Section 8: Rail Damage Due to Vehicular Impact
Anchor: #i1010995Description
Traffic rails frequently sustain damage from vehicular impact, often resulting in reduced structural capacity. It is imperative to implement repairs to railing that restore capacity, in the event that the same section of rail is impacted again.
Many rail types include steel components mounted to concrete parapets. Although this manual addresses concrete repairs, damage to steel elements must also be considered when rail damage is assessed and repaired.
Anchor: #i1011055Assessment
Damage to railing can be categorized as minor, intermediate, or major. Damage should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Minor rail damage is defined as spalling or cracking that does not extend beyond the outer reinforcing steel cage, with no loss in structural capacity, and that covers an area of less than 12 square inches. Additionally, there is no deformation of any steel components.
Intermediate damage extends beyond the outer cage of reinforcement but based on the Engineer’s assessment hasn’t significantly reduced rail capacity. The maximum depth of an intermediate spall is 6 inches.
Major rail damage occurs from any impact that necessitates restoration of structural capacity. Damage is typically greater than 6 inches deep and results in plastic deformation of reinforcing steel, anchor bolts, or other steel elements.
The Engineer may evaluate slight deformations in steel elements or reinforcement to determine whether they can be reused.
Deformations in galvanized steel can severely limit its long-term viability in preventing corrosion; therefore, damaged galvanized elements should typically be replaced rather than repaired or touched-up. In no case should damaged anchor bolts be reused.
Anchor: #i1011309Repair Procedure
Minor rail damage: Repair spalls in accordance with Section 1 (epoxy mortar) or Section 2 (proprietary, bagged concrete repair materials) of Chapter 3 in this manual. Seal cracks in accordance with Section 6 (gravity-fed sealant) or Section 7 (surface seal) of Chapter 3. Touch up any scrapes or other minor damage to steel elements in accordance with standard District maintenance practices. If any galvanized elements are impacted, then the Engineer should evaluate to determine appropriate repair procedures, such as touch-up using zinc-rich paint or other process. See Item 445, “Galvanizing” and the Department Material Producer List for Galvanizing Repair Paints for more information.
Intermediate rail damage: Repair spalls in accordance with Section 2 (proprietary, bagged concrete repair materials) or Section 3 (batched concrete) of Chapter 3. Ensure there is a mechanical bond by completely excavating around exposed reinforcing steel.
Major rail damage: When damage is severe enough to reduce the structural capacity of a rail, the best option for full restoration is to remove the rail to the level of the concrete deck and retrofit in accordance with the TxDOT Bridge Standards Retrofit Guide for concrete rails or curbed structures. All damaged components should be replaced or supplemented, and structural class batched concrete should be used to cast the new section of concrete railing.
If the Engineer determines that major rail damage can be repaired rather than retrofitted to sufficiently restore capacity, perform work in accordance with Standard Specification Item 778, “Concrete Rail Repair.” When feasible, utilize batched concrete rather than proprietary, bagged material to repair the damaged rail.
Installation of new anchors and reinforcement is critical to ensuring adequate capacity of the concrete railing and steel-mounted components. When using an adhesive to anchor steel bars, install in accordance with Standard Specification Item 450, “Railing.” Note that anchorage testing of installed adhesive anchorages may be required as directed by the Engineer.