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KsDOT asked what type of race track barrier is appropriate for local race tracks.

I have attached a drawing of the barrier that we recommended for use at GM's Milford Proving Grounds in response to your inquiry regarding an appropriate barrier for use on a local race track. You gave me the following information regarding the race track in question and the vehicles operating on it.

Track corner radius = 3/8 mile.

Track banking = 10 degrees.

Maximum weight of race vehicle = 3200 lb.

Maximum speed of heaviest race vehicle = 90 mph.

Most common weight of race vehicle = 2800 lb.

Weight of fastest vehicle = 1800 lb

Fastest speed on track = 110 mph

The barrier designed for the GM proving grounds should have more than enough capacity for use at this race track. Note that the W-beam rail elements are 10 gauge instead of the 12 gauge normally used in Kansas.


There are several minor changes that I recommend when adapting the barrier to the local track.

1.   Keep the barrier perpendicular to the track surface. This means orient the guardrail posts 10 degrees off of vertical instead of the 26 degrees shown in the drawing.

2.   Although not specifically shown on the drawing, guardrail splices should be placed at mid-span, not at a post.

3.   The height of the top rail should be maintained at 36" above the track surface.

4.   The top of the guardrail posts should be approximately 1-5/8" below the top of the guardrail.

5.   The overall length of the posts should be reduced from 9'-6" to 9'-0" to maintain approximately the same soil resistance of the original design as the posts are made more vertical.

6.   The area behind the guardrail should be relatively flat with only a modest slope (5% or less) away from the guardrail.

Our best guess is that this guardrail should be installed at a cost of about $30 per foot.
Let me know if you have any questions.