Hydraulic Performance of Bridge Rails

This research program addresses issues associated with the hydraulic effects of bridge rails on floodwater levels upstream of bridge structures. The hydraulics of bridge rails and traffic barrier systems are not well understood, especially with regard to rail/barrier systems in series and the submergence of structures. The hydraulics of bridge rails is an important issue for the Texas Department of Transportation bridge rehabilitation projects with potentially significant cost implications. This research project is designed to address issues associated with the hydraulic performance of bridge rails and traffic barriers, and to provide guidance on how different rail/barrier systems can be included in floodplain hydraulics models.