Section 617 — Guardrail
Description
617.01This work consists of constructing or modifying guardrail systems. This work also consists of removing, resetting, and raising guardrail systems. Types and classes of metal beam guardrail are designated according to AASHTO M 180.
Material
617.02Conform to the following Section: Guardrail 724
Construction Requirements
617.03Qualifications. At least 14 days before starting guardrail work , submit one of the following for the guardrail supervisor:
(a)Résumé describing at least 3 years’ experience in guardrail installation;
(b)A certificate showing successful completion of the ATSSA Guardrail Installation Training; or
(c)A certificate showing successful completion of a state department of transportation guardrail installation training course.
617.04General. Provide guardrail systems and terminals that are crashworthy. If proprietary systems, terminals, or crash cushions are required, install acc ording to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Submit the installation manual, completed inspection checklists, and drawings from the manufacturer according to Subsection 104.06. Construct minor concrete according to Section 601.
617.05Post Installation. Complete adjacent earthwork, aggregate placement and other roadway surfaces to line and grade as applicable before installation of guardrail posts. Do not damage adjacent pavement, subsurface utilities, or drainage features during post installation. Posts may be installed by either drilling or driving. Ensure posts installed by drilling have sufficiently sized holes to allow thorough compaction of backfill around each post. Backfill post holes in 6- inch lifts with approved material. Tamp and compact each lift. Replace posts damaged during driving operations. Install the posts plumb and at the location, spacing, and elevation as shown in the plans. If a post cannot be placed at its normal location due to a non- removable obstruction, an additional blockout may be added as approved. If the post cannot be offset with the addition of a blockout, the following options are allowed as approved: the post- in-rock detail, the long span detail, or the omission of a post as shown in the plans. Use post lengths shown in the plans. Do not change the post lengths or spacings in terminals or structure transitions. Treat field cuts for wood posts with two coats of preservative. Do not place field cuts in contact with the ground.
617.06Rail Element Installation. Do not modify specified hole diameters or slot dimensions.
(a)Steel rail. Shop bend curved guardrail with a radius of 150 feet or less. Install rail elements in a smooth continuous line with the laps in the direction of traffic flow. Use bolts that extend at least ¼ inch, but no more than 1 inch beyond the nuts. Coat scrapes on galvanized surfaces that expose the base metal with two coats of zinc- oxide coating material.
(b)Steel -backed timber and log rail. Treat field cuts with two coats of preservative.
617.07Terminal Systems, Anchorage Systems, and Structure Transitions. Do not connect the guardrail to cast- in-place anchors until the concrete has cured 7 days. Install end anchor cables without slack.
617.08Guardrail Construction Exposed to Traffic. If a roadway is open to traffic during construction, complete guardrail installations within 5 days from the day the structure, pavement, shoulder, or whichever is the controlling item of work is sufficiently completed to allow guardrail installation. In areas where guard rail construction is not restricted by other construction, complete removal of existing guardrail and construct new guardrail within 48 hours of starting work. Delineate unfinished sections of guardrail installation or follow an approved method of protecti ng traffic from the unfinished guardrail elements. Schedule guardrail installation so work is finished before work suspension or other extended periods of time.
617.09Removing and Resetting Guardrail. Salvage the existing rail elements, posts, and appurt enances according to Subsection 203.04. Do not salvage posts that are set in concrete. Remove and d ispose of material not used in resetting guardrail according to Subsection s 203.05 and 203.07. Backfill holes resulting from the removal of guardrail posts and anchors with approved material. Reset guardrail to the height shown in the plans. Replace guardrail, posts, and hardware damaged during removal, storage, or resetting.
617.10Raising Guardrail. Salvage the existing rail elements and appurtenances according to Subsection 203.04. Dispose of damaged material according to Subsection 203.07. Replace or reset posts as needed . Backfill holes resulting from the removal or raising of guardrail posts and anchors with approved material. Raise guardrail to the height shown in the plans. Replace rail elements, posts, and hardware damaged during the removal and raising.
617.11Acceptance. Material for guardrail will be evaluated under Subsections 106.02 and 106.03. Construction of guardrail will be evaluated under Subsections 106.02 and 106.04. Minor concrete will be evaluated under Section 601.
Measurement
617.12Measure the Section 617 pay items listed in the bid schedule according to Subsection 109.02 and the following as applicable: Measure removing and resetting guardrail and raising guardrail including reset terminal sections. Measure replacement posts (except replacement posts for posts damaged by construction operations) used in raising guar drail or removing and resetting guardrail.
Payment
617.13The accepted quantities will be paid at the contract price per unit of measurement for the Section 617 pay items listed in the bid schedule. Payment will be full co mpensation for the work prescribed in this Section. See Subsection 109.05 .