Small-diameter roundwood, strong-post W-beam guardrail systems

David Kretschmann, Ronald Falier, John Reid, Jason Hascall, Dean Sicking, John Rohde

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

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Round guardrail posts may provide an important value-added option for small-diameter thinnings. Such posts require minimum processing and are believed to have higher strength for the equivalent rectangular volume. The resulting value-added product may bring a higher return compared to lumber. The obstacles to immediate utilization of ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir guardrail posts are the need for full-scale crash testing, a visual grading rule, and an installation guide. This paper reports on tests and Barrier VII computer simulations at the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility and the Forest Products Laboratory to determine dynamic and static material properties and correct embedment depths. Grading practices are recommended for round ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir guardrail posts for the new Midwest Guardrail System.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication9th World Conference on Timber Engineering 2006, WCTE 2006
Pages482-489
Number of pages8
StatePublished - 2006
Event9th World Conference on Timber Engineering 2006, WCTE 2006 - Portland, OR, United States
Duration: Aug 6 2006Aug 10 2006

Publication series

Name9th World Conference on Timber Engineering 2006, WCTE 2006
Volume1

Other

Other9th World Conference on Timber Engineering 2006, WCTE 2006
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPortland, OR
Period8/6/068/10/06

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Forestry
  • Plant Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Small-diameter roundwood, strong-post W-beam guardrail systems'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this