BRIDGE RAIL TO RESTRAIN AND REDIRECT 80,000 LB TANK TRUCKS

A standard Texas type T5 traffic rail was modified to increase its height and strength to contain and redirect an 80,000 lb (36,300 kt) tank-type tractor-trailer at 50 mph (80.5 km/h), 15 degree impacts. The concrete parapet was increased to 48 in. (122 cm) high, and a concrete beam was mounted on concrete posts on top of the parapet to achieve a total rail height of 90 in. (229 cm). One crash test was conducted on the bridge rail. The truck was contained and smoothly redirected. This test has shown that a bridge rail can redirect heavy tank-type trucks at speeds up to 50 mph (80.5 km/h) and 15 degree impacts. The cost of this rail is estimated at about $125 per foot. Typical passenger car bridge rails in Texas now cost about $35 per foot.

• Corporate Authors:

  Texas Transportation Institute

  Texas A&M University System, 1600 E Lamar Boulevard
  Arlington, TX  United States  76011

  Texas State Department of Highways & Public Transportation

  Transportation Planning Division, P.O. Box 5051
  Austin, TX  United States  78763

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Hirsch, T J
  • Fairbanks, W L
• Publication Date: 1984-1

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References;
• Pagination: 36 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobiles; Beams; Bridge railings; Concrete; Costs; Crash tests; Crashes; Motor vehicles; Parapets; Speed; Tankers; Testing; Traffic speed; Trucks; Vehicle weight
• Uncontrolled Terms: Concrete beams; Redirection
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Finance; Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; Motor Carriers; Research; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00451716
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA/TX-84/911-1F, Res Rpt. 911-1F
• Contract Numbers: Res Study 215D83-911
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Aug 27 2004 9:13PM