Cable barrier guardrail system with steel yielding support posts

US20070102689A1Inactive Publication Date: 2007-05-10TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

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[0019]FIG. 1 illustrates portions of a cable guardrail system 10 that incorporates certain aspects of the present invention. Cable guardrail system 10 may be installed adjacent a roadway, to protect vehicles, drivers and passengers from various obstacles and hazards, and may prevent vehicles from encountering roadside hazards and opposing traffic. Guardrail systems that incorporate aspects of the present invention may be used in median strips or shoulders of highways, roadways, or any path that is likely to encounter vehicular traffic.

[0020] The illustrated portion of cable guardrail system 10 includes a terminal section 12 and a length-of-need (LON) section 14. Generally, the LON section 14 extends adjacent to a desired length of the roadway. The LON section 14 includes a cable system 16 comprised of at least one cable 18 that operates to redirect errant vehicles. The cable system 16 is supported by support posts 20. In the illustrated embodiment, cable system 16 includes three ca...

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Abstract

In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, a guardrail system includes at least one cable operable to contain and redirect an errant vehicle. The guardrail system also includes a plurality of guardrail support posts spaced apart in relation to one another. Each support post includes a lower portion, a mid portion, and an upper portion. The lower portion is for installing below grade adjacent the roadway. The mid portion lies substantially adjacent the grade and includes a weakened section operable to weaken the support post about a longitudinal axis. The upper portion is releasably coupled to the at least one cable such that the upper portion is uncoupled from the at least one cable when the support post is displaced.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to guardrail systems and more particularly, to a cable barrier guardrail system with steel yielding support posts. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Guardrail systems are widely used along heavily traveled roadways to enhance the safety of the roadway and adjacent roadside. For example, guardrail systems may be used to accomplish multiple tasks, such as containing and redirecting an errant vehicle upon impact. One such system includes a guardrail beam, such as a “W-beam” (named after its characteristic shape), and corresponding support posts. Other systems may utilize cables and corresponding support posts. [0003] Support posts may be made of metal, wood, plastic, composites, or other materials. The material(s) forming the support posts may depend upon design and / or economical factors. For example, wood posts may be more readily available and more economical than metal posts in some geographical areas. ...

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Application Information

Patent Timeline

10 May 2007

Publication

US20070102689A1

IPC: E01F15/00

CPC: E01F15/06

Inventors: ALBERSON, DEAN C.; BLIGH, ROGER P.