A Synthesis of 787-mm Tall, Non-proprietary, Strong-Post, W-beam Guardrail Systems

Scott Rosenbaugh, Robert Bielenberg, Ronald Faller

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Since its development in the early 2000’s, 787-mm tall W-beam guardrail, commonly referred to as the Midwest Guardrail System (MGS), has proven to be one of the most versatile and robust roadside barrier systems in use today. The MGS has been designed and successfully crash tested in a wide range of configurations including both roadside and median systems, steel and wood post systems, blocked out and non-blocked systems, and variable post spacing systems. The MGS has also been successfully crash tested adjacent to steep roadside slopes, with an omitted post, in combination with curbs, and in special applications such as culvert mounted installations. Since the MGS is a non-proprietary barrier system, these various configurations can be used by roadway agencies all around the world. This paper contains details and drawings encompassing a wide range of 787-mm tall W-beam guardrail configurations that have been developed and evaluated to the safety standards of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH). The various configurations are discussed in terms of key components and performance characteristics, such as test level and working width. Finally, implementation guidance is provided for the proper selection, layout, and installation of the various MGS configurations.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAdvances in Road Infrastructure and Mobility - Proceedings of the 18th International Road Federation World Meeting and Exhibition, 2021
EditorsAmin Akhnoukh, Kamil Kaloush, Magid Elabyad, Brendan Halleman, Nihal Erian, Samuel Enmon II, Cherylyn Henry
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media B.V.
Pages805-820
Number of pages16
ISBN (Print)9783030798000
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022
Event18th International Road Federation World Meeting and Exhibition, 2021 - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Duration: Nov 7 2021Nov 10 2021

Publication series

NameSustainable Civil Infrastructures
ISSN (Print)2366-3405
ISSN (Electronic)2366-3413

Conference

Conference18th International Road Federation World Meeting and Exhibition, 2021
Country/TerritoryUnited Arab Emirates
CityDubai
Period11/7/2111/10/21

Keywords

  • Barrier
  • Guardrail
  • MASH
  • Midwest Guardrail System
  • W-beam

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Computational Mechanics
  • Civil and Structural Engineering

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