Institute for Transportation

This report presents the current state of the knowledge with respect to service requirements for bridge rail systems. It should be of special interest and use to design engineers, safety engineers, and others concerned with effective bridge rail systems. The researchers performed a thorough literature search of the subject and conducted detailed interviews with representatives of highway departments of nine states as a basis for compiling a list of service requirements and formulating specific recommendations for revision of sections of the AASHO Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges. Suggestions are also made for the additional research necessary to permit the complete development of design criteria for bridge rail systems.