GSI Highway Products, Helping You Build a Safer Texas! GSI Highway Products: Fabricated Bridge Rails and Guardrail MBGF  
 
   
   
 
 

Midwest Guardrail System (MGS)

Asymmetrical W-beam to Thrie-beam Transition

 
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GSI Highway Products is a supplier of the MGS Thrie-Beam Transition allowing for the connection to most thrie-beam bridge transitions.

The MGS was developed to meet the anticipated update to NCHRP Report 350. It uses the same components as conventional guardrail, but is fully engineered to accommodate larger passenger type vehicles. It has been successfully tested at high rates of flares, with curbs, and over long spans. The research is being funded by the Midwest States Pooled Fund Program.
     
     

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An asymmetrical W-beam to thrie-beam transition has been developed for the MGS system allowing for the connection to most thrie-beam bridge transitions. This development represents the first asymmetrical W-beam to thrie-beam transition to meet the NCHRP Report 350 requirements.

MGS SystemClick for larger view

The Midwest Guardrail System (MGS) is a non-proprietary, modified W-beam guardrail system that was specifically designed for the high center of gravity vehicles found on today’s roadways.

The system is completely generic with no patented parts, meets the NCHRP Report 350 TL-3 requirements and uses standard W-beam with a higher rail mounting height, a shallower post embedment depth, deeper blockouts, and a modified post placement scheme as compared to previous guardrail systems which have often failed to perform adequately for the larger and higher vehicles.