YIELDING POST GUARDRAIL SAFETY SYSTEM

RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims priority from Patent Application Serial No. 60/718,644, filed September 19, 2005, entitled Steel Yielding Guardrail Safety System, attorney docket no. 017575.1081.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to guardrail systems and more particularly to a yielding post guardrail safety system.

BACKGROUND

Guardrail systems are widely used along heavily traveled roadways to enhance the safety of the roadway and adjacent roadside. Guardrail beams and their corresponding support posts are employed to accomplish multiple tasks. Upon vehicle impact, a guardrail acts to contain and redirect the errant vehicle.

For many years, standard heavy gauge metal guardrails known as "W-beams" have been used on the nation's roadways to accomplish these tasks and others. Named after its characteristic shape, the "W-beam" is typically anchored to the ground using support posts made of metal, wood, or a combination of both. A terminal post is used at or near the terminal end of the guardrail system. Support posts other than the terminal posts are termed ^λλ length-of-need" (LON) posts. LON posts support the W-beam along the intermediary portion of the guardrail system between opposing terminal ends of the guardrail system.

Wood support posts may be more readily available and more economical than metal posts in some geographical areas. In other areas, metal (e.g., steel) posts may be more readily available and more economical and may be preferred for their ease of installation using driving methods. As an additional benefit, wood support posts used in a LON or terminal portion of a guardrail system have been made to break away upon impact, thus producing a desired behavior during a collision by a vehicle at the impact site. However, in some environments, wood posts deteriorate more rapidly and alternate - materials are sought .

Commonly used steel posts do not break away in the desired fashion and are not optimal for use in the guardrail system and especially not suitable for use in the terminal section of a guardrail system. Break away steel support posts that are modified to allow for failure during a collision have recently become available. Examples include a "hinged breakaway post" and the "energy absorbing breakaway steel guardrail post" described in U.S. Patent No. 6,254,063. Many such prior attempts require substantial time, money, and resources during fabrication, modification, and/or installation.

SUMMARY

In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, a guardrail safety system includes a guardrail beam having a length-of-need (LON) portion spanning between two terminal portions . The guardrail safety system also includes a plurality of guardrail support posts in spaced apart relation to one another. At least a portion of the plurality of support posts include a lower portion for installing below grade

adjacent the roadway, a mid portion that lies substantially adjacent the grade, and an upper portion releasably coupled to the LON portion of the guardrail beam. The mid portion includes a weakened section operable to weaken the support post about a first axis without substantially changing the behavior of the support post about a second axis that is generally perpendicular to the first axis.

Technical advantages of particular embodiments of the present invention include a LON guardrail support post that has sufficient strength to redirect vehicles that collide along the length of the guardrail system at an angle to the flow of traffic. Additionally, the modified support post as used in a LON portion of a guardrail system mitigates the severity of the interaction (snagging) between an impacting vehicle and the post without changing the deflection characteristics of the guardrail system. For example, LON support posts configured to include a weakened section that, upon release from the guardrail beam during impact, may readily yield or breakaway when contacted by the vehicle. Still another advantage may include, in particular embodiments, the removal or reduction in size of an offset block between the guardrail beam and the LON support post. Accordingly, particular embodiments of a guardrail system of the present invention may provide benefits in terms of space and cost savings.

Other technical advantages will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims. Moreover, while specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include all, some, or none of the enumerated advantages .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following brief descriptions, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts, in which:

FIGURE 1 illustrates a side view of a guardrail safety system that incorporates certain aspects of the present invention;

FIGURES 2A-2C illustrate a guardrail support post suitable for use with the guardrail system of FIGURE 1, in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention; FIGURES 3A-3C illustrate another guardrail support post suitable for use with the guardrail system of FIGURE 1, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURES 4A-4C illustrate a LON guardrail support post suitable for use with the guardrail system of FIGURE 1, in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURES 5A-5C illustrate another LON guardrail support post suitable for use with the guardrail system of FIGURE 1, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURES 6A- 6C illustrate another LON guardrail support post suitable for use with the guardrail system of FIGURE 1, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURE 7 illustrates a support post that includes a modified flange for the protection of a guardrail beam,

in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURES 8A and 8B illustrate a flange protector for attachment to a support post for the protection of a guardrail beam, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURE 9 illustrates a connector for coupling a guardrail beam with a support post, in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention; and FIGURES 10A-1OC illustrate a connector for coupling a guardrail beam with a support post, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS FIGURE 1 illustrates a guardrail safety system 10 that incorporates certain aspects of the present invention. Guardrail system 10 may be installed adjacent a roadway to protect vehicles, drivers, and passengers from various obstacles and hazards and prevent vehicles from leaving the roadway during a traffic accident or other hazardous condition. Guardrail systems that incorporate certain aspects of the present invention may be used in median strips or shoulders of highways, roadways, or any path that is likely to encounter vehicular traffic. Guardrail system 10 includes a guardrail beam 12 and support posts 14 that anchor guardrail beam 12 in place along the roadway. As illustrated, guardrail system 10 includes three sections. Two terminal sections 16 are located on opposing ends of guardrail system 10 and are separated by an intermediary length-of-need (LON) section 18.

Support posts 14 have been modified to decrease the strength of support posts 14 in a direction generally

parallel to axis 20 (generally along the direction of traffic) without substantially decreasing its strength in a direction generally perpendicular to axis 20 (out of the page in FIGURE 1) . Stated differently, support posts 14 exhibit adequate strength in the lateral direction but sufficiently low strength in the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, if a vehicle impacts guardrail system 10 "head-on" adjacent an end terminal post 22, support posts 14 will tend to yield (e.g., buckle), while allowing the vehicle to decelerate as it impacts consecutive support posts 14. However, if a vehicle strikes guardrail system

10 along the face of and at an angle to guardrail beam

12, support posts 14 will provide sufficient resistance

(strength) to redirect the vehicle along a path generally parallel with guardrail beam 12.

Guardrail system 10 is intended to keep errant vehicles from leaving the roadway during a crash or other hazardous situation. In many instances, guardrail 10 is installed between a roadway and a significant hazard to vehicles (e.g., another roadway, a bridge, cliff, etc.). Therefore, guardrail system 10 should be designed to withstand a significant impact from a direction that forms an angle to the roadway without substantial failure. It is this lateral strength that allows guardrail system 10 to withstand the impact and still redirect the vehicle so that it is once again traveling generally in the direction of the roadway.

Testing and experience have continuously shown, however, that guardrail systems may actually introduce additional hazards to the roadway and surrounding areas. This is particularly true with respect to vehicles that impact the guardrail system adjacent its terminal section 16 in a direction generally parallel to the roadway. For

example, if the guardrail system were rigidly fixed in place during a crash, serious injury and damage may result to the errant vehicle, its driver, and passengers. Accordingly, many attempts have been made to minimize this added risk. Such methods generally include the use of terminal portions that are tapered from the ground up to effectively reduce the impact of head on collisions and to create a ramp-like effect that causes vehicles to go airborne during a crash. Other methods include breakaway cable terminals (BCT) , vehicle attenuating terminals (VAT), SENTRE end treatments, breakaway end terminals (BET) and the breakaway support posts of U.S. Patent No. 6,398,192 ( ^λW 192 Patent"). Many such terminals ¹ , supports, end treatments and the like are commercially available from various organizations. Examples include the HBA post by Exodyne Technologies and Trinity Industries and a breakaway support post similar in configuration to that described in the ^λ 192 Patent.

Improperly designed posts in the LON portion of a guardrail system may also introduce additional hazards to the roadway and surrounding areas. This is particularly true with respect to vehicles that impact the LON portion of the guardrail system at a substantial angle to the guardrail beam. In such a scenario, snagging or contact between the vehicle and posts can cause severe vehicle damage, deformation to the occupant compartment, high vehicle decelerations, and failure or rupture of the guardrail beam. Additionally, the guardrail may fail in its purposes of containing and redirecting the errant vehicle.

Referring again to FIGURE 1, each terminal section 14 includes a terminal portion of guardrail beam 12, one terminal end post 22, and five terminal support posts

14a. LON guardrail support posts 14b may be used for the balance of guardrail system 10 to support a LON portion of guardrail beam 12. As will be described in more detail below, it should be recognized that terminal support posts 14a and LON support posts 14b may be identical or may differ where desired. In particular embodiments, for example, terminal support posts 14a and LON support posts 14b may differ in size and configuration where the terminal sections 16 and LON section 18 are designed for different impact conditions. In other embodiments, terminal support posts 14a and LON support posts 14b may be identical or substantially identical such that any support post 14 described herein is suitable for installation at any location within guardrail system 10. In such embodiments, terminal support posts 14a and LON support posts 14b may be interchangeable within guardrail system 10.

Support posts 14 may be embedded in the ground, a concrete footing, or a metal socket. Support posts 14 may be made of wood, metal, plastic, composite materials, or any combination of these or other suitable materials. It is also recognized that each support post 14 within guardrail system 10 need not necessarily be made of the same material or include the same structural features. Furthermore, the cross-section of support posts 14 may be any engineered shape suitable for releasably supporting guardrail beam 12. Such cross-sectional shapes may include, but are not limited to, square, rectangular, round, elliptical, trapezoidal, solid, hollow, closed, or open .

Although FIGURE 1 is illustrated without dimensions, in a particular embodiment, it is understood that guardrail system 10 may be of different lengths depending

on the nature of the roadside hazard being shielded. Each terminal section 16 may have a length on the order of approximately 11.4 meters (37.5 feet), respectively, and LON section 18 will have a length that varies as needed. In such an embodiment, support posts 14 may be placed along guardrail beam 12 at a spacing on the order of approximately 1.9 meters (6.25 feet) or other distance as required to obtain the desired deflection and impact performance . In such an embodiment, guardrail beam 12 may include multiple 12 -gauge W-beam rail elements of a length on the order of approximately 3.8 meters (12.5 feet) or 7.6 meters (25 feet) . The guardrail beam sections may be mounted at a height of 78.74 centimeter (31 inch) with rail splices positioned mid-span between the support posts 14. While guardrail beam 12 may include W-beam rail elements, it is generally recognized that the illustrated guardrail beam 12 is merely an example of a beam that may be used in a guardrail system. Guardrail beams 12 may include conventional W-beam guardrails, thrie beam guardrails, box beams, wire ropes, or other structural members suitable for redirecting an errant vehicle upon impact. It is also recognized that the configuration and dimensions of any of the above- described elements within guardrail system 10 may vary as desired.

FIGURES 2A-2C illustrate a guardrail support post 34, in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention. Support post 34 includes an elongate continuous structural member of a standard Wide flange configuration. Support post 34 includes two flanges 36 and 38 that are generally parallel with one another and in a spaced relation. A web 40 forms the coupling

between flanges 36 and 38. Flanges 36 and 38 include a generally identical configuration of boltholes 48 and cutouts 50, therein.

With regard to a Wide flange shape used as a guardrail post, the cross section is typically shaped like the letter "H". The cross section has two major axes for bending. The "weak" axis generally refers to a central axis that extends through the web and is perpendicular to the flanges. The "strong" axis generally refers to a central axis that is perpendicular to the web and parallel to the planes of the flanges. The weak axis for a conventional installation of guardrail extends generally transversely to the road. The strong axis extends generally along the roadway. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGURES 2A-2C, the

Wide flange is a standard W6x8.5, which is commonly used in fabricating support posts for guardrail installations. In particular embodiments, the W6X8.5 such as that illustrated in FIGURES 2A-2C may be particularly well suited for installation as a support post 14a in terminal section 16 of guardrail system 10. One advantage of some embodiments is the ability to re-use existing standard equipment to fabricate, modify, and install support post 34 without substantial modification to the equipment. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that wide flange beams may be available in many different sizes. For example, a standard W6x8.5 Wide flange may have a nominal six- inch depth and weigh nine pounds per foot. However, a Wide flange having a six-inch depth and weighing eight and one-half pounds per foot may also be referred to as a W6x8.5 Wide flange and is considered equivalent in the trade. The term ^λx Wβx8.5 Wide flange" is intended to refer to all sizes and configurations of

guardrail posts that may be referred to as "W6x8.5" by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, persons skilled in the art recognize other names used for wide flanges include but are not limited to "I-beam," "H- beam," "W-beam, " "S-beam, " "M-beam, " or the term "shape" may be substituted for "beam."

Support post 34 includes a relatively "weak" axis W and a relatively "strong" axis S. For the reasons described above, support post 34 is normally installed along a roadway such that weak axis W is generally perpendicular to the direction of traffic, and strong axis S is generally parallel to the direction of traffic. Accordingly, support post 34 is typically able to withstand a significant impact (e.g., with a car traveling at a high rate of speed) about the strong axis S without substantial failure. However, support post 34 is intentionally designed such that yielding will more readily occur in response to an impact about the weak axis W. In the illustrated embodiment, support post 34 has a length on the order of approximately 1,830 mm (6 feet), and it includes an upper portion 42, a lower portion 44, and a mid portion 46 that couples upper portion 42 with lower portion 44. Upper portion 42 includes two boltholes 48 in each of flanges 36 and 38 that are adapted to receive connectors for the installation of a guardrail beam (e.g., guardrail beam 12) upon support post 34. Lower portion 44 is suitable for installation below grade as part of a guardrail support system. Mid portion 46 includes two cutouts 50 in both flanges 36 and 38, which are configured to further weaken support post 34 about the weak axis W, to more readily allow for yielding due to impact from a vehicle along that

direction. The overall length of support post 34 and its upper, lower, and mid portions may vary significantly within the teachings of the present invention.

Bolt holes 48 include a standard configuration that allow for the installation of widely used guardrail beams upon support posts 34. In general, bolt holes 48 align with the center of the guardrail beam and maintain the center of the guardrail beam at a distance that is between 550 and 750 millimeters (1.8 - 2.5 feet) above grade. In the particular embodiment illustrated, bolt holes 48 maintain the center of the guardrail beam at a distance that is on the order of 550 (1.8 feet) above grade. Bolt holes 48 have a diameter on the order of approximately 21 millimeters. However, it is generally recognized that the illustrated dimensions are for example purposes only; the number, size, location and configuration of boltholes 48 may be significantly modified within the teachings of the present invention.

Cutouts 50 are positioned within mid portion 46 to weaken support post 34 about weak axis W adjacent grade

(when installed) . This will accommodate yielding of support post 34 approximately at grade, allowing support post 34 to "fold" over from the point of yielding, upward. Since lower portion 44 is below grade, it is not expected that the ground or lower portion 44 of support post 34 will appreciably deflect during an impact about the weak axis of the post. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGURES 2A-2C, cutouts 50 are approximately thirteen millimeters in diameter. It is generally recognized, however, that the provided dimensions of cutouts 72 are provided for example purposes only; cutouts 72 may be of any appropriate size and may vary between approximately 13 and 21 millimeters, in various embodiments.

Since cutouts 50 are intended to occur approximately at grade and the center of bolt holes 48 are intended to occur between 550 and 750 millimeters (1.8 - 2.5 feet) above grade, bolt holes 48 occur between 550 and 750 millimeters (1.8 - 2.5 feet) above cutouts 50. In the illustrated embodiment, bolt holes 48 occur at approximately 550 millimeters (1.8 feet) above cutouts 50. It will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the size, configuration, location and number of bolt holes, cutouts, and their relationship with each other may be varied significantly within the teachings of the present invention.

Additionally, the location of cutouts 50 may vary in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The configuration of FIGURES 2A-2C envisions that cutouts 50 will occur approximately at grade level. In other embodiments, cutouts 50 may occur below grade or above grade. The depth of cutouts 50 below grade should not exceed an amount that will prevent support post 34 from yielding at or near the location of cutouts 50. At some depth below grade, the surrounding earthen (or other) material will reinforce lower portion 44 of support post 34 to an extent that will no longer accommodate such yielding to occur. The height of cutouts 50 above grade should not exceed a point at which support post 34 will yield at cutouts 50 and leave a "stub" above grade that can snag vehicles and otherwise cause excessive injury and/or excessive damage. Such a stub could be detrimental to the redirective effect of the guardrail system in which support post 34 is operating.

Support post 34 is a single, continuous structural member that does not require any labor in field assembly,

welding, or special handling. With the exception of boltholes 48 and cutouts 50, support post 34 has a continuous, generally uniform cross-section from top edge 52 to bottom edge 54. Therefore, fabrication of support post 34 is simplified with respect to other multiple component products. Furthermore, support post 34 can be shipped as one piece and installed as one piece. Many prior attempts that included multiple components that were hinged or otherwise connected could not be shipped and/or installed as a single unit without damaging the support post .

Similarly, many such prior efforts required specialized equipment for proper installation and often required a significant amount of field labor to perform such installation. In contrast, support post 34 can be installed using traditional guardrail post installation equipment (e.g., guardrail post drivers) .

Previous attempts to accommodate failure of a guardrail support post have often weakened the support post about the strong axis S, which impacts the support post' s ability to redirect a vehicle that collid.es with the support in a direction generally perpendicular to or at an angle to the roadway. For this reason, such support posts may be unacceptable for use along a roadway and may fail to comply with governing federal standards bodies' requirements. Patent Application PCT/US98/09029 ( ^λ 029 Application) illustrates a support post having slotted openings disposed therein. These slots are substantially longer (vertically) than they are wide (horizontal) .

Cutouts 50 of support posts 34 are configured to reduce the strength of support post 34 about weak axis W, without substantially changing the behavior of the

support post 34 about strong axis S. In the illustrated embodiment, cutouts 50 comprise generally circular openings that have been punched or drilled through support post 34. Cutouts 50 provide an enhanced ability to control the point of yielding of support post 34 during a collision with a vehicle. For example, the support post of the ^λ 029 Application may fail at any point along the slots, and failure may be based upon imperfections in the material adjacent the slots. By limiting the vertical dimension of cutout 50, it is easier to dictate the precise point of failure of support post 34 along its vertical length.

Furthermore, the slots of the ^λ 029 Application require the removal of a substantial amount of material from the flange. This weakens the flange along directions other than perpendicular to the web. Furthermore, during a dynamic crash situation in which the impact may come from any angle, twisting or bending of the flange may result in the flange changing its orientation in response to the initial impact. Accordingly, the support post having vertical slots similar to the ^λ 029 Application may fail prematurely along the strong axis and lose its ability to redirect the vehicle. In accordance with certain example embodiments of the present invention, the vertical dimension of cutout 50 is limited based upon the horizontal dimension of cutout 50. For example, a ratio of the vertical dimension of any particular cutout may be equal to or less than three times the horizontal dimension. Alternatively, the ratio may be limited to two times the horizontal dimension. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGURES 2A-2C, the ratio is 1:1 since cutout 50 is

generally a circular opening in the support post. The smaller the vertical dimension of the cutout, the more precisely the designer may dictate the point of yielding along the vertical length of support post 34. Various configurations of cutouts 50 are available to a designer of support post 34, in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. For example, rather than circular openings, cutouts 50 may comprise square, rectangular, triangular, oval, semi-circular, diamond shaped, or practically any other geometric configuration and still obtain some or all of the benefits described herein. Cutouts 50 are positioned, shaped, and sized such that support post 34 retains sufficiently high strength in the lateral direction (the direction perpendicular to the guardrail beam 12) to capture and redirect an impacting vehicle with reasonable dynamic deflection.

The horizontal location of cutouts 50 within flanges 36 and 38 may also be altered significantly, within the teachings of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGURES 2A-2C, cutouts 50 are located approximately twenty millimeters (0.79 inches) from outer edges of flanges 36 and 38. However, in alternative embodiments, cutouts 50 may be located closer to such edges or further from such edges. In one embodiment, cutouts 50 may be configured such that they extend all the way to the edge of the flange such that there is a break in material beginning at the edge. In this manner, a traditional punch could be employed at the edge to form a semi-circular opening that extends to the edge of the flange .

Alternatively, a sawcut, diamond shaped notch, or other notch or cut could be employed from the outer edge

of the flange and extended inward to form cutouts 50. In this manner, the sawcut, diamond shaped notch, or other notch or cut would form the starting point of the likely point of yielding along the weak axis of the support post. Rather than a sawcut, a similar configuration may include a slot in which the longest dimension extends horizontally through the flange. Such a slot may begin or terminate at the edge of the flange or otherwise be disposed completely within the material of the flange. FIGURES 3A-3C illustrate a support post 70, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Support post 70 is a W8xlO Wide flange and is therefore slightly larger and heavier than the W6x8.5 Wide flange of FIGURES 2A-2C. In particular embodiments, the W8X10, such as that illustrated in FIGURES 3A-3C, may be particularly well suited for installation as a support post 34 in terminal portion 16 of guardrail system 10. Additionally or alternatively, support post 70 may be used when additional strong axis strength is desired to, for example, reduce deflection of guardrail system 10 while sufficiently reducing the strength of the post about the weak axis to maintain vehicle contact forces and damage at acceptable levels.

Support post 70 is very similar in configuration to support post 34, although many of the dimensions of relative aspects and components are slightly different. Therefore, support post 70 will not be described in significant detail. Cutouts 72 of support post 70 are slightly larger than cutouts 50 of FIGURES 2A-2C. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGURES 3A-3C, cutouts 72 are approximately twenty-one millimeters in diameter. It is generally recognized, however, that the provided dimensions of cutouts 72 and bolt holes 74 are provided

for example purposes only; cutouts 72 and bolt holes 74 may be of any appropriate size. It is anticipated that the diameter of cutouts 72 may vary between approximately 13 and 21 millimeters, in various embodiments. Where as in the illustrated configuration cutouts 72 are the same size as bolt holes 74, fabrication of support post 70 is simplified since the same tools that are used to punch bolt holes 74 may be used to punch cutouts 72. Tooling costs are thereby reduced since the tools need only be re-indexed to provide additional holes for cutouts 72.

FIGURES 4A-4C illustrate a support post 100, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, support post 100 is a W6x8.5 Wide Flange configured such that support post 100 may be particularly well suited for installation as a LON support post 14b in LON portion 18 of guardrail system 10. Accordingly, support post 100 may also be described herein as "LON support post 100." LON support post 100 is very similar in configuration to support post 34, although many of the dimensions of relative aspects and components are slightly different. The illustrated embodiment may provide optional weakening about the weak axis without appreciably affecting the strong axis strength of the post. It is also one of the most economical embodiments for achieving satisfactory impact performance of guardrail system 10.

As shown in FIGURES 4A-4C, LON support post 100, which supports a guardrail beam, such as guardrail beam 12, has a length of approximately 1.8m (6 ft). When incorporated into a guardrail system, such as guardrail system 10, multiple LON support posts 100 may be spaced approximately 1.9 m (6 ft-3 inches) on center, in a particular embodiment. Although bolt holes 110 are

depicted as maintaining the center of the guardrail beam at a distance that is on the order of 635 millimeters (25 inches) above grade, it is generally recognized that the illustrated dimensions are for example purposes only; the number, size, location, and configuration of boltholes 48 may be significantly modified within the teachings of the present invention. In various embodiments, it is anticipated that bolt holes 110 may maintain the center of the guardrail beam at a distance that is between 550 and 750 millimeters (1.8 - 2.5 feet) above grade.

Similar to the support posts described above, LON support post 100 has adequate strength in the lateral direction and sufficiently low strength in the longitudinal direction. LON support post 100 may be embedded in the ground, a concrete footing, or a metal socket. LON support post 100 may be made of wood, metal, plastic, composite materials, or any combination of these or other suitable materials. Furthermore, the cross- section of LON support post 100 may be any engineered shape suitable for releasably supporting a guardrail beam, such as guardrail beam 12. Such cross-sectional shapes may include, but are not limited to, square, rectangular, round, elliptical, trapezoidal, solid, hollow, closed, or open. Similar to previously described embodiments, LON support post 100 includes a weakened section, such as cutouts 108, that provide reduced strength in the longitudinal direction but maintained strength in the lateral direction. The weakened section may include one or more openings in the form of round or elliptical holes, notches, vertical slots, horizontal slots, saw cuts, or any combination of these or other openings. Alternatively, a sawcut, diamond shaped notch, or other

notch or cut could be employed from the outer edge of the flange and extended inward to form cutouts 50. As discussed above, the weakened section is generally at ground level such that LON support post 100 will yield at ground level but may vary above or below grade. The opening or other weakened section may be located on the interior of the post or may intersect an exterior edge . The geometry and size of the opening is as is required for a given post cross section such that the force required to fail, fracture, or yield the post about its strong axis is reduced such that the magnitude and severity of vehicle contact or snagging forces are reduced to safe levels that mitigate the potential for occupant injury and vehicle instability. Where the weakened section includes one or more sawcuts, diamond shaped notches, or other notches or cuts, the weakened section may be cut into the side of the post in one embodiment. Where the weakened section includes a slot, the slot may include a sharp or rounded edge bottom. As shown in FIGURE 4A, the weakened section includes cutouts 108 of support post 100, which are approximately 21 millimeters (13/16 of an inch) in the illustrated embodiment. Like support post 70, cutouts 108 are the same size as boltholes 110 in this configuration. Accordingly, fabrication of LON support post 100 is simplified since the same tools that are used to punch bolt holes 110 may be used to punch cutouts 108. Tooling costs are thereby reduced since the tools need only be re-indexed to provide additional holes for cutouts 108. It is generally recognized, however, that the provided dimensions of cutouts 72 and bolt holes 74 are provided for example purposes only; cutouts 72 and bolt holes 74 may be of any appropriate size. It is anticipated that

the diameter of cutouts 72 may vary between approximately 13 and 21 millimeters, in various embodiments.

FIGURES 5A-5C illustrates a LON support post 180, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. LON support post 180 is a W8X10 Wide flange and is, therefore, larger and heavier than the W6x8.5 Wide flange of FIGURES 4A-4C. LON support post 180 is very similar in configuration to previously described support posts, although many of the dimensions of relative aspects and components may be slightly different. For example, cutouts 182 of LON support post 180 are approximately 13 millimeters (1/2 inch) in diameter. In this configuration, cutouts 182 are slightly smaller than bolt holes 184, which are approximately 21 millimeters (0.82 inches) in diameter. It is generally recognized, however, that the provided dimensions of cutouts 182 and bolt holes 184 are provided for example purposes only; cutouts 182 and bolt holes 184 may be of any appropriate size. Like the embodiments described above, it is anticipated that the diameter of cutouts 182 may vary between approximately 13 and 21 millimeters, in various embodiments.

FIGURES 6A- 6C illustrate a LON support post 186, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, LON support post 186 is a 6x8 wood post. Thus, LON support post 186 has a nominal width of approximately 6 inches and a nominal depth of approximately 8 inches. Although formed of wood, it is anticipated that support post 186 may be particularly well suited for installation as a LON support post 14b in

LON portion 18 of guardrail system 10. The illustrated embodiment may provide optional weakening about the weak

axis without appreciably affecting the strong axis strength of the post .

As shown in FIGURES 6A and 6B, LON support post 186, which supports a guardrail beam, such as guardrail beam 12, has a length of approximately 1830 mm (6 ft) . Bolt holes 188 have a diameter on the order of approximately 13/16 of an inch. Although bolt holes 188 are depicted as maintaining the center of the guardrail beam at a distance that is on the order of 550 millimeters (21 inches) above grade, it is generally recognized that the illustrated dimensions are for example purposes only; the number, size, location, and configuration of bolt holes 188 may be significantly modified within the teachings of the present invention. In various embodiments, it is anticipated that bolt holes 188 may maintain the center of the guardrail beam at a distance that is between 550 and 750 millimeters (1.8 - 2.5 feet) above grade.

LON support post 186 is formed of wood, plastic, or a composite material and may be embedded in the ground, a concrete footing, a metal socket, or a foundation tube.

Although illustrated as having a 6x8 rectangular shape, the cross-section of LON support post 186 may be any engineered shape suitable for releasably supporting a guardrail beam, such as guardrail beam 12. Such cross- sectional shapes may include, but are not limited to, square, rectangular, round, elliptical, trapezoidal, solid, hollow, closed, or open.

Similar to the support posts described above, LON support post 186 has adequate strength in the lateral direction and sufficiently low strength in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, LON support post 186 includes a weakened section, such as a cutout 190, that provide reduced strength in the longitudinal

direction but maintained strength in the lateral direction. As shown in FIGURES 6A-6C, cutout 190 of support post 186 is of a circular shape and has a diameter on the order of approximately 89 millimeters (3.5 inches). It is generally recognized, however, that the provided dimensions of cutout 190 is provided for example purposes only. Further, the weakened section may include one or more openings in the form of round or elliptical holes, semi-circular openings, diamond notches, notches, vertical slots, horizontal slots, saw cuts, or any combination of these or other openings.

As discussed above, the weakened section is generally at ground level such that LON support post 186 will yield at ground level, but may vary above or below grade. The opening or other weakened section may be located on the interior of .the post or may intersect an exterior edge. The geometry and size of the opening is as is required for a given post cross section such that the force required to fail, fracture, or yield the post about its strong axis is reduced such that the magnitude and severity of vehicle contact or snagging forces are reduced to safe levels that mitigate the potential for occupant injury and vehicle instability. Where the weakened section includes one or more notches, the notches may be cut into the side of the post in one embodiment. Where the weakened section includes a slot, the slot may include a sharp or rounded edge bottom.

In operation, the LON support posts described above in FIGURES 4A-4C, 5A-5C, and 6A-6C are connected to the guardrail beam such that upon impact, the connection between the LON support posts and guardrail beam will yield in preferred embodiments . Because the LON support posts include weakening cutouts at approximately the

ground elevation, the LON support posts may bend at the weakened section upon vehicular impact . Despite the deflection of LON support posts upon impact, however, the guardrail beam may remain at the originally designed elevation. As a result, the guardrail beam may substantially prevent an errant vehicle from running over the guardrail beam and/or becoming unstable.

Many advantages may be realized by the use of modified, engineered LON support posts of FIGURES 4A-4C, 5A-5C, and 6A-6B. First, use of modified, engineered posts in the standard LON or non-terminal portion of the guardrail system mitigates the severity of the interaction (snagging) between an impacting vehicle and the post without changing the deflection characteristics of the guardrail system. Second, because the LON support posts release from the guardrail beam, the flanges of the LON support posts may be prevented from tearing the guardrail beam. As a result, offset blocks (spacers placed between the flanges of the LON support post and the guardrail beam) may be reduced in size or removed altogether, which can provide benefits in terms of space and cost savings.

Other modifications to support posts and LON support posts in particular, may further prevent tearing of the guardrail beam upon impact. For example, FIGURE 7 illustrates a support post 200 that includes a modified flange for the further protection of the guardrail beam. It is generally recognized that support post 200 may include a terminal support post 14a or a LON support post 14b. In the illustrated embodiment, support post 200 includes an elongate, continuous structural member of a modified Wide flange configuration. Similar to the support posts described above, support post 200 includes

two flanges 202 and 204 that are coupled at their respective midpoints by a web 206. Flanges 202 and 204 at their respective midpoints are generally parallel with one another and in a spaced relation. With regard to the modified Wide flange shape used as support post 200, the cross section of support post 200 is shaped like a modified letter "H" or a modified letter "I". Specifically, a first flange 202 is substantially straight and, thus, forms a standard leg of an ^N 'H" or ^λλ I". A second flange 204 includes a substantially rounded surface such that a first edge 210 and a second end 212 of second flange 204 is curved inward toward web 206 and first flange 202. Second flange 204 forms the face of the support post 200 that couples to and lies adjacent to a guardrail beam 208.

In particular embodiments, second flange 204 may slightly longer than first flange 202. For example, in a particular embodiment, support post 200 is formed from a modified W6x8.5. Whereas a standard W6x8.5 member may include two flanges that are each approximately four inches long, second flange 204 is slightly longer than the standard flange and, thus, slightly longer than first flange 202. For example, in a particular embodiment, second flange 204 may have a length that is approximately six inches long.

In operation, because second flange 204 is rounded toward first flange 202, no sharp edges of support post 200 are adjacent to guardrail beam 208. As a result, second flange 204 forms a cushion at the interface between guardrail beam 208 and support post 200. Accordingly, guardrail beam 208 is not susceptible to rupture by the sharp edges of support post 200 when an

errant vehicle comes into contact with the support post- guardrail beam combination.

Despite some structural and orientation differences discussed above, flanges 202 and 204 of support post 200 may include, in particular embodiments, a weakened

' section such that, similar to the support posts discussed above, modified support post 200 includes a relatively

"weak" axis W and a relatively "strong" axis S. For the reasons described above, modified support post 200 is normally installed along a roadway such that weak axis W is generally perpendicular to the direction of traffic, and strong axis S is generally parallel to the direction of traffic. Accordingly, modified support post 200 is typically able to withstand a significant impact (e.g., with a car traveling at a high rate of speed) about the strong axis S without substantial failure. However, modified support post 200 is intentionally designed such that yielding will more readily occur in response to an impact about the weak axis W. The modification of the support post to include a curved flange as shown in FIGURE 7 is merely one method of protecting a guardrail beam from potential tearing by the support post. Previous methods for preventing the rupturing of the guardrail beam by the sharp edges of the support post flanges include the positioning an offset block between the flange of support post 14 and guardrail beam 12. Recent trends in guardrail systems include increasing the depth of offset blocks to prevent post snagging. When a frangible or yielding post such as support post 14 is used to support the guardrail beam, however, the offset block need only prevent contact between the guardrail beam and post flanges.

In the absence of an offset or spacer block, a flange protector may be positioned at the interface of the guardrail beam and support post . The flange protector may extend beyond the edges of both the post and the rail element to shield the rail element from the edges of the support post and, thus, prevent initiation of cuts or tears in the guardrail beam in the vicinity of the support post as the guardrail system deforms during an impact . The flange protector may take the form of a plate fabricated from metal, wood, plastic, rubber elastomer, or composite materials. When used in conjunction with a corrugated rail element, such as a W- beam or thrie beam, the plate may be fabricated to conform to the shape of the rail element such that it can nest inside the rail element. The dimensions of the plate are such that the edges of the plate extend to or beyond the edges of the support post .

FIGURES 8A and 8B illustrate a flange protector 250 for attachment to a support post 252. Flange protector 250 is a modification of standard offset blocks and serves to prevent tearing of the guardrail beam during impact. Because flange protector 250 is a much smaller spacer than standard offset blocks, flange protector 250 may be incorporated into a guardrail system at a lower cost than a standard offset block. Although flange protector 250 may be comprised of plastic, in preferred embodiments, it is generally recognized that flange protector 250 may be alternatively made of wood, metal, rubber elastomer, composite materials, or any combination of these or other suitable materials.

Flange protector 250 includes a body portion that is substantially rectangular. In particular embodiments, flange protector 250 may comprise a substantially flat

plate. In other embodiments and in the illustrated embodiment, flange protector 250 includes an indentation 254 in the a first surface 256 that is proximate to support post 252 when the flange protector 250 and support post 252 are assembled together. Specifically, when assembled together, a flange 258 of support post 252 that is proximate flange protector 250 fits into indentation 254. Accordingly, the dimensions of flange protector 250 and the size of indentation 254 may vary as is appropriate for the particular size and shape of support post 252. It is generally recognized, however, that indentation 254 is optional, and flange protector 250 may or may not include such an indentation.

In various embodiments, the depth of flange protector 250 may be selected based on the depth of support post 252. For example, in a particular embodiment, the depth of flange protector 250 may be selected to be less than the predetermined depth of the support post and may be selected to be less than half of the predetermined depth of the support post. As another example, the depth of flange protector 252 may be selected to be less than three inches .

In particular embodiments, for example, where support post 252 includes a W6x8.5 Wide flange, flange protector 250 has a length on the order of approximately 360 millimeters (14.17 inches) and a width on the order of approximately 131 millimeters (5.16 inches). The depth of flange protector 250 may vary within a range on the order of approximately 13 to 62 millimeters (0.5 to 2.4 inches). Indentation 254 in first surface 256 may have a depth of approximately 10 millimeters (0.39 inches), in a particular embodiment. Thus, lips on either side of flange protector 250 may be raised

approximately 10 millimeters (0.39 inches) to protect the guardrail beam from the edges of the abutted flange 258 of support post 252 and to keep flange protector 250 from rotating once connected to support post 252. The width of the lips on either side of indentation 254 may be on the order of approximately 13 mm (0.5 inches) . For connection between support post 252 and the guardrail beam (not shown) , flange protector 250 includes one or more boltholes 260 that are approximately 21 millimeters (0.82 inches) in diameter, in the illustrated embodiment.

The dimensions of flange protector 250 may also be varied. The combination of flange protector 250 with the frangibility of support post 252 in a LON section of guardrail system 10 may provide enhanced impact performance and reduced installation cost. Specifically, a flange protector 250, as an alternative to the standard offset block, may cost much less than the cost of a deep offset block and may be attractive to a number of highways and roads agencies where it is anticipated that the omission of both may result in a system with an increased potential for incidence of rupture of the guardrail beam when contacted with flange 258 of support post 252.

As described above, flange protector 250 shields the guardrail beam from the sharp edges of support post 252 to prevent rupturing of the guardrail beam. Furthermore, a structure such as flange protector 250 may be used as a retrofit spacer block when steel-yielding support post 252 is placed in a foundation tube as an alternative to a wood post. Thus, anywhere it is desirable to protect the guardrail beam from the flanges of support posts, a flange protector 250 may be used. As an additional variation, it is recognized that support post may in

particular embodiments include a structural member that of a different cross-sectional shape than that described. For example, and as discussed above, support post may comprise a rectangular, a tubular member, or any other appropriate shape. Where support post does not include flanges such as flanges 258, it is recognized that flange protector may be selected to accommodate the selected cross-sectional shape of the support post and may be termed "a guardrail beam protector." Returning to FIGURE 1, guardrail beam 12 is attached to support posts 14 with connectors (not shown) . The connectors may be threaded or inserted through bolt holes formed through support posts 14 and corresponding bolt holes formed through guardrail beam 12. Oversized guardrail nuts may be used on the back side of the support post 14 flange. Bolt holes formed through support posts 14 were illustrated and described above with respect to FIGURES 2A-2C, 3A-3C, 4A-4C, 5A-5C, 6A- 6B, and 7 and were identified by reference numerals 48, 74, 110, 184, and 188, respectively.

It is desirable for the connectors to sufficiently support guardrail beam 12 but to be readily released upon load being directly applied to support post 14 or upon deflection of the rail element and rotation of the support post in surrounding soil. For example, the connectors may enable support posts 14 to readily release from guardrail beam 12 when support post 14 is contacted by a vehicle. FIGURE 9 illustrates an example of a connector 300 for coupling a guardrail beam 12 with a yielding support post 14, such as a terminal support post 14a or a LON support post 14b. The configuration of connector 300 is such as to provide sufficiently weak connection between guardrail beam 12 and support post 14

so that support post 14 detaches from guardrail beam 12 when struck by an errant vehicle. As a result, guardrail beam 12 remains substantially at its original height after impact and the errant vehicle may be prevented from driving over the guardrail beam 12 and further leaving the roadway or becoming unstable.

In particular embodiments, connector 300 includes a bolt with a tapered or wedge-shaped head 302, such as a countersunk bolt. Connector 300 provides sufficiently low force against guardrail beam 12 to release support post 14 from guardrail beam 12 when an errant vehicle contacts and displaces support post 14. Stated differently, the connection formed between guardrail beam 12 and support post 14 by connector 300 is strong in shear and weak in tension. The shape of countersunk head 302 allows connector 300 to pull through the mounting slot on the guardrail beam 12. Connector 300 may then be displaced with support post 14 upon impact .

Such a connector is improved over oval shoulder button head bolts that provide adequate support for the guardrail beam but do not provide sufficiently low release strength. Connector 300 is also improved over small diameter bolts, which are typically used with several washers. Small diameter bolt-washer combinations provide only a limited ability to support the guardrail beam (not strong in shear) and have variable release strengths .

In a particular embodiment, connector 300 may include slotted countersunk bolts such as, for example, 16 mm (5/8-inch) diameter by 38 mm (l-l/2-inch) long slotted flat countersunk head machine screws. The countersunk head 302 of connector 300, in such an embodiment, may ' have a diameter on the order of

approximately 25 millimeters (1 inch) and have a length on the order of 13 millimeters (1/2 inch) . Other embodiments may include a countersunk head 302 having a diameter on the order of 25 millimeters (1 inch) and a length on the order of 6.5 millimeters (1/4 inch) . It is generally recognized, however, that these are merely two examples of connectors 300 that may be used to releasably engage guardrail beam 12 with support post 14. Other connectors that may be used in place of connector 300 include those specified by ANSI/ASME B18.5.

Still other, alternative embodiments of possible connectors may include appropriately sized standard bolts that will tear through the guardrail beam without rupturing the guardrail beam. For example, the standard bolts may be selected such that a head portion of the bolt is of a size that overlaps an edge of the aperture by a distance that generates a desired pullout resistance. In particular embodiments, the size of the head portion selected as a function of a thickness of the guardrail ^' beam. Such bolts may include 5/8-inch bolts, l/4-inch bolts, or 3/16-inch bolts with or without washers. A plow bolt may also be used where the resulting connection is weak in tension such as to release when a lateral load is applied. In still other embodiments, connector 300 may release through fracture, shear, or tensile failure.

FIGURES 10A-1OC illustrate another example of a connector 400 for coupling a guardrail beam 12 with a yielding support post 14, such as a terminal support post 14a or a LON support post 14b. Like connector 300, connector 400 includes a bolt with a countersunk head 402 to provide adequate support of guardrail beam 12. Connector 400 provides sufficiently low force against

guardrail beam 12, to release support post 14 from guardrail beam 12 when an errant vehicle contacts and displaces support post 14. Stated differently, connector 400 forms a connection between guardrail beam 12 and support post 14 that is strong in shear and weak in tension. The shape of countersunk head 402 allows connector 400 to pull through the mounting slot on the guardrail beam 12. Connector 400 may then be displaced with support post 14 upon impact. Additionally, the configuration of connector 400 prevents connector 400 from rotating when connector 400 is used to couple support post 14 with guardrail beam 12. Specifically, head 402 of connector 400 includes a first surface 404 and a second surface 406. Whereas first surface 404 comprises the outer surface of connector 400, second surface 406 is proximate threaded shaft 408. In the illustrated embodiment, first surface 404 of head 402 is of a substantially round configuration. By contrast, second surface 404 is of a substantially oval configuration. Thus a portion of head 402 includes a shoulder 410. Where guardrail beam 12 includes a slotted hole through which connector 400 is placed, the oval shape of shoulder 404 prevents connector 400 from rotating in the slotted hole. The shoulder 410 of connector 400 also limits the horizontal movement of connector 400 within the slotted hole of guardrail beam 12. This, in turn, limits the amount of overlap of head 402 of connector 400 with the edge of the slotted hole of guardrail beam 12. The result is that the pullout force required to disengage connector 400 from guardrail beam

12 is further reduced.

In a particular embodiment, connector 400 may include slotted countersunk bolts such as, for example,

16 mm (5/8 -inch) diameter by 38 mm (l-l/2-inch) slotted flat countersunk head machine screws. The countersunk head 402 of connector 400, in such an embodiment, may have a diameter on the order of approximately 25 millimeters (1 inch) and have a length on the order of 13 millimeters (1/2 inch) . The diameter of the longer dimension of oval shoulder 406 may correspond generally with the diameter of head 402 or approximately 1 inch, and the diameter of the shorter dimension of oval shoulder 406 may correspond generally with the diameter of the bolt shaft or approximately 5/8 inch. It is generally recognized, however, that this merely one example of a connectors 400 that may be used to releasably engage guardrail beam 12 with support post 14. Other connectors may be used in place of connector 400.

Technical advantages of particular embodiments of the present invention include a LON guardrail support post that has sufficient strong axis strength to redirect vehicles that collide along the length of the guardrail system at an angle to the flow of traffic and substantially reduced weak axis strength to mitigate the severity of the interaction (snagging) between an impacting vehicle and the post without changing the deflection characteristics of the guardrail system. For example, LON support posts configured to include a weakened section may release from the guardrail beam upon impact. As a result, the flanges of the LON support posts may be prevented from tearing the guardrail beam and the weakened section can readily yield to an impacting vehicle at low force levels. Still another advantage may include, in particular embodiments, the removal or reduction in size of an offset block between the guardrail beam and the LON support post .

Accordingly, certain embodiments of a guardrail system of the present invention may provide benefits in terms of space and cost savings .

At least four types of guardrail support members are described and illustrated within this specification: (I) W6x9 Wide flanges; (II) WδxlO Wide flanges; (III) W6x8.5 Wide flanges; and (IV) weakened wood posts. It should be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that practically any size guardrail support post may be enhanced by incorporating the teachings of the present invention. The size, weight and configuration of the support post are just a few factors to be considered to determine the appropriate location of cutouts, to allow yielding along the weak axis while maintaining sufficient strength along the strong axis to redirect impacting vehicles .

Although the present invention has been described by several embodiments, various changes and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art . It is intended that the present invention encompass such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the present appended claims. For example, the features described above may be used independently and/or in combination with each other or other design modifications. Changes in the size or strength of the bolts connecting the rail to the offset blocks or flange protectors and support posts and the hole/slot pattern in the rail through which these connecting bolts pass may be varied in any manner suitable for enabling the post to release from the guardrail element.