PERFORATED TENSION FUSE PLATE FOR BREAKAWAY ROADSIDE SIGNS. FINAL REPORT

One of the objectives of this research study was to improve the design details of breakaway roadside signs in order to reduce their maintenance cost. During the past few years district maintenance engineers have reported large numbers of breakaway signs flopping or falling over in windstorms or just after a long period of service. In most cases the bolted, slotted friction fuse plate became loose and gave way. The friction fuse plate was modified to make it a perforated tension fuse plate. The new tension fuse plate does not rely on bolt pretension and friction to resist wind loads. The critical section of the fuse plate is perforated with four drilled holes to weaken it to break in tension when an errant vehicle impacts the sign. Laboratory static tests were conducted to develop the design, and a full-scale vehicle crash test was conducted to verify it. (Author)

• Record URL:
  • https://library.ctr.utexas.edu/hostedpdfs/tti/343-3F.pdf
• Record URL:
  • https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/85178
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Research performed in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration Research Study Title: Improved Design of Light Poles, Guardrails, and Other Appurtenances.
• Corporate Authors:

  Texas Transportation Institute

  Texas A&M University System, 1600 E Lamar Boulevard
  Arlington, TX  United States  76011

  Texas State Department of Highways & Public Transportation

  Transportation Planning Division, P.O. Box 5051
  Austin, TX  United States  78763

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Hirsch, T J
  • Fairbanks, W L
  • Arnold, A
• Publication Date: 1984-10

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 73 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aerodynamic force; Breakaway supports; Plate metal; Static tests; Traffic signs; Wind
• Uncontrolled Terms: Wind load
• Old TRIS Terms: Resistance
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00399303
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-TX-85-43+343-3F
• Contract Numbers: Study 8209-8410
• Files: NTL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Feb 28 1986 12:00AM