CRASH TEST EVALUATION OF THRIE BEAM TRAFFIC BARRIERS

Since its general nationwide adoption, the standard W-beam or flex-beam has been widely used as a traffic barrier element, its performance has been proved in crash tests and field use. However, the mounting height of the W-beam has been shown to be critical in tests as well as in field installations. Background information in the conception and development of a configuration known as the Thrie beam is presented in this paper along with findings of a crash test series (five test) on this new barrier element. Basically, the Thrie beam can be described as a triple corrugated beam as compared to a double corrugated W-beam. It is 1-1/2 times the width of the W-beam, however, the corrugation geometry, especially the 3-1/4 inch (83 mm) depth, are similar. The crash test series was conducted on blocked-out steel post median barrier and guardrail systems. Test conditions included 4,500 to 2,200-lbs. (2.0 to 1.0 mg) vehicles with speeds ranging 54 to 67 mph (87 to 108 Km/h) and impact angles ranging from 16 to 29 degrees. /FHWA/

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Study sponsored by FHWA.
• Corporate Authors:

  Southwest Research Institute

  6220 Culebra Road, P.O. Drawer 28510
  San Antonio, TX  United States  78228-0510
• Authors:
  • Bronstad, M E
  • Michie, J D
  • Behm, W E
  • Viner, J G
• Publication Date: 1975-1

Media Info

• Pagination: 13 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Barriers (Roads); Corrugating; Crash tests; Crashes; Geometry; Guardrails; Median barriers; Shape; Testing
• Uncontrolled Terms: Barriers; Configuration
• Subject Areas: Highways; Research; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00130607
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Federal Highway Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-RD-75-509 Intrm Rpt.
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Mar 29 1976 12:00AM