This study describes the development and testing of a strong beam guardrail-to-bridge-rail transition. Barrier vii was validated and used to simulate impacts with flexible barriers attached to a rigid barrier. Design curves for selecting transition design parameters of beam strength, post size, and post spacing are presented. The selected design incorporated a tubular w-beam rail element mounted on 7-inch round posts spaced on 3-foot, 1.5-Inch centres. The transition was designed to simplify retrofit operations and can be used on bridges that require bridge-end drains. Three full-scale crash tests were conducted to verify the acceptable performance of the transition when attached to either a vertical concrete parapet or a concrete safety-shaped barrier.
Abstract