SIMPLIFIED TESTING OF TRAFFIC BARRIER SYSTEMS (PHASE 1)

A simplified impact test configuration was developed to provide a preliminary, economical means of assessing prototype traffic barriers before proceeding to full-scale federal testing. Specifically, the test was configured to assess the federal criteria for structural adequacy of highway safety features. In general, the test configuration utilized a wheeled surrogate test vehicle of similar weight to a production vehicle, mounted by rail to a 110-foot long, steep hydraulic flume. The barrier system targeted for assessment was portable barriers consisting of hollow plastic shells that used dead weight fill of water or sand. Representing a relatively new concept for temporary barrier applications that has been developed largely by small proprietors, few of these systems have been tested according to federal standards, such that public safety would stand to benefit significantly from the availability of a more economical test. Two impact tests were conducted on a plastic, water-filled portable longitudinal barrier system. While limitations of the test configuration prevented a detailed evaluation of the specimen according to federal standards, the tests were successful in providing an initial understanding of the system's performance. Lessons were drawn from the tests for application to future improvements of the test configuration.

• Record URL:
  https://www.ugpti.org/resources/reports/details.php?id=463
• 
• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/34081
• Corporate Authors:

  Colorado State University, Fort Collins

  Engineering Research Center
  Fort Collins, CO  United States  80523
• Authors:
  • Gutkowski, R M
  • Winkler, D J
• Publication Date: 2003-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 70 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Barriers (Roads); Crash tests; Highway safety; Performance; Plastics; Portable equipment; Structural tests; Test vehicles
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Research; Safety and Human Factors; I82: Accidents and Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00964106
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: MPC Report No. 03-143
• Files: UTC, NTL, TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 3 2003 12:00AM