Author(s):
T.J. Hirsch, E.L. Marquis, R.A. Kappel
Publication Date
February 1971
Abstract
A survey of states concerning practices for safer roadside structures revealed that several states are now employing mounds of earth, or earth berms, as a device to absorb energy or to redirect out-of-control vehicles. These berms are presently being used around bridge piers, in the gore area of exit ramps, and for burying the ends or beginnings of guardrails. It is believed that under certain conditions mounds of earth would be more economical to construct than guardrails and can be landscaped to be more aesthetically pleasing. This should be particularly true in rural areas and on the outskirts of urban areas where barrow material is abundant or there is an excess of excavation. The designs of earth berms presently in use were based primarily on engineering judgment and intuition rather than on analytical methods or experimental data. The objective of this research was to determine by analytical methods the most effective slope, height, and length required for the earth berm so that it can safely redirect an impacting vehicle.
Report Number:
627-1
Link(s):
No electronic version is availalble. Please contact the TTI Library for assistance.
Publication/Product Request
TTI reports and products are available for download at no charge. If an electronic version is not available and no instructions on how to obtain it are given, contact the TTI Library.