Wood guardrail posts can be inspected for decay using a non-destructive testing (NDT) technique called stress wave timing (SWT). This project conducted a field investigation on approximately 500 wood guardrail posts using SWT and then analyzed available data to determine factors that may lead to increased wood decay rates. It was determined that locations with high climate index (> 40) were experiencing higher decay rates. Additionally, poor preservative retention levels were also found to be associated with high decay rates. Impact testing concluded that decay reduces the fracture resistance of wood posts by more than 50%. The results of this report will be useful in considering approaches to managing WSDOT guardrail assets in the future.
Wood guardrail posts are subject to decay and deterioration, yet most DOTs have minimal or noinspection procedures in place for wood guardrail posts. ...
Wood guardrail posts degrade over time and a nondestructive evaluation (NDE) inspection system is needed to determine the condition of the nearly 2 mi...
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United States Department of Transportation
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