guardrails

Guardrails are safety barriers designed to contain, redirect, or reduce the severity of impacts with people or vehicles. They are used in transportation infrastructure, industrial settings, and architectural applications. In roadway contexts, guardrails are intended to keep vehicles from leaving the roadway, absorb and dissipate some impact energy, and direct the vehicle back onto the roadway or away from a hazardous area. They are typically metal or concrete barriers anchored to posts or foundations and may include energy-absorbing components and specialized end treatments to minimize penetration or snagging.

Roadway guardrail types include W-beam and thrie-beam metal rails, concrete barrier variants such as Jersey barriers, and in some locations cable or flexible barrier systems. Installation follows standards that specify post spacing, rail strength, and impact energy that can be safely absorbed. End treatments and transitions are important to reduce crash severity where roads meet ramps or curves. In many regions, performance is guided by authorities such as AASHTO in the United States or EN 1317 in Europe.

In industrial and architectural settings, guardrails deter falls from elevated work areas, mezzanines, and stair platforms. They typically consist of a top rail, a mid-rail or infill, and vertical posts, and are designed to meet height, load, and opening requirements to prevent falls while allowing passage and visibility.

Proper maintenance is essential: inspect for damaged rails, loose posts, or bent components; replace or repair as needed. Guardrails should be installed with appropriate clearance, corrosion protection, and compatibility with nearby hazards, equipment, and accessibility requirements.