Download (PDF 2.15 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/31094.pdf
Abstract
Round guardrail posts may provide an important value added option for small-diameter thinnings. Such posts require minimum processing and have been shown to have higher strength compared to the equivalent rectangular volume. The resulting value-added product may bring a higher return compared to lumber. The obstacles to immediate utilization of ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir guardrail posts are the need for full-scale crash testing, a visual grading rule, and an installation guide. This paper reports on the static and dynamic tests performed at the USDA Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, Wisconsin, and the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility in Lincoln, Nebraska, to determine material properties for designing a new Midwest Guardrail System for round wood posts. Grading practices are recommended for round ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and southern yellow pine guardrail posts for the new Midwest Guardrail System.
Keywords
Round guardrail posts,
small-diameter,
Midwest Guardrail System,
Douglas-fir,
ponderosa pine,
southern yellow pine,
roads,
guardrail fences,
wood poles,
softwoods,
smallwood,
roundwood,
poles,
roads,
guard fences
Citation
Kretschmann, David E.; Faller, Ron; Hascall, Jason; Reid, John; Sicking,Dean; Rohde, John; Shilts, Dick; Nelson, Tim. 2007. Investigating the use of small-diameter softwood as guardrail posts: static test results. Research Paper FPL-RP-640. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 23 pages.
