Pedestrian Bridge Railing

[jlong123]

Im trying to figure out whether or not I need to design a pedestrian bridge railing for vehicle impact. Its a wooden bridge, 8 feet wide so I know that I need to design it for H5 loading, pedestrians and bicycles. However the only vehicle traffic that will really be on the bridge are maintenance vehicles/golf carts (its located in a cemetary). A combination railing as defined by AASHTO seems like its more for a separation of street/sidewalk applications. Any advice?

 

[bridgebuster]

I don't see the need for applying impact. At 8' wide a driver is not going to travel over the bridge at any significant speed.

ONe thought if you're concerned about liability: Look at your state DOT standards and then select a railing that meets TL-2 criteria.

 

[jlong123]

I agree bridgebuster, I don't think its necessary to design for impact, I just couldn't find anywhere in the code that was definitive on that. I'll check our local DOT standard.

Thank you.

 

[bridgebuster]

you're welcome