Redi-Rock Barrier Design Resources
The search for retaining wall barrier design resources is over! Redi-Rock barrier testing results are now available to provide engineers with the data and design guidance they've been seeking when designing traffic or pedestrian barriers atop Redi-Rock walls.
Barrier Wall Engineering Simplified
Until now, engineers have been hard pressed to find guidance in parapet barrier wall design. The results of Redi-Rock’s recent barrier testing can now be applied to design projects, ensuring American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and International Building Code (IBC) load requirements are met. Watch the video below outlining our testing process and results.
Barrier Testing Reports
Multiple phases of testing were conducted in the Aster Brands Lab in Charlevoix, Michigan, on barriers constructed with Redi-Rock hollow-core, precast modular blocks. The aim of the tests was to verify and validate the yield line analysis methodology – which is outlined in Chapter 13 of AASHTO and assumes conventional cast-in-place concrete construction – holds true for the barriers constructed with a core of reinforced steel and cast-in-place concrete within precast modular blocks.
Phase 1: Capacity of a Unit Section of Barrier
Phase 1 testing was conducted to verify the failure modes and structural capacity of the joint between the stem and the base of the wall for a unit section of barrier wall. The flexural moment capacity about a horizontal axis is a key input in the yield line analysis methodology. We performed this test using a few different block and reinforcement configurations.
Phase 2: Flexural Strength Along a Vertical Axis
Phase 2 measured the flexural capacity about a vertical axis of a wall stem created from Freestanding Hollow-Core blocks. Two different load scenarios were tested to explore the effects of the precast modular facing on the capacity (as opposed to conventional cast-in-place construction). This capacity is the other key input in the yield line analysis methodology.
Phase 3: Performance of a Full-Scale Wall
Phase 3 testing of a full-scale barrier wall was used to confirm that the yield line methodology is valid for modular block construction and to compare our results with the theoretically computed results. The two test walls had slightly different support configurations, but the results ended up being very similar.
Results
Barrier walls constructed according to the Freestanding Hollow-Core Parapet/Barrier Concept detail are capable of resisting an AASHTO TL-4 equivalent static design force of 54.0 kips and exceed the capacity of International Building Code requirements for vehicle barriers.
Important Design Notes:
This testing data reflects the structural capacity of the wall, and barriers would also have to have to be designed to not overturn or slide due to the impact loading.
No vehicle performance impact testing was completed. No attempt was made to consider barrier shape or face texture. This barrier should only be used in low speed applications or in applications where it will not be subject to direct impacts from high-speed traffic.