Dynamic Testing of the T223 Bridge Rail (0-5210-8)

The TxDOT T203 bridge rail is often used on bridges where asphalt overlays reduce the effective height of the bridge rail. This reduction in height due to asphalt overlays is undesirable. For this project, several geometric features were changed to improve the strength and crash performance of the T203 rail. These features include increasing the rail height to 32 inches, increasing the size and strength of the rail, and increasing the thickness of the post. In addition, the width of the post was reduced to 4 ft and the openings between the posts were increased to 6 ft. Orientation, placement, and frequency of reinforcing steel in the rail, post, and deck were also evaluated to determine if impact damage to the deck can be reduced. These proposed changes to the T203 rail led to the development of the TxDOT Type T223 bridge rail design, which is reported herein. The objective of this project was to evaluate the strength of the new TxDOT Type T223 Bridge Rail design with respect to different reinforcing steel details in the deck, rail, and posts. The strength of the new TxDOT Type T223 bridge rail was evaluated using dynamic bogie testing. These tests were performed at the ends/joint (two tests) and at mid-span locations (two tests). Reinforcing steel details varied at each test location to determine the preferred placement and orientation of reinforcing steel for the TxDOT Type T223 bridge rail and supporting deck to minimize deck damage during a design impact event.