Development Of A Low Cost Energy Absorbing Bridge Rail PDF Download

A newly developed bridge rail which uses steel rings that collapse or deform to absorb the energy of an impacting vehicle was retrofitted to the concrete parapet of an existing interstate highway bridge. It was planned that the installation would be evaluated from the standpoint of design, construction, effectiveness, and maintenance requirements. However, as the rail was not struck during the study period, its in-service performance remains untested, and no maintenance has been required. Information is presented on the cost, man-hours required, and problems encountered in the design and construction of the rail.