A STUDY OF THE DEFLECTIONS OF METAL ROAD GUARDRAIL POST

Road guardrails of various types (made of reinforced concrete, cable and metal) are installed on the shoulders and traffic lanes of urban and suburban roads. Metal guardrails, consisting of Sigma-shape and double T-shape metal posts and a protective IN-shape horizontal beam, are the most popular. The deformation processes of the Sigma-shape and double T-shape metal posts of the above-mentioned guardrails are examined. A mathematical model of Sigma-shape (or double T-shape) metal post is developed. A metal post of Sigma-shape (or double T-shape) is modeled, using one-dimensional first-order finite elements, and taking into account elastic deformations, as well as the effect of soil on the buried post section of the guardrail. The deflections of Sigma-shape and double T-shape metal posts caused by the impact of a motor vehicle moving at varying speed are determined.