DEVELOPMENT OF A LOW-PROFILE BRIDGE RAIL FOR TEST LEVEL 2 APPLICATIONS

Authors

Karla A. Polivka, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Ronald K. Faller, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Dean L. Sicking, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
John R. Rohde, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
John D. Reid, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
James C. Holloway, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Date of this Version

2003

Document Type

Article

Citation

MwRSF Research Report No. TRP-03-109-02

Comments

Report No. SPR-3(017)

Abstract

A low-profile bridge rail was developed for installations where pedestrians and/or site restrictions prevent the use of conventional bridge rails with transitions. The bridge rail design was constructed using a 22.86-m long reinforced concrete parapet. The entire system measured 508-mm high by 356-mm and 279-mm wide at the top and bottom surfaces, respectively.

The research study included one full-scale vehicle crash test, using a 3⁄4-ton pickup truck. The full- scale test, impacting at a speed of 70.0 km/hr and an angle of 27.1 degrees, was conducted and reported in accordance with the requirements specified in National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report No. 350, Recommended Procedures for the Safety Performance Evaluation of Highway Features. The safety performance of the low-profile bridge rail was determined to be acceptable according to the Test Level 2 (TL-2) evaluation criteria specified in NCHRP Report No. 350.