bureau of materials and research 2014 aashto rac/trb annual meeting high value research sweet 16 ann...
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Bureau of Materials and Research
2014 AASHTO RAC/TRB Annual MeetingHigh Value Research Sweet 16
Ann Scholz, P.E., Assistant Research Engineer
Roadway resurfacing reduced the height of the guardrail relative to the roadway
Reduced height did not meet AASHTO’s Roadside Design Guide
Resetting guardrail post added significant expense to pavement overlay projects
Performance of W-Beam Guardrail after Height Adjustment
Why Research?
Hey Boss. What’s the allowable range of height for a W-beam guardrail?
Hmmmm, let me check with the
FHWA Safety Office
New “unofficial” guidance is 27”
Top of Rail +3”/-1”
Research Findings
Topic investigation revealed possible solutions from:
Proposed use of WSDOT detail with FHWA-NH:
Proposed changes from traditional work
Standard detail for resetting offset block on existing wood post
Proof of Concept
FHWA-NH required:Two-year field study on installations
Evaluate in-service performanceCompare to traditional methods
Photograph and documentSummarize finding into a report
Provide donuts and coffeeNamesake your first born
Kind words to D.C.Kiss a frog
Etc.
Computer simulation by George Washington University
Research approved
November 2009 – National Crash Analysis Center study was released documenting the successful computer simulation providing additional confirmation of the anticipated performance.
Summer 2010 through Fall 2012 - Field in-service evaluations proved successful
June 2012 – Highway Design provides special detail for projects
Implementation Strategy
http://www.nh.gov/dot/org/projectdevelopment/highwaydesign/detailsheets/index.htm
Value of Implementing the Research
Highway safety was not compromised as evidenced by
several accidental hits and review of available crash reports
Value of Implementing the Research
$5,200,000 savings from Spring 2009 through Fall 2013.
Value of Implementing the Research
In addition to direct costs, projects required less time for completion which resulted in additional savings from other contract items:
Uniformed officersFlaggersMaintenance of trafficTemporary and portable signage
Return on Investment
$5.20
$0.01
Research Pays Off
Savings Costs
Mill
ion
s o
f d
olla
rs
Thank you Region 1 for your recognition
Acknowledgements: Mike Hazlett, NHDOT Highway Design – driving force Don Coleman,
NHDOT Construction – initial reviewJulie
Fowler, NHDOT Research – field monitor and reportMarty Calawa, FHWA – support and guidance