Chapter 6 - Cross Section Elements

6.7. Barriers

6.7.3. End Treatments

All blunt approach ends of barriers should be protected in one of the following methods: 

• Guardrail transition with a Type 12 anchorage – the Type 12 is a gating or non gating guardrail terminal. This end treatment requires a wider shoulder than the guardrail it is attaching to, so the designer must ensure that additional shoulder width is included for the Type 12 treatment.
• Energy absorption end treatment - attenuators must be installed in accordance to the manufacturer’s recommendations. In general, attenuators should not be placed on a raised median. The median must be tapered so a stray vehicle impacts the barrier without being vaulted by the curb.
• Flared beyond the clear zone – see GDOT Construction Details for flare rates.
• Temporary end treatments – should be used in work zones, where warranted.

Blunt ends are acceptable in urban areas where the blunt end is equal to or beyond the horizontal clearance specified in this Manual in Chapter 5. Roadside Safety and Horizontal Clearance. For this condition, it is desirable that the end be tapered with a 6:1 slope.

For additional information, refer to Chapter 5. Roadside Safety and Horizontal Clearance of this Manual; the AASHTO Roadside Design Guide, Chapter 8; and all applicable GDOT Construction Standards and Details.