Salvaged and/or re-galvanized guardrail on construction projects
Florida allows the use of salvaged and/or re-galvanized guardrail in lieu of new guardrail.
Under what circumstances will the state agency authorize its use? – FDOT Design Standards allow the use of recycled beams. Design Standard Index 400, Sheet 1 of 31, Note #15 states the following: “Recycled beams: Used Class A guardrail beams that have been refurbished to condition new (AASHTO M180) may be used for both construction of new guardrail and maintenance of existing guardrail. Refurbishing shall include stripping of the existing galvanizing, restoration of the base metal in section and straightness free of warp and deformation, and regalvanizing to AASHTO Type II specifications. Refurbished beams that retain ruptured holes, gashes or tears will not be accepted.” The FDOT Design Standards can be accessed by using the following link: https://www.fdot.gov/roadway/DS/18/STDs.shtm
How does the state agency verify and certify that the salvaged and/or re-galvanized guardrail meets state specifications? – FDOT specifications require a certification of materials from the manufacturer and a Certificate of Compliance with the FDOT Design Standards and Specifications from the contractor. Guardrail is Section 536 of FDOT Specifications. The FDOT Specifications can be accessed by using the following link: https://www.fdot.gov/programmanagement/implemented/specbooks/january2018/january2018bk.shtm
How long has the state agency allowed the use of salvaged and/or re-galvanized guardrail? – This note allowing recycled beams has been in FDOT Design Standards since 1995.
How is salvaged and/or re-galvanized guardrail bid in a project? – There is no separate pay item for salvaged and/or re-galvanized guardrail. The contractor can elect to use it as long as it meets the requirements stated above and provides the certifications.
How is it documented that using salvaged and/or re-galvanized guardrail will result in significant savings? FDOT does not document the use of salvaged and/or re-galvanized guardrail.
State/Agency: Florida
Topics: Guardrails