Post Weld And Epoxy Anchorage Variations For W-Beam Guardrail Attached To Low-Fill Culverts
REPORT NUMBER
TRP-03-278-13
AUTHORS
Craig Price, Scott Rosenbaugh, Ronald Faller, Dean Sicking, John Reid, Bob Bielenberg
PUBLICATION DATE
2013-08-12
ABSTRACT
The research effort consisted of two objectives for dealing with alterations to the W-beam guardrail system developed for attachment to the top of low-fill culverts. This effort included: (1) investigation of an alternative weld detail to simplify the three-pass fillet weld on the front flange of the post and (2) development of an epoxy anchorage option as opposed to through-bolting. These system modifications were evaluated through four dynamic, bogie tests conducted under the same impact conditions as the original system component testing. Based on a survey of the Pooled Fund member states, two different single-pass weld details were evaluated as a replacement for the 3-pass fillet weld used on the front flange of the post in the original system. However, both single-pass welds resulted in large tears in the base plate adjacent to the front flange. The 3-pass weld detail was successful with a post assembly fabricated from 50 ksi (345 MPa) steel materials. Thus, the 3-pass weld will continue to be recommended for use, while the post and base plate may be composed of ASTM A36 or Grade 50 steel parts. Anchor pullout was encountered for an embedment depth of 6 in. (152 mm), while an 8-in. (203-mm) embedment showed no signs of anchor failure. Thus, an 8 in. (203 mm) minimum embedment depth was recommended for the epoxied anchorage design.
KEYWORDS
Roadside Barrier, Bogie Testing, W-Beam Guardrail, Culvert, Post Weld Detail, and Epoxy Anchorage