CRASH TESTS OF WORK ZONE TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES

Full-scale vehicle crash tests were used to evaluate performance of typical work zone traffic control devices. Modified test procedures and evaluation criteria from National Cooperative Highway Research Program Report 230 were used in 108 tests, providing significant insight into impact performance. Plastic drums used as channelizing devices, cones, tubes, and vertical panels performed well in most tests, presenting no hazards in terms of passenger compartment intrusion, interference with vehicle control, or threat to workers and other traffic from impact debris. Various nonstandard forms of ballast placed on top of or inside channelizing devices detracted from performance, and sometimes posed a severe threat to test vehicle occupants, workers, and other traffic. Similarly, impact debris formed in several tests on Type I and III barricades and portable signs and supports posed a threat, and was often thrown long distances through work zones. Warning lights attached to traffic control devices were also thrown free in a number of tests, and appeared to threaten workers and other traffic.

• Record URL:
  • http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1990/1254/1254-004.pdf
• Record URL:
  • https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=CRASH+TESTS+OF+WORK+ZONE+TRAFFIC+CONTROL+DEVICES&author=J.+Bryden&publication_year=1990
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0309050065
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper appears in Transportation Research Record No. 1254, Traffic Control Devices for Highways, Work Zones, and Railroad Grade Crossings 1990. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved
• Authors:
  • Bryden, James E
• Publication Date: 1990

Media Info

• Features: Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 26-35
• Monograph Title: Traffic control devices for highways, work zones, and railroad grade crossings 1990
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record
  • Issue Number: 1254
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Ballast (Railroads); Barricades; Cones; Crash tests; Crashes; Drums (Containers); Hazards; Panels; Performance evaluations; Portable equipment; Sign supports; Temporary barriers; Testing; Traffic control devices; Traffic signals; Tubing; Warning devices; Work zone traffic control
• Uncontrolled Terms: Ballast; Portable traffic signals
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Railroads; Research; Safety and Human Factors; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00497392
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0309050065
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Sep 30 1990 12:00AM