How Does Galvanized Corrugated Guardrail Work?

Guardrails are a common feature on highways and other roadways, providing a physical barrier between vehicles and hazards such as steep slopes, embankments, and other objects. The purpose of guardrails is to protect motorists and passengers from serious injury or death in the event of a collision or accident. In today’s guide, we’ll look at the types, materials, and costs of highway guardrails. Read on to learn more.

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1. Purpose of highway guardrail

Among semi-rigid guardrails, the highway guardrail is the most common. It is a continuous structure with corrugated steel guardrail panels spliced ​​to each other and supported by main columns. During a collision, the vehicle’s ability to absorb energy prevents it from being easily crashed and also provides good protection to the passengers.

The bending of the highway guardrail increases the aesthetics and the strength of the guardrail, achieving both; it is extruded by an automatic production line, with a clean and damage-free surface and strong anti-corrosion properties; mature surface treatment methods; anti-corrosion, anti-aging, and anti-corrosion.

It has the characteristics of resistance to sunlight, high temperature, and low temperature, and its service life in outdoor environments is up to 25 years; the product structure is simple, beautiful, practical, easy to transport and install, has good anti-theft performance, and is less affected by the actual terrain. It is suitable for mountains, slopes, and many bends. The technology is regionally adaptable, moderately expensive, and suitable for large-scale applications.

2. Types of highway guardrails

There are many types of guardrails available on roads, depending on the specific needs of the road and its users. The most common guardrail types include:

• W-shaped steel guardrail: W-shaped steel guardrail is the most common type of guardrail on the road. They consist of a series of steel beams mounted on columns and are designed to absorb the impact of collisions. W-beam guardrails effectively prevent vehicles from driving into oncoming traffic or leaving the road entirely.
• Cable Guardrails: Cable guardrails are another type of guardrail that is becoming increasingly popular on highways and other roadways. They consist of high-voltage cables mounted on poles and are designed to absorb the impact of collisions. Cable barriers effectively prevent vehicles from driving into oncoming traffic or leaving the road entirely.
• Concrete Guardrail: A concrete guardrail is a type of guardrail commonly used on highways and other high-speed roads. They consist of concrete barriers mounted on columns and are designed to absorb the impact of collisions. Concrete barriers can be very effective in preventing vehicles from driving into oncoming traffic or leaving the road entirely.
• Double Traffic Guardrail:  Double Traffic Guardrail effectively isolates moving vehicles in the factory area, avoids direct collision, and protects company personnel, equipment, assets, and profits. After impact testing, Aotons’ double-layer traffic guardrail can withstand the impact of a 6-ton forklift at a speed of 9 km/h without being damaged.
• Metal Guardrails: Metal guardrails are the most common type of highway guardrail. They are usually made of steel or aluminum and come in many different designs. The most common design is the W-beam guardrail, which consists of a series of connected W-shaped metal beams. Metal guardrails are often preferred because they are durable and can withstand significant impact.

3. Materials of highway guardrails

Highway guardrails are important safety features designed to protect motorists and minimize the severity of road accidents. These barriers play a vital role in preventing vehicles from veering off the road and reducing the risk of collision with dangerous objects or other vehicles.

While their importance is widely recognized, many people may be curious about the materials used to construct highway guardrails. In the following content, we’ll take a closer look at what highway guardrails are made of, exploring the materials that make them strong, durable, and life-protecting.

1) Steel: pillars of highway guardrails

Steel is the main material for highway guardrail construction. Its exceptional strength, durability, and impact resistance make it ideal for this critical safety function. Guardrails consist of galvanized steel elements including posts, panels, and railings. Together these components create a powerful barrier system.

Post: Guardrail posts are vertical supports embedded in the ground at specific intervals along the highway. These posts provide stability and act as anchor points for the entire guardrail system. Steel columns are often galvanized to increase corrosion resistance and extend their service life.

Panels and Rails: Guardrail panels and rails are horizontally placed components that connect columns. They act as a primary barrier, absorbing impact and guiding the vehicle away from potential hazards. Made from galvanized steel, these panels and rails are designed to withstand high-energy impacts and remain intact, providing a protective barrier between the road and surrounding obstacles.

2) Galvanizing: prevent corrosion

Galvanizing is a key process for steel components of highway guardrails. Galvanizing involves coating steel with a layer of zinc to protect it from corrosion caused by exposure to elements such as moisture, oxygen, and road salt. This process extends the life of the guardrail and ensures its structural integrity.

During the galvanizing process, guardrail components go through a series of steps. The steel is first cleaned to remove any impurities and then immersed in a bath of molten zinc. Zinc forms a protective layer on steel, creating a barrier against corrosive elements. This galvanized coating acts as a sacrificial layer that corrodes in place of the underlying steel.

As a result, guardrails maintain their strength and structural integrity over the long term, even in harsh environmental conditions.

3) Types of steel used for highway guardrails

• Structural steel: Highway guardrails are usually constructed of structural steel, which has excellent load-bearing capacity. This steel is known for its high strength and elasticity, allowing guardrails to withstand the forces exerted by crashing vehicles.
• High-strength steel: High-strength steel is often used in guardrails because of its excellent strength-to-weight ratio. This steel variant offers increased strength without sacrificing flexibility, allowing the guardrail to effectively absorb impact energy.
• Weathering steel: In some cases, guardrails are constructed from weathering steel (also called weathering steel). Over time, this steel develops a protective layer of rust that acts as a natural barrier against corrosion. Weathering steel is particularly suitable for guardrails in areas with harsh climate conditions.

4) Add-ons and accessories

Highway guardrails often contain additional elements and accessories to increase their effectiveness and visibility.

• Reflective Film: Reflective film is applied to guardrail panels and posts to increase visibility, especially at night or during adverse weather conditions. This reflective material helps drivers see guardrails more clearly, allowing them to stay within designated lanes.
• Final Treatment: Guardrail end treatments are specialized structures designed to reduce the severity of impacts at the beginning and end of a guardrail system. These treatments typically consist of energy-absorbing materials, such as specially designed terminals or impact attenuators, which cushion the force of a crash and keep the vehicle away from potential hazards.
• Separation Systems: In some cases, guardrail systems have a separation feature. These mechanisms allow guardrail components to separate or yield during an impact, thereby reducing the risk of serious damage to the vehicle and injury to the occupants.

In summary, highway guardrails are an important safety feature that protects motorists and helps prevent serious accidents on the road. Made primarily from galvanized steel, these barriers are strong, durable, and impact, and corrosion-resistant.

The galvanizing process ensures long-lasting protection against environmental elements and extends the life of the guardrail. By understanding the materials used in highway guardrails and their structural components, we can understand the engineering behind these critical safety features that protect lives and promote safe travel on the road.

4. Cost of highway guardrails

We mentioned the materials of highway guardrails above, so the cost of guardrails varies depending on the material. However, here is a rough estimate of cost per foot:

Metal Guardrails: Metal guardrails cost anywhere from $10 to $30 per foot. The cost will depend on the specific materials used and the length of barrier required.

Concrete Guardrails: Concrete guardrails cost significantly more than metal guardrails, ranging from $40 to $100 per linear foot. In addition to the complexity of installation, materials are also more expensive.

Installation Cost: Highway guardrail installation costs range from $500 to $1,500 per foot, depending on the complexity of the project. This cost includes the labor required to install the barrier and any additional equipment or materials needed.

Maintenance Cost: Highway guardrail maintenance costs range from $5 to $10 per linear foot per year. In order to maintain the barrier’s condition and ensure it continues to provide adequate protection, regular maintenance such as cleaning and repainting is required.

5. Factors affecting the cost of highway guardrails

The cost of highway guardrails can vary greatly based on a variety of factors. Here are some of the major factors that impact overall cost:

Material: The material used for highway guardrails is one of the most important factors that affect the cost. Metal guardrails are generally less expensive than concrete guardrails, with steel being the most cost-effective option.

Length: The length of the highway guardrail required is another factor that affects the overall cost. The longer the barrier, the more materials and labor required, which drives up costs.

Installation: Installation costs also affect the overall cost of highway guardrails. Installation costs can vary depending on the complexity of the project, including factors such as terrain and access.

Maintenance: Maintenance is another factor to consider when calculating the total cost of highway guardrails. In order to maintain the barrier’s condition and ensure it continues to provide adequate protection, regular maintenance such as cleaning and repainting is required.

Highway guardrails are an important part of road safety, protecting drivers and passengers from dangerous accidents. The cost of highway guardrails can vary greatly depending on the materials used, guardrail length, installation complexity, and maintenance requirements. If you would like to know the cost of the project you want, you can contact Aotons directly for a detailed quote.

6. When are guardrails needed on roads?

Several factors determine whether guardrails are needed on a particular road. These include:

1) Highways

As mentioned earlier, roads with speed limits of 45 mph or higher are more likely to require guardrails. This is because higher speeds increase the risk of serious accidents, and guardrails can help prevent death and serious injury.

2) Curves and steep slopes

Roads with sharp curves and steep slopes are also more likely to require guardrails to prevent accidents. Road geometry can make it difficult for drivers to stay on the road, especially at high speeds or when distracted. Guardrails can provide a physical barrier that helps keep vehicles on the road and prevents them from driving over the edge.

3) Bridges and Overpasses

Bridges and overpasses are another area that often requires guardrails. These structures are often elevated, giving vehicles limited space to maneuver and making them more prone to accidents. Guardrails can help prevent vehicles from hitting the sides of bridges and overpasses and falling off the edge.

4) Steep embankments

In order to maintain the barrier’s condition and ensure it continues to provide adequate protection, regular maintenance such as cleaning and repainting is required. These embankments can be difficult to navigate, especially in poor weather conditions or if the driver is not paying attention. Guardrails can help prevent vehicles from sliding down embankments and provide a physical barrier to protect motorists.

5) Accident History

As mentioned previously, the accident history on a particular roadway is an important factor to consider when determining whether guardrails are needed. If there have been many accidents on a certain stretch of road, it may be necessary to install guardrails to prevent future accidents.

6) Traffic Volume

Another factor that determines whether guardrails are needed is the amount of traffic on the road. Roads with high traffic volumes are more likely to need guardrails because the risk of collisions and accidents is greater.

7) Surrounding environment

A guardrail’s need can also be affected by the environment surrounding the road. For example, if there are buildings or other structures near the road, guardrails may be needed to prevent vehicles from colliding with them.

Providing a physical barrier between vehicles and hazards, guardrails are an essential safety feature on roads and highways. Guardrail installation depends on several factors, including speed limits, traffic volume, road geometry, surroundings, and accident history. The most common types of guardrails include W-shaped steel guardrails, cable guardrails, and concrete guardrails.

If you are driving on a road with a high-speed limit, sharp turns, steep embankments, or a history of accidents, be sure to pay attention to guardrails and drive safely to avoid accidents.

7. Conclusion

The above is the relevant knowledge of highway guardrails summarized in this guide. Guardrails play an important role in road safety. They not only protect the safety of vehicles but also protect the safety of pedestrians. I hope you can learn more about traffic guardrails after reading this article.

Components and Structure of W Beam Guardrail

The W beam guardrail is composed of several key components that work together to create a sturdy and effective roadside safety barrier. understanding the components and structure of w beam Guardrail is essential for proper installation, maintenance, and overall performance. Let’s explore these components in detail.

W-Beam:

The W-shaped steel beam is the primary component of the guardrail system. It is named after its distinctive profile, resembling the letter “W” when viewed from the side. The W-beam provides strength and rigidity to the guardrail, enabling it to absorb and redirect the energy of impacting vehicles. The beam is typically made of galvanized steel, which offers durability and corrosion resistance.

Posts:

The Guardrail Posts provide support and secure the W-beams in place. They are typically made of galvanized steel, wood, or a combination of both. the posts are installed at regular intervals along the roadway and are embedded into the ground or attached to a base plate. the spacing between the posts depends on various factors, including the design standards and the specific site conditions.

Splice Bolts/Connectors:

Splice bolts or connectors are used to connect adjacent W-beams to create a continuous and uninterrupted guardrail system. These specialized fasteners ensure a secure and reliable connection between the beams. The bolts or connectors are typically made of high-strength steel and are designed to withstand the forces generated during vehicle impacts.

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Anda.

Terminal Ends:

Terminal ends are crucial components located at the beginning and end of a guardrail system. Their purpose is to safely redirect impacting vehicles and minimize the risk of vehicle snagging or spearing through the guardrail. There are different types of terminal ends, such as impact attenuators, energy-absorbing terminals, and anchored end treatments. These terminal ends are designed to absorb and dissipate the energy of a collision, reducing the severity of the impact.

Blockouts/Spacers:

Blockouts or spacers are additional components used in the guardrail system to maintain the proper alignment and height of the W-beams. They are inserted between the W-beams and the posts, ensuring consistent spacing and positioning. Blockouts also play a role in reducing the likelihood of vehicle snagging and improving the overall performance of the guardrail system.

Hardware:

Various hardware components, such as bolts, nuts, washers, and anchors, are essential for securely fastening and assembling the guardrail system. These hardware components provide strength and stability to the guardrail, ensuring that it can withstand the forces generated during vehicle impacts. Galvanized or corrosion-resistant hardware is typically used to maintain the longevity and performance of the guardrail.

The structure of the W Beam Guardrail system is designed to provide effective containment and redirection of impacting vehicles. The W-beams are attached to the posts through the use of splice bolts or connectors, creating a continuous barrier along the roadside. The height of the W-beams, the post spacing, and the overall alignment of the guardrail are determined by specific design standards and regulations.

Proper installation and maintenance of the guardrail system are crucial to its effectiveness. The posts must be securely embedded or anchored to withstand impact forces. Regular inspections are necessary to identify and replace any damaged or worn components, ensuring the integrity and functionality of the guardrail.

In conclusion, the components and structure of a W Beam Guardrail include the W-shaped beams, posts, splice bolts/connectors, terminal ends, blockouts/spacers, and hardware. These components work together to create a robust and reliable roadside safety barrier that helps minimize the severity of collisions and provides protection to motorists and pedestrians. Understanding these components is vital for proper installation, maintenance, and adherence to design standards to ensure optimal performance of the guardrail system manufacturer​.

Highway Guardrail: What is it's Purpose?

Did you ever give though to what that Highway Guardrail is actually doing?

The main purpose of a highway guardrail along the highway is to form a safety barrier to help protect a motorist who has drifted off the road.

If a car is running off the road for one reason or another, the best thing that can happen is for that car to come to rest unimpeded.

Sometimes, however, that is not possible and that is where guardrails come in.

In certain places on any given stretch of road, the roadway might have steep embankments or side-slopes next to it, or even be lined with trees.

Utility poles, bridge piers and retaining walls are other obstacles. In these cases, striking a guardrail would be greatly preferable to striking the obstacles, so guardrails are usually installed.

They lessen the severity of a potential crash and make the roads safer.

The guardrail can act in a myriad of ways from deflecting a vehicle back onto the road, slowing it down or stopping it, or in some cases just slowing it down enough and allowing it to proceed past the guardrail.

Guardrails are not a 100% failsafe, but they do help.

Obviously the size of the vehicle and the speed with which it hits the highway guardrail plays a part in how effective the guardrail is in slowing a vehicle.

Before guardrails are installed, engineers weigh all the potential factors to make sure that the placement works as well as possible in all conditions.

The guardrail itself functions as an entire system rather than just stand-alone pieces. Each piece serves a different purpose as part of the whole. Everything from the posts that are driven into the ground to the way the guardrail connects to the post is important and plays a part.

The end terminal and the anchoring system at the end terminal is just as important. But overall, the highway guardrail basically consists of two key parts; the guardrail face and the end terminal.

The guardrail face is exactly what it sounds like; the part that extends from the terminal along the road. Its function is simple and always the same: to redirect a vehicle that runs into it back onto the roadway.

The end terminal is the starting and ending point of the guardrail and is also referred to as the end treatment. The end needs to be treated with some kind of energy absorbing treatment because the impact from a vehicle is absorbed and then slides down the rail. The end terminal functions in two ways; if a vehicle hits head-on the impact head slides down the guardrail redirecting it away from the vehicle until the energy from the impact has dissipated and the vehicle has come to a stop. When a car hits at an angle, the impact head may extrude the guardrail or gate out, allowing the vehicle to pass behind the guardrail. So in this instance the guardrail is pushed through, much like the action of a gate opening.

Safety professionals use certain criteria to determine if the system meets standards.

The guardrail face test is used to determine if a car is directed back onto a roadway when it meets the rail.

The end treatment tests are then conducted by having a vehicle strike the rail dead-on and also at an angle. This will determine if the system is properly absorbing energy from a vehicle.

For head-on impacts, the end treatment should absorb most of the energy so that the guardrail can gate or extrude, and the vehicle can pass through.

This will slow the vehicle down as it passes behind the guardrail, allowing it to come to rest with minimal damage.

The tests used to test a guardrail system are usually conducted at about 60 MPH, so it is important to understand that if a vehicle hits the guardrail at higher speeds, the system may not operate properly.

Very high speeds are especially troubling because guardrail systems are simply not meant to accommodate vehicles traveling far above posted speed limits.

The faster the vehicle is going when it strikes the guardrail, the more damage might occur because the energy demonstrated is so much more.

Even a guardrail system that is working at peak performance can only absorb so much energy.

Highway Guardrails System, Bridge Parapet Guardrails, Guard Rail Barrier with Trailing Anchorage

Highway Guardrail - Guard rail system for highway road, bridges and emergency median opening safety

Highway Guardrail is a metal beam passive barrier system mostly processed from corruguated steel plates 10 gauge and 12 gauge, through flattening, punching, hot dipped galvanizing and shearing processes, into solid metal beams with symmetrical shapes of waves, with a radiums ranging from 5’ to 60’, specially installed along the highway road side, bridges, median openings and viaducts for safety and reducing the potential danger of vehicle crashing.

Design of Guard Rail Layout - We help design, furnish and install Highway Guardrail Project

The spacing of the guard rails shall be revised at bridges, culverts, lighting post, traffic sing board and other special sites.
Crash cushion barrier shall be provided at each exit locations.
Wire cables can be used.
Chain link fence can be used for highway openings.

Our Highway Guardrails is supplied meeting following Quality / Standards:

Guardrails
Dimensions of guardrails and terminal sections as required or per drawings.

Guardrails shall be supplied together with all bolts, nuts, washers and fixing materials required other than bolts for fixing to posts.

The W-beam rail element, backup plates, and terminal sections, channel rail and splice plate shall be in conformance with AASHTO M 183.
Beam rail elements and terminal sections shall be galvanized in accordance with AASHTO M 180, Class A, Type 2. The minimum average weight of Zinc coating shall be 2 ounce per sq. foot. Bolts, nuts, washers, plates, rods and other hardware shall be galvanized in accordance with ASTM A 153.

OR
Guardrails shall comply with the requirements of BS 149. When galvanized guardrails are called for on the drawings or in the Bill of Quantities, a hot-Dip Galvanized zinc coating that complies with the requirements of BS 763 for coatings on Type A1 articles shall be applied.
All bolts, nuts and washers shall have a hot-dip galvanized zinc coating that complies with the requirements of BS 763 for coatings on Type C1 articles. Galvanized guardrails shall not be nested when stacked for storage.

Guardrail with Trailing Anchorage - for Highway and Highway Bridges Safety

This syetem is a post spacing guardrail sets with steel post trailing terminal, a longitudinal highway barrier designed to reduce the severity of run-off-road collisions.

Highway Guardrail with guardrail trailing anchorage composed of through rail element, guardrail posts?, strand wire cables. 3/4" stranded wire cable and accessories.
 

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