Road guardrail

Road Guardrails: The Guardians of Road Safety

Road guardrails are protective structures installed on either side or in the middle of a road. Their primary function is to separate traffic flows, prevent vehicles from crossing the roadway, and mitigate the consequences of accidents. They are a crucial component of ensuring road safety.

Classification by Location

• Median Guardrails: Located in the middle of the road, they prevent collisions between oncoming vehicles and prevent vehicles from crossing into the opposite lane, potentially causing serious accidents.

• Roadside Guardrails: Installed at the edge of the road, near dangerous areas such as sidewalks, green belts, cliffs, and rivers, they prevent vehicles from running off the road and reduce the risk of falling off cliffs or into water.

• Isolation Guardrails: Commonly used on urban roads, they separate motor vehicle lanes, non-motor vehicle lanes, and sidewalks, regulating the use of each lane and reducing conflicts caused by mixed traffic.

Classification by Material and Structure

• Metal Guardrails: These include corrugated beam guardrails (made from steel plates rolled into a corrugated shape, commonly found on highways) and steel pipe guardrails (sturdy structures, often used on urban arterial roads). They offer excellent impact resistance and durability.

• Concrete guardrails: Constructed of reinforced concrete, they offer strong overall stability and are suitable for hazardous road sections or areas requiring high-strength protection. However, they are heavy and less aesthetically pleasing.

• Composite guardrails: Made from new materials such as fiberglass, they are corrosion-resistant and lightweight, and are gradually being used on some roads.

The design of road guardrails must take into account factors such as road grade, traffic volume, and the surrounding environment. They must not only provide protection but also consider visual guidance and aesthetics. They are an indispensable component of road infrastructure.