 3R projects. The study examined the need for cable and w-beam guardrail to shield traffic from roadside embankments and roadside culverts, respectively. Average embankment and culvert accident severities were estimated using Highway Safety Information System (HSIS) data from Utah and Michigan. Average accident severities were calibrated through computer simulations of ran-off-road accidents. Simplified design charts were developed to allow highway engineers to quickly determine the need for cable and w-beam guardrail on 3R projects.

• Corporate Authors:

  University of Nebraska, Omaha

  Department of Civil Engineering, 6001 Dodge Street
  Omaha, NE  United States  68182-0178

  Nebraska Department of Roads

  1500 Highway 2, P.O. Box 94759
  Lincoln, NE  United States  68509

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Wolford, D F
  • Sicking, D L
• Publication Date: 1997-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 85 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alternatives analysis; Benefit cost analysis; Cables; Calibration; Cost effectiveness; Crash severity; Culverts; Design charts; Embankments; Guardrail terminals; Guardrails; Ran off road crashes; Simulation; Warrants (Traffic control devices)
• Uncontrolled Terms: Options; W beams
• Old TRIS Terms: Guardrail warrants
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; Safety and Human Factors; I85: Safety Devices used in Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00740725
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA NE-94-9, TRP-03-65-97, Final Report
• Contract Numbers: SPR-PL-1(31) P478
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Sep 23 1997 12:00AM