Definition of Yield Zones on Concrete Barrier Structures under a Transverse Impact Load

Abstract

The American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Bridge Design Specifications, the nationally-accepted specifications for bridge designs, stipulate the design method for concrete barriers on concrete bridge decks. This paper observes stress distributions on the concrete barrier and its adjacent structure when they are under a transverse impact load. Three research models are established for this paper. An area of potential maximum tensile or compressive stress on the concrete barrier, which is called a “yield zone”, can be considered the location of failure under the extreme transverse impact load. The results of this research show that the shapes and locations of yield zone are affected by the support structures and their rigidity. This paper also discusses the limitations of the analysis method used by the AASHTO Specifications.