Phase II Continued Investigation and Dynamic Testing of Wood Posts for use on a Wire-Faced MSE Wall
REPORT NUMBER
TRP-03-256-12
AUTHORS
Curt Meyer, Ronald Faller, Karla Lechtenberg (Polivka), Dean Sicking, John Rohde, John Reid, Scott Rosenbaugh
PUBLICATION DATE
2012-02-01
ABSTRACT
This study was performed to further develop a non-blocked version of the Midwest Guardrail System (MGS) for
use on wire-faced, mechanically-stabilized earth (MSE) walls. The dynamic post-soil behavior for a 6-in x 8-in.
(152-mm x 203 mm) wood post placed at the slope break point of a 3H:1V fill slope was investigated. A total of
four dynamic component tests were performed. Dynamic testing was performed on 6-ft (1.8-m) and 6.5-ft (2.0-
m) long, 6-in. x 8-in. (152-mm x 203-mm) wood posts. The posts were embedded in strong soil. For each bogie
test, force versus deflection and energy versus deflection curves were prepared. The results were compared to the
dynamic post-soil behavior for the 6-ft (1.8-m) long, W6x8.5 (W152x12.6) or W6x9 (W152x13.4) steel posts
recommended for use in the non-blocked version of the MGS with W-beam backup plates. This component
testing program concluded that further testing would be needed to recommend a 6-ft (1.8-m) long or a 6.5-ft (2.0-
m) long, 6-in. x 8-in. (152-mm x 203-mm) wood post for a comparable alternative to the 6-ft (1.8-m) long,
W6x8.5 (W152x12.6) or W6x9 (W152x13.4) steel posts driven at the slope break point of a 3H:1V fill slope
adjacent to and on top of an MSE wall.
KEYWORDS
Roadside Safety, Wood Posts, Steel Posts, Guardrail Posts, Bogie Testing, Impact Testing, MSE Wall, Wire-Faced, Fill Slope, and MGS