There are many types of safety barriers which should be installed on roads. These include guardrails, concrete barriers and pedestrian barriers. They are helpful for you because of their protective nature against accidents.
Today we will discuss everything you need to know about guardrails on road. You will also read their types and how & where you can install them.
What is Guardrail System?
A guardrail system is a safety barrier. It protects you on roads, roofs, stairs, bridges, parks, and near rivers.
Guardrail on Road
Guardrails on roads are known as roadside barriers or crash barriers. These are special barriers on hilly paths that are used to protect your vehicle from fall downs. Basically, they are installed on sides and borders of roads. In some cases, you can see them in the middle of two-way roads.
Types of Guardrail
Polymer Guardrail
Polymer guardrail, also called a pedestrian safety barrier. You can see this type of guardrail in parking areas, warehouses, and factories. These guardrails are made up of impact-resistant material, which is known as polymer. In addition, they are not suitable for outdoor usage on highways and bridges.
W-beam Guardrail
You may often see “W” shaped guardrails on the road. These are W-beam guardrails that are manufactured with galvanized steel. Well, this special design spreads the pressure of your vehicle if an accident happens.
Thrie-Beam Guardrail
If you want to buy a more strong barrier than a w-beam, you can choose a Thrie-Beam guardrail. The reason is its three wave or cross section design which make it more powerful. Therefore, you can place it on flyovers and roads that have dangerous curves.
Box-Beam Guardrail
As its name shows, it is a square or rectangular box shaped barrier. Mostly, it is coated with galvanized zinc or PVC to make it corrosion-free.
Cable Barrier
Cable barrier, also called cable guardrail, is made of steel wires and ropes. You can find cable barriers on freeways and in rural areas where sharp turns are present. In case of an accident, their poles can bend or break to reduce the impact of force.
Steel Ribbed Rail
Its name contains two things, one is steel, which tells you that it is made up of strong steel. The second one is ribbed which means that there are raised or ridged lines on its rails.
Wood Guardrails
If we talk about wood guardrails, they are good options where you need safety with beauty. Basically, they are placed at parks, beautiful roads and residential areas. The reason is that wood or lumber blends with nature and gives you an aesthetic view with protection.
Concrete Guardrail
Do you want to place a barrier on a road where heavy vehicles are very common? Well, in this situation, a concrete barrier is best for you. Because it is designed to absorb the pressure of heavy trucks and trailers.
Guardrail Components
- Top Rail or Guardrail Face: Top rail is the upper horizontal component of safety barriers.
- Mid Rail: Mid rail is also a horizontal part of guardrail which is present between top rail and road surface. Actually, it is used to provide extra support for pedestrians, stick walkers and wheelchair users.
- Crash Cushions: Mostly, you can find these cushions at the sharp end of guardrails to absorb force.
- End Terminal: It is placed at the end of a guardrail. This is an important part that lowers dangers when your vehicle hits the open end of a guardrail.
Installation of Guardrail
The guardrail installation procedure includes 4 easy steps. You can follow these steps to place them in the right way.
Prepare Right Place: First, choose roads or highways that are more dangerous for people. Then remove debris and clear their sides.
Place Posts: Now, you have to drill holes in depth to place posts below the ground (3.7 inches). These posts must stand 2 feet 5 inches above roads.
Attach Posts: When posts are fixed then you have to attach rails with them. Usually, nuts and bolts are used for this.
Install Sign or Markings: After the Installation, you must add proper sign boards and markings to inform drivers. For example; chevron sign board, reflective delineators, overhead sign and reflective sheets.
Different Guardrail Rules or Guardrail Specifications
OSHA or Construction Guardrail Requirements
If you want to install guardrails in a park or at your workplace then you have to follow some rules. These rules are set by OSHA;
- The top rail should be about 42 inches in length (3 inches up or down is fine).
- You need a mid rail at around 21 inches.
- Guardrails should not have a gap that is bigger than 0.25 inch from a walking surface.
- Its material must hold at least 200 pounds of pressure.
- The surface should be smooth so you don’t get cuts or snags during accidents.
- They should not have wide gaps. Because a gap that is larger than 19 inches is not safe for you.
Highway Guardrail Specifications
Well, highway requirements of guardrails are established by AASHTO. You can read these regulations if you want to make guardrail safe and legal.
- Guardrail’s height should be around 27 to 32 inches from the ground.
- The posts are usually spaced about 6 feet 3 inches away.
- You have to choose rails that are made from galvanized steel.
- Usually, you can place them 2 feet from the slope break to make it more secure.
- You should choose a design like W-beam or Thrie-beam that spreads crash force and controls your vehicle.
- They should be strong enough to handle the impact of cars and heavy trucks.
- You must add blackouts between posts to improve safety.
- At the start or end point, you need a powerful end terminal to absorb crash energy.
- If you use wire rope then you have to put bright flags at every 6 feet. Which is needed to make it visible from a distance.
What are Guardrail Systems Used For
- Guardrails in Construction
Guardrails save you from open sides when you are at your workplace. You will feel safe near stairs and roofs. They protect you if you carry tools and heavy loads from one place to another.
- Guardrail in Scaffolding
When you are on scaffolds, guardrails protect you from sudden slips. They give you balance to stand at height. Basically, a safe scaffold helps you to complete your work easily.
- Guardrail in Road
As you know, roads have sharp turns and dangerous slopes. Therefore, to make roads safe guardrails are placed as a shield. They stop cars, when they accidentally run off the road.
When you are on a hilly or elevated road they save cars from fall downs. And absorb the impact of an accident. In case of two-way roads, they keep cars in the right lane and save you from a crash.
- Guardrail in Railway
In railways, guardrails give extra strength to your railway track. Actually, they keep trains stable on sharp turns. When trains are on bridges, they minimize risk of leaving the track.
When Should a Guard Rail Be Installed
As a higher authority, you have to install guardrails on steep, winding and two-way roads. You must install it near slopes or roads that are built over water or other hazards.
Which Railing is Best for You?
Well, the answer to this question depends on roads and type of traffic. Actually, strong metal or steel guardrails are for highways & busy roads. On the other hand, wooden or concrete guardrails are best for smaller or private areas.
Conclusion
Guardrails are not only for roads but you can use them during construction work and on railways. Furthermore, we recommend you to compare all the types we mentioned above. In this way, you will be able to choose the exact guardrail which is best for your project.
You can contact us for more information and also get quotes for all our road and traffic safety products.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Guardrails Work?
When a car crashes they reduce the impact of accidents and injuries. If your car rolls over then it turns it back on the road.
How Much Does a Highway Guardrail Cost?
Its approximate cost is $15 to $90 per linear foot. Plus, about $30 to $300 with full installation cost.
What is the Lifespan of a Guardrail?
This thing also changes with material choice and kind of area. But its average life is 20 to 30 years.
