Types of Bridge Railings

10 Jun.,2024

 

Types of Bridge Railings

&#; Reading time: 1 minute

Want more information on bridge railing types? Feel free to contact us.

Bridge railings are guardrail systems designed to prevent people or vehicles from falling off the bridge. They can be made of concrete or steel.

Guardrails for bridges are located prominently to make the public stay alert and safe during their drive through bridges. These railings not only keep the traffic within the boundaries but also improve the bridge aesthetics.

This article mentions the different types of bridge railings and their features.

Types of Bridge Railings

The common types of railings used for bridges are:

  1. Steel bridge railings
  2. W-Beam railings
  3. Thrie-Beam railings
  4. Concrete beam railings

1. Steel Bridge Railings

Steel railings come in different cross-sections and designs. The most common type of steel bridge rail is a tubular rail system. These types of railings can be built alone or integrated into the concrete curb or on a low barrier wall. 

For bridges with low-vehicular traffic and for pedestrians, architectural steel railings are commonly used. Architecturally important bridges do not have a bulky and heavy design. They incorporate decorative railings without compromising pedestrian safety.

2. W-Beam Bridge Railings

W-Beam railings are used for bridges with less traffic. As shown in the figure-2, W-Beam railings have a two-wave design and are attached to steel posts or truss girders.  W-Beam is a simple steel railing system that can be designed for higher strength.

Figure-1: W-Beam Railing System

3. Thrie Beam Bridge Railings

Figure-2: Thrie Beam Rail System

Thrie beams are high-strength guard rail systems designed for highways, especially on sharp curves and slopes. Unlike W-Beams, thrie beam rail features a three-wave cross-sectional design and has excellent tensile strength and anti-corrosion properties.

Thrie beam rail systems can absorb the impact of out-of-control vehicles and guide them to a safer stop. These rail systems provide excellent performance and versatility.

4. Concrete Bridge Railings

Concrete is the most common material used for bridge construction. Concrete railings are attached to the bridge&#;s deck slab to create a strong vehicle barrier. Concrete railings are the best choice for urban locations or bridges that receive heavy truck loads.

The initial construction cost of concrete railings is high. Huge concrete railings in some situations can impede an open road view. In such situations, concrete railings with high strength can be combined with a tubular railing system.

The dimensions and construction of bridge railings are dependent on the construction budget, the bridge deck material, and the mandated state specifications.

FAQs

What are the types of bridge railings?

The common types of railings used for bridges are:
1. Steel bridge railings
2. W-Beam railings
3. Thrie-Beam railings
4. Concrete beam railings

For more osha safety railingsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

What are W-Beam bridge railings?

W-Beam railings have a two-wave design and are attached to steel posts or truss girders. It is a simple steel railing system that can be designed for higher strength.

What are thrie-beam bridge railings?

Thrie beam rail features a three-wave cross-sectional design and gains excellent tensile strength and anti-corrosion properties.

Read More

What are the new technologies in the field of civil engineering?

Tower Bridge: Construction Features of the World-Famous Symbol of London

Point Pleasant Bridge Disaster: Collapse of the Eyebar-Chain Suspension Bridge

Bridge Railings – Its Types and Advantages

Introduction

The primary objective of Bridge Railings seems to be to keep pedestrians and cars from falling from the bridges. Concrete or steel can be used to construct these kinds of structures to maintain their durability and strength.

Bridge Railings are visibly placed to keep the people attentive and safe while driving through bridges. These railings not only restrict traffic inside the bounds. but, also enhance the aesthetics of the bridge.

Despite the fact that railing systems do not give structural support to bridges, they must be chrashworthy. Bridge railing is thus more rigid than conventional highway railing and stiffer than flexible highway railing.

Railings are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they are utilised all throughout the United States. The railing is selected based on service level criteria such as design speed, average daily traffic volumes, the number of vehicles using the route, and facility layout.

Other elements, like functional and aesthetic concerns, influence the railing selection. The four basic railing systems at bridges and approaches are bridge railings, transitions, approach guardrails, and approach fall protection facilities.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of the top rail of a guardrail system must be. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.