Guardrail Need for Embankments and Culverts
REPORT NUMBER
TRP-03-065-97
AUTHORS
Daniel Wolford, Dean Sicking
PUBLICATION DATE
1997-06-01
ABSTRACT
A cost-effectiveness analysis procedure was utilized to study safety treatment options for embankments and culverts on 3R projects. The study examined the need for cable and w-beam guardrail to shield traffic from roadside embankments and roadside culverts, respectively. Average embankment and culvert accident severities were estimated using Highway Safety Information System (HSIS) data from Utah and Michigan. Average accident severities were calibrated through computer simulations of ran-off-road accidents. Simplified design charts were developed to allow highway engineers to quickly determine the need for cable and w-beam guardrail on 3R projects.
KEYWORDS
Guardrail, Benefit/Cost Analysis, Benefit, Cost, Analysis, Embankment, Culvert, Warrant, Warrants