Bridge barriers : towards national standards.

Bridge barriers have been the subject of ongoing investigations as emphasis on road safety has intensified. The implementation of recognizable cost-effective barriers is important for road safety. VicRoads has since October 1997 implemented guidelines for the design and performance selection of appropriate barriers relevant to site risk which in part have formed the basis of the Australian Standard AS 5100 Bridge Design Standard provisions. The AS 5100 Standard provides requirements for multiple performance level barriers, including selection, design and acceptance of crashworthy barriers. Most bridge barriers built before 1970 do not meet modern requirements for safety. This paper presents results of recent research investigations carried out to develop and rationalise prototype barrier systems in accordance with the new AS 5100 Standard multiple performance level requirements. The proposed prototype barriers subject to Austroads approval in accordance with AS 5100 Standard requirements may in time be accredited for national use. The paper includes details of tested barrier systems which have formed the basis for the design of recognisable multiple performance level barriers. In addition the paper outlines barrier options for the higher performance levels. The introduction of recognizable barriers will reduce accident severity and provide cost effective uniform practices. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. 0612AR242E.