Dynamic Impact Load Tests of a Bridge Guardrail System
Bridge guardrail systems are vital components of roadway bridges. Timber bridge guardrail systems existing at the time of the study described herein met federal bridge design code requirements for static loads. However, at the time of the study described herein, they had not been subjected to either laboratory impact test loads or federal crash tests. A structural concept as an alternative to conventional bridge guardrail system for application in timber bridges was conceived in prior related research on an innovative timber bridge system. Initial laboratory static load tests were conducted on a prototype bridge guardrail specimen, and outcomes were encouraging. However, some improvements were needed in the test set-up. This paper presents the results of the subsequent study, which was conducted after making the improvements. The results showed the main component of a steel hanger performed without significant distress. Applied transverse ramp load was favorably distributed into the transverse floor beam segment of the specimen, and no noticeable damage resulted at q load level comparable to the ultimate load implied in bridge design code requirements of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. An exploratory test under pendulum impact load testing showed the hanger and its connection system performed with no major damage. The main bridge girder sustained structural damage, but extreme handling methods needed to move the specimen into the load position and a reduction in its depth prior to testing may have damaged the girder and contributed to that outcome being suspect. It is recommended that the system be tested under crash loading in the future, but built where no major handling is needed before the crash test itself.
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Supplemental Notes:
- This research was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, University Transportation Centers Program.
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Corporate Authors:
Colorado State University, Fort Collins
Department of Civil Engineering
Fort Collins, CO United States 80523-1372 North Dakota State University
Fargo, ND United States 58108 -
Authors:
- Gutkowski, R M
- Shigidi, A
- Peterson, M
- Publication Date: 2007-9
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Digital/other
- Features: Figures; Photos; References;
- Pagination: 47p
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Bridge railings; Crash tests; Load tests; Wooden bridges
- Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; Research; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01080149
- Record Type: Publication
- Report/Paper Numbers: MPC Report No. 07-188
- Files: UTC, TRIS
- Created Date: Oct 26 2007 1:58PM