A recommended specification for recycled content guardrail posts

Abstract

In this paper, results of an experimental study aimed to assess the suitability of a recycled content guardrail post as a substitute for conventional wooden guardrail post are presented. A series of static and dynamic tests performed on the recycled content guardrail posts show that the strength and energy dissipation of recycled posts are comparable to those of conventional wooden guardrail post. A full-scale crash test, using a 2000-kg pickup truck traveling at 100 km/h and making contact at a 25° angle, is also performed on the recycled content plastic-post W-beam guardrail system to evaluate its strength and structural adequacy. The barrier performed acceptably for National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) report 350 test designation 3-11. Results of the crash test show that the recycled content guardrail post and W-beam guardrail can successfully contain and redirect an errant vehicle, and they can be a potential substitute for nationally used guardrail posts. Finally, a recommended specification is developed for the recycled content guardrail posts based on a series of test procedures and performance levels.Key words: recycled plastics, roadside safety, crash test, guardrail post, strong-post guardrail system, recommended specifications, NCHRP report 350.