The highway’s curves, slopes, bridges and sharp turns lead to dangerous road accidents. Because you can lose control over your vehicle at such locations, and your car may go off the road. To prevent this danger, W-beam guardrails are designed.
We wrote this article to tell you accurate W-beam guardrail specifications. You will also know the installation requirements for these guardrail posts.
What is W Beam Guardrail?
A W beam guardrail is a strong barrier and is shaped like a letter W. Mostly, its structure is made of steel. You can install this barrier to absorb the impact of vehicles and guide them on highways.
It prevents road users from serious accidents and damage. Generally, you will see w-beam barriers on curves and steep areas.
W Beam Guardrail Dimensions
W Beam Guardrail Weight
Mostly, the W-beam guardrail weight per foot is 8 to 12 lbs. A 14-foot (4.3 m) section of this защитный барьер weighs about 49 to 65 kg. However, the weight of the beam guardrail depends on the steel thickness and length. That’s why you will find thicker wave beams heavier than single wave beams.
W Beam Guardrail Material
These guardrails are made of оцинкованная сталь. You should also use zinc coating protection. This extra protective layer protects steel from rust. Its strong steel can absorb impact and guide your vehicles back to the road.
Yield Strength of W Beam Guardrail
Yield strength basically shows you how much force the guardrail can handle before it bends. W beam guardrails have a yield strength between the range of 345 to 450 MPa. This strength lets the steel bend without damage.
Tensile Strength of W Beam Guardrail
If we talk about the tensile force of the W beam guardrail, it is usually 483 to 620 MPa. This strength is enough to keep the beam free from damage and handle impact of cars. So, you can stay safe during crashes.
W Beam Guardrail Thickness
W beam guardrails are available in different thicknesses. Most standard thicknesses for these rails are 2.67mm (12 gauge) and 3.43 m (10 gauge). However, other common sizes for these beams include 2.5 mm, 2.7 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm and 4.3 mm.
You will find thick beams stronger and more resistant to force damage. Well, you should pick thickness based on the level of road’s risk.
W Beam Guardrail Galvanization
W beam guardrails have a zinc coating of 610 g/m² (AASHTO M180). This process is known as galvanization. It stops rust and makes the steel last longer. As a result, you will get better protection in rain and harsh weather. Also, galvanized guardrails can stay strong for many years.
W Beam Guardrail Width
W-shaped guardrails generally have a width range of 300 to 312 mm (approx. 12 inches). Most standard beams are around 310 mm wide. But some barriers are designed for heavy impact, like Thrie beams, which are 500-510 mm wide. Remember, the width varies by standard or manufacturer.
W Beam Wave Width: 300 to 600 mm
W Beam Guardrail Height
W beam guardrail height is mostly in the range of 27 and 31 inches (700 to 800 mm) above the ground. But, the most commonly used heights are around 29.5 and 32 inches (750 to 810 mm). You should also keep in mind that the exact height depends on standards such as AASHTO M180 plus site conditions.
W Beam Wave Height: 50-100 mm
Length of Guardrail Panels
As we know, W beam guardrails are made of long steel pieces called panels. Their length is different according to applications. For example: you will find highway panels around 3.5 to 4.4 meters long.
However, shorter panels which you use for factories or scaffolding are approximately 2 to 3 meters in length. Also, panels for пешеходное ограждение are about 2 meters long.
W Beam Guardrail Post Specifications
These guardrails are supported by strong posts. It holds the panels in place and shifts the impact forces of objects to ground. You can design these posts with different materials such as steel, wood or concrete.
Further, the height and spacing of posts follow safety standards. You must use the right posts to keep the guardrail safe.
W Beam Guardrail Post Spacing
You should install beam guardrail posts approx. 6 ft 3 in (1.9 m) apart. But, you can also place them closer or farther according to the road, post type or your local rules.
Other ideal posts spacing options are 1.33 m, 2 m or 4 m (4.3 ft, 6.6 ft & 13 ft). You can add blockouts to improve safety. You can use close posts distance like 37.5 on slopes.
W Beam Guardrail Post Height: W beam guardrail post heights can vary. But you must install the top of the rail around 30 to 32 inches (750 & 810 mm) above the surface.
W Beam Guardrail Safety Performance
You should obey the following safety standards when you want to install or design W beam guardrails.
EN1317 N2 Containment Level: Guardrail must be strong enough to stop and redirect vehicles up to 2270 kg (5,000 lbs) at 100 km/h with a 25° impact.
MASH TL 3 Certification: You have to make sure the guardrail can stop passenger vehicles weighing 1500 kg travel at 110 km/h when they hit at a 20° angle.
Curved W Beam Guardrail Specifications
Well, the W shaped beam guardrail is also designed in a way that you can fit them where roads have bends or turns. They use the same strong steel as straight guardrails. But these barriers are shaped to follow curves. Hence, you must install them with the correct radius and height.
| Road Curve Radius (Feet/Meters) | Guardrail Height/Rise (Inches & mm) |
| 10 ft (3.1 m) | 22 |
| 9 feet (10.7 meter) | 26 |
| 8 ft (2.4 meter) | 28 |
| 6 feet (1.8 m) | 36 |
| 5 ft (1.5 m) | 41 |
W Beam Guardrail Price
Cost of W beam guardrail depends on different factors. For example: steel type, thickness, length and its design like straight or curved. On average, the W beam guardrail cost you approximately $15 to $50 per foot.
Moreover, you also need to pay more for posts, blockouts plus its installation. When you buy them in bulk, it generally reduces the overall price.
W Beam Guardrail Suppliers
Do you want to source guardrails and related safety items from China? See this list of the best manufacturers of W beam guardrail.
- Jackwinsafety
- Wanzhi Steel
- Shandong Weida Transport Facilities
- Huaway Guardrail Engineering
- Wuhan Dachu Traffic
Краткое содержание
Finally, I hope you are now familiar with W beam guardrail specifications and how its right dimensions keep you safe on roads.
If you are looking for a professional road safety products supplier for your project, JACKWIN is your top choice. Our R&D engineering team can manufacture all types of W beam guardrails and related safety equipment according to your requirements. So, you can свяжитесь с нами в любое время!
Часто задаваемые вопросы
What is the Minimum Length of W beam Guardrail Required For Safety?
You should install W beam guardrails, which are long enough to guide vehicles safely. The most ideal and minimum required length is 15 to 23 meters. The total length depends on the hazard you want to protect.
Can W beam Guardrail Height Be Adjusted?
Yes, you can adjust W beam guardrail height according to your need. You may change its height slightly for slopes or to fix changes in the road surface. Big adjustments need extra posts/parts, but small changes like 4 inches are mostly easy for you.
What are End Terminals in W Beam Guardrails?
End terminals are the ends of a W-beam guardrail. They are special caps or sections. These terminals safely stop or redirect your vehicle if it hits the end. Hence, they keep the rails safe and reduce crash damage too.
