Transitions The Good, The Bad and the Ugly Emmett McDevitt Transportation Safety Engineer Federal Highway Administration
Transitions The Good, The Bad and the Ugly
Emmett McDevitt
Transportation Safety Engineer
Federal Highway Administration
Roadside Design Options 1. REMOVE the obstacle 2. REDESIGN the obstacle for safe traversal 3. RELOCATE the obstacle 4. REDUCE severity (make breakaway) 5. SHIELD the obstacle 6. DELINEATE the obstacle
RDG Page 1-4 3-3
Avoidance of obstacle
Run-off-the-Road Reasons
Speeding
Impaired Driving
Inattention
Poor visibility
Utility Pole9%
Embankment10%
Other10%
Sign Post6%
Guiderail/Barrier
14%
Drainage Features
19%
Fence4%Tree
28%
Roadside Hazard Fatalities
Learning Outcomes
Why Are Transitions Necessary? How Transitions Function Highlight Key Elements of Good
Transitions
Why are transitions Necessary?
Required to account for transitioning from one barrier to another with different dynamic deflections (barrier with one stiffness versus another)
Provides continuity in strength of different barrier systems
Smooth connection allows redirection without snagging on or penetrating the barrier
Maintains vehicle stability to prevent vaulting or rollover
Barriers are Systems Include Standard Sections Terminals Transitions
7-13
It is important to ensure tension continuity throughout the system
Needed where a semi rigid system joins a rigid system (Never a flexible directly to a rigid)
Transitions
How Transitions Function Increase strength as you approach the bridge rail by:
Reduced post spacing Larger/longer posts, or both Soil plates to resist impact forces Nesting the Rail Rigid connections to bridge rail
Key Elements of Good Transitions
Crash Tested (Test Level 2-4) Transition Sections should be long enough so that
significant changes in deflection do not occur within a short distance (10-12 times the difference in deflection of the two systems)
Curb/rubrail to prevent wheel snag (especially on W or box beam)
Tapering bridge rail behind transition at connection point Design end connection to minimize snagging by errant
vehicles (both directions on a 2 way facility) Adequate structural connection to the bridge railing
Concentration Areas
Data that shows run off the road crashes or crash experience Outside of curves Higher speeds Higher volumes
Summary
13-52
• Required for transitioning smoothly from semi-rigid to bridge rail
• Should be crash tested • Strengthening methods • Adequate connection • Curb or rub rail and tapered sections • No snag points or pocketing
• Many retro-fits available for existing rail systems
• Doing something, using these principles, is better than doing nothing.