LS-DYNA, a finite element (FE) analysis software were used to build the FE model of w-beam guardrail whose posts were columniform. The materials of beam and post were both steel, bolts were used to connect beams and posts. Based on the model, two factors, friction and the connection between beams and posts, which had effect on the protective performance of guardrail, had been studied. As a result, lowering the friction or changing the critical disable load of bolt can improve the protective performance of g...