Guardrail Pocket Failures
Guardrail Pocket Failures
(OP)
I've never been a big fan of the Guardrail embedment detail for exterior applications. This is in a normal climate (some freeze/thaw, but not excessive). It is hot-dipped galvanized railing that is about 5 or 6 years old, embedded 5" into concrete below and grouted. I don't have the specs on what grout was used, but clearly this isn't working...anyone had success on a retrofit without replacement?
I'm thinking about having them chip out the grout, clean the steel and replace with an epoxy grout that isn't as permeable, then put a rain cover type piece over that to shed water...I don't like that much either, but it could be a temporary bandaid

I'm thinking about having them chip out the grout, clean the steel and replace with an epoxy grout that isn't as permeable, then put a rain cover type piece over that to shed water...I don't like that much either, but it could be a temporary bandaid







RE: Guardrail Pocket Failures
RE: Guardrail Pocket Failures
Ron: a classic example of your post embedment type of installation.
Dik
RE: Guardrail Pocket Failures
RE: Guardrail Pocket Failures
RE: Guardrail Pocket Failures
A pipe that freezes from top to bottom across its diameter will radially expand uniformly along its length. In this case you can calculate the expansion pressure due to freezing.
RE: Guardrail Pocket Failures
RE: Guardrail Pocket Failures
Ron, have you seen any good ways to do this or retrofit? Again, I'm thinking they chip out the grout, go back with a less porous grout and then put some sort of rain cover to try to keep the water from getting in/around the rail. It would only be a bandaid though
RE: Guardrail Pocket Failures
Dik
RE: Guardrail Pocket Failures
Leaving them below grade created a bad situation.
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P.E. Metallurgy, Plymouth Tube
RE: Guardrail Pocket Failures
A better practice is to use a flush plate with embeds. You can weld to it later.
A side mounted plate for retaining walls is also good.
RE: Guardrail Pocket Failures
RE: Guardrail Pocket Failures
RE: Guardrail Pocket Failures
That's a decent amount of extra work, but those guardrails in the photos are only about 6-7 years old.
RE: Guardrail Pocket Failures
RE: Guardrail Pocket Failures
You can introduce a small 1/4" dia hole about 2" above the surface and can use this hole to fill the embedded part of the pipe with a flowable or non shrink grout. This will prevent water from freezing in the lower part and expanding. Have done that numerous times... same with exterior HSS columns... even if there is no chance for water to get in.
Dik