Despite their many benefits, Bridge Railings appear to have been designed with the primary objective of keeping pedestrians and vehicles safe from falling off bridges. To maintain their durability and strength, these kinds of structures can be constructed from concrete or steel to maintain their durability and strength over time.
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The purpose of the bridge railings is to make sure that people are aware of them when driving through the bridge, so that they are safe and attentive. Besides restricting traffic inside the bounds of the bridge, these railings also improve the aesthetics of the bridge by adding to its aesthetic value.
Although railing systems do not provide structural support to bridges, they must still be durable enough for them to withstand accidents in the future. There is a greater amount of rigidity to bridge railings than conventional highway railings and a higher degree of stiffness than flexible highway railings.
All around the United States, there are railings available in a variety of shapes and sizes, which can be used in both residential and commercial areas. There are a number of service level criteria that must be met when selecting railings for a route, including design speed, average daily traffic volumes, and the number of vehicles that are expected to use the route, and the layout of the facility.
There are other factors that influence the selection of railings, including functional and aesthetic considerations. A bridge and approach are essentially framed by four basic railing systems: bridge railings, transitional railings, approach guardrails, and approaches with fall protection facilities.
The Different varieties of bridge railings
Among the many types of bridge railings available, the following are some of the most common:
W-Beam Bridge Railings
In bridges that are not subjected to high traffic levels, W-beam railings are recommended. A W-Beam railing has a two-wave shape and is usually attached to a post or truss girders, and it is a simple steel railing structure that can be designed to be more robust depending on the situation.
With so much going into a project, bridge railing may appear to be an afterthought for bridge construction. But like choosing the right deck material, bridge railing proves to be vital for every bridge design.
At U.S. Bridge, we have several options for bridge railing to best fit each of our construction projects.
A bridge&#;s railing depends on various factors such as location, material, and purpose. The railing adds safety for pedestrians, aesthetics, and a custom touch to bridge construction.
The company is the world’s best osha safety railings supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
So how do you decide which railing is ideal for your bridge? We&#;ve compiled a small guide of the different types of bridge railings we provide so that you can make the best decision for your construction project.
The most common steel bridge railing is the tubular rail system. This railing can be built alone or integrated into a concrete curb or low barrier wall, thus providing flexibility to various building projects. The combination of the railing system&#;s beams and posts provide the strength necessary to make this a sturdy barrier.
Ornamental or architectural steel railings are commonly used for pedestrian and low-vehicular traffic. These railings tend to be thinner and more decorative than other railings and provide pedestrian protection on bridges.
For smaller bridges or roads with less traffic consider the W-Beam railing. This railing system attaches to steel posts or truss girders and is typically 27 inches from the top of the bridge to the pavement. The W-Beam is a simple steel railing system but it can be doubled to maximize its strength. Similar to the W-Beam, the Thrie Beam is another steel railing but works best in areas with heavier traffic flow.
Many pedestrian and steel bridge railings can receive extra finishes such as paint coatings or galvanization. Due to its popularity, the specifications required for building steel railing systems varies for each state.
As a local resource, concrete is one of the most common materials to choose for bridge construction. A concrete railing attaches to the bridge&#;s deck slab and creates a powerful vehicular barrier. These sturdy railings are ideal for high traffic roadways or areas where run-off the road accidents are frequent. Concrete railings are a great idea for urban locations or for bridges that receive heavy truckloads.
Keep in mind, this railing has a high initial cost and its thick appearance can impede an open road view. However, there are ways to help open visibility while still keeping the concrete railing&#;s thick strength; such as combining wall barriers with a tubular railing system.
A bridge&#;s railing is dependent on factors such as the construction&#;s budget, bridge deck material, and mandated state specifications.
Still not sure which railing best fits your project? Check our website for more details in our railings. Or use our chatbox below and we&#;ll be in touch soon.
U.S. Bridge has been connecting communities with long-lasting bridges for decades, so you can feel confident in investing in our expertise. Our team will help you choose and create the right bridge for your project. If you&#;d like to know more about our bridge construction or have any questions, please contact us today and get a free quote.
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