Abstract: In order to test the mechanical properties of the freeway guardrail's columns, including the old standard column, the new standard column and the updated column, an indoor static load test is designed. By comparing and analyzing the results of the test, the actual effect of the updating scheme is assessed. The single variable test on the parameters of the updating scheme is made, which shows the controlling factors of the column's force peak value in different stages. It is shown that the column updating scheme can improve the mechanical properties of the old columns, which would become even better than the new standard columns. To a certain extent, the mechanical properties of the old columns are controlled by the height of the concrete which is poured in the column. When the concrete height reaches the height of the ground, the updating influence of the concrete pouring height can be ignored.