Introduction
The mission of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is to provide a safe transportation system that ensures the mobility of people and goods. Guardrail is a critical safety asset and plays an important role in providing a safe transportation system. Effective guardrail systems, end treatments, crash cushions, and breakaway devices must be used to achieve the highest levels of highway safety.
In this guide, guardrail includes guardrail systems including approach terminal and trailing terminal (end treatments) as well as crash cushions and cable barrier. It is crucial to ensure these are installed and maintained properly.
Purpose
The purpose of this field inspection guide is to provide FDOT Inspectors with a guide to assist with identifying and inspecting each End Treatment, Crash Cushion and Cable Barrier type found on the Guardrail, End Treatment, Crash Cushion & Cable Barrier (GECC) Inspection App and Approved Product List (APL).
The guide will include, when available, drawings and plans, manufacture manuals, pictures, and checklists. These resources will be used during inspections to ensure they are functioning as intended.
GECC Training and Certification
FDOT has developed the following process for guardrail inspector certification.
- Inspector shall complete the AASHTO Technical Training Solutions Guardrail: Installation and Inspection (item code TC3CN042-17-T1). FDOT employees may access the course through Learning Curve by searching for TC3CN042 Guardrail Series Installation and Inspection. Non-FDOT employees are required to register and purchase the course through the AASHTO website, with applicable fees. This course is available here.
- Inspector shall complete the Guardrail Inspection Certification Test in Learning Curve. FDOT employees will need to submit a request for access to the test. Submit request (here). Non-FDOT employees may also access the test through Learning Curve, with a purchase of a sub-license for a minimal fee. A request for instructions to purchase and register may be submitted (here).The inspector must achieve a minimum passing score of 80%.
- Inspectors shall renew their training every 5 years.
Definitions
Important Forms
The file above is a generic checklist form for use with any device below that does not already have a manufacturer's checklist listed with it.
FDOT Resource Links
The user should select the edition of the Standard Plans, Standard Specifications, and Maintenance Special Provisions that apply to the guardrail under inspection
Guardrail Types: End Treatments, Crash Cushions, Cable Barriers (located under Crash Cushions)
Click on any category to expand list. Photo thumbnails
within lists can be opened for more detail.
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Cable Barrier documents provided for convenience and informational purposes. As-built shop drawings and design requirements may vary by location