Bending of thrie beams?

[rsbmusicguy]

Hey guys - I am designing a bridge at a T-intersection and need to bend the guiderail in order to transition the guide rail to the bridge railing which requires turning the guide rail 90 degrees to protect the adjacent road from the embankment.

Bottom line is has anyone out there ever bent a thrie beam for a bridge transition? I would need a 20' radius if so.

Thanks!

 

[bridgebuster]

I’ve never personally bent a thrie beam but it should be possible, unless the internet is lying. I’m on my weekly 105 mile bus ride home and see a lot of curved W sections but no curved thrie beams. Google “curved thrie beam”. I found a catalog on the Ohio DOT site from a company named Gregory; they say they can bend to a 20’ radius, even less. I also came across a link to a report by Texas A&M about curved thrie beam but the report wouldn’t open; lousy cell reception.

 

[bridgebuster]

The Texas A&M report opened and I saw a sketch of a 10 ga thrie beam bent to a 16’ radius.

 

[rsbmusicguy]

Nice - I'll check it out and definitely consider it, thanks for the heads up!

RSB

 

[bridgebuster]

You’re welcome

 

[ACtrafficengr]

Your best bet would be to call a guide rail contractor in your area and make sure they can get it. Also, look for a specification in your state's book along the lines of "THRIE BEAM GUIDE RAILING (SHOP CURVED)." NYSDOT doesn't have one, even as a special spec.

Consider maintainability. Chances are this rail section will get hit sometime within the lifespan of the structure. If the owner won't be able to readily get replacement parts, you may want to consider a different rail type.

My glass has a v/c ratio of 0.5

Maybe the tyranny of Murphy is the penalty for hubris. -

http://xkcd.com/319/