Guardrail Rigid Transitions

The most common types of bridge barriers are rigid barriers, comprised of reinforced concrete walls or metal rails on concrete parapets. If unprotected, the exposed ends of these barriers can pose a significant hazard to errant vehicles. In most instances an approach guardrail is used to shield the exposed end and to prevent vehicles from impacting these rigid ends.

Guardrail is typically more flexible than the bridge barriers to which they are attached. A stiffness transition section is therefore required wherever there is a significant difference in stiffness between the longitudinal barrier and the rigid barrier. This stiffness increase is typically achieved through a reduction in post spacing and stiffer beam elements.

We manufacture a range of guardrail transitions, including the older RSB-5 NZTA transition and the MASH compliant and approved Ingal® RBT.