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 as well as crash cushions. It is crucial to ensure it is 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 and Crash Cushion type found on the In-Service Performance Evaluation (ISPE) 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.
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). This course is available here. FDOT employees can access the course through Learning Curve by searching for TC3CN042 Guardrail Series Installation and Inspection.
- Inspector shall view the FDOT Guardrail Inspection Guide Instructions available here (link is forthcoming).
- Inspector shall complete the Guardrail Inspection Certification Test. FDOT employees can access the test through Learning Curve. The inspector must achieve a minimum passing score of 80%. (details to access the test are forthcoming)
- Inspectors shall renew their training every 5 years.
- The AASHTO computer-based training is available now. The other components of training and inspector certification are expected to be implemented in late summer 2025.
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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