Investigating the use of small-diameter softwood as guardrail posts : static test results /

Bibliographic Details
Corporate Authors:	Forest Products Laboratory (U.S.), Pacific Northwest Research Station (Portland, Or.)
Other Authors:	Kretschmann, David E.
Format:	Government Document eBook
Language:	English
Published:	Madison, WI : U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, [2007]
Series:	Research note FPL ; 640.
Subjects:	Roads > Guard fences > Testing. Wood poles > Testing.
Online Access:	https://purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/LPS102120

Description
Abstract:	Round guardrail posts may provide an important value-added option for small-diameter thinnings. Such posts require minimum processing and have been shown to have higher strength compared to the equivalent rectangular volume. The resulting value-added product may bring a higher return compared to lumber. The obstacles to immediate utilization of ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir guardrail posts are the need for full-scale crash testing, a visual grading rule, and an installation guide. This paper reports on the static and dynamic tests performed at the USDA Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, Wisconsin, and the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility in Lincoln, Nebraska, to determine material properties for designing a new Midwest Guardrail System for round wood posts. Grading practices are recommended for round ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and southern yellow pine guardrail posts for the new Midwest Guardrail System.
Item Description:	Title from title screen (viewed on Sept. 12, 2008). "July 2007." Electronic resource.
Physical Description:	23 pages : digital, PDF file. Also issued in print.
Format:	Mode of access: Internet via the USDA Forest Service web site. Address as of 09/12/08: http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplrp/fpl%5frp640.pdf ; current access available via PURL.
Bibliography:	Includes bibliographical references.