Guard Rail Bolts are a vital safety element that can prevent people or machinery from falling off elevated platforms. They are used on construction sites, military bases, airports and many other places where people may inadvertently fall off elevated surfaces. Guard rail bolts are made from durable materials that are designed to resist corrosion and can be found in a variety of sizes and lengths for use with different types of guardrail systems.
There are two main systems of guard rails that can be used to provide safety for pedestrians, vehicles and machinery. One system is called bolt on guard rail and the other is called drop in guardrail. Both of these systems can be used on the same project and both have advantages and disadvantages. Bolt on guard rail is normally less expensive than drop in style but it requires more time to install and remove. Drop in style guard rail on the other hand is much faster to install and remove. It is important to choose the right type of guard rail for your particular needs and budget.
Depending on the type of vehicle that will be using the Guard Rail Bolts it can also be determined which type of guardrail is best for your specific needs. The amount of deflection that a guardrail can absorb is dependent on the weight and type of vehicle that will be using it. The height of the guardrail and how it is installed are other factors that can determine how much a guardrail will deflect. If a guardrail does not deflect enough it may become snagged on an object or the force from the impacting vehicle can cause the rail to fail and possibly penetrate the vehicle.
To ensure that the guardrail is able to absorb the force of an impacting vehicle, it is required that the system be lapped or overlapped with the adjacent run of the guardrail. The lapping must be done in accordance with the NCHRP 350 testing requirements. The direction of the lapping should be in the direction of traffic.
When installing or repairing guardrail, it is necessary to maintain accurate records of the repairs that have been performed. This will help to identify when it is time to replace the existing guardrail system. It is also important to note any areas where the existing guardrail does not meet current standards.
A maintenance checklist can be used to keep track of all the repairs that have been made and what parts were used in each repair. This can be especially helpful if the agency is using a maintenance contract to perform these repairs.
If a guardrail has been damaged to the point where it is no longer functional, all traffic must be directed to an alternate route until the damage can be repaired. This can be done by placing signs and channelizing devices in the work zone. It is also a good idea to contact Dig Safe utility protection well in advance of the scheduled repair so that all underground lines can be marked ahead of time.