This report presents the findings of a research project to develop guidelines for the use of curbs and curb-guardrail combinations on high-speed roadways. The researchers make recommendations concerning the location of curbs with respect to the guardrail for various operating speeds. The report will be of particular interest to design engineers with responsibility for roadway design. AASHTO highway design policy discourages the use of curbs on high-speed roadways because of their potential to cause drivers to lose control in a crash. Curbs can also cause a laterally skidding vehicle to roll over upon striking the curb, a situation referred to as tripping. In some cases, a barrier is placed in combination with a curb, and inadequate design can result in vehicles vaulting or underriding the barrier. (Author/publisher) This report may be accessed by Internet users at http://gulliver.trb.org/publications/nchrp/nchrp_rpt_537.pdf
Abstract