In this Research Seminar (formerly known as Graduate Student Seminar) Terry Wipf, Ph.D.; Ashley Ecklund; and Sri Sritharan, Ph.D., present their work under the ABC-UTC research project entitled Development of Prefabricated Bridge Railings conducted at Iowa State University in Ames.

Seminar Documents:
Development of Prefabricated Concrete Bridge Railings: Phase I Testing and Results - pdf of presentation
Q&A Session - pdf (to be posted soon!)

Description: To complement Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) projects and to promote easy repair of damaged barriers, a precast bridge railing project was undertaken. This effort resulted in a 12-ft long, 42-in. tall, F-shaped barrier, one barrier-to-barrier connection and two barrier-to-deck connections. One barrier-to-deck connection was designed with inclined bars while the other was designed with u-shaped bars. Developed barrier details were investigated using a full-scale unit consisting of two barriers and a deck. This unit was subjected to several tests in a quasi-static manner to verify the load resistance and the load distribution. Overall, the barriers and the barrier-to-barrier connection performed well. Of the two barrier-to-deck connections, one with the inclined bars performed well. The connection with the U-bars experienced premature failure, but the required improvement was evident from the test results. The presentation will include the connection details, construction, test observations, and interpretation of test data.

Presenters:

Presentation Graphics:

Figure 1. Barrier-to-barrier connection

Figure 2. Installing connection reinforcement and grouting

Figure 3. Barrier unit under test

Figure 4. Damaged unit at the end of test