Portable Concrete Traffic Barrier for Maintenance Operations

The objective of this project is to develop and test a portable barrier system for high-speed applications that can be easily transported and erected by Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) maintenance forces using readily available equipment such as a front-end loader. Consideration was given to factors such as segment length, segment weight, connection method, barrier constructability, and dynamic barrier deflection. A deflection constraint of 3 ft was imposed by the project panel. Based on the results of the testing and evaluation reported herein, the new precast, cross-bolt, F-shape concrete traffic barrier with 10-ft barrier segments is considered suitable for implementation on high-speed roadways. The cross-bolt connection system adapted for use in the new barrier helps limit dynamic deflection during an impact. When subjected to a crash test with an impact severity 15% greater than currently required in National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 350, the barrier deflected only 27 in. This is the lowest deflection of any free-standing, portable concrete barrier approved to NCHRP Report 350 requirements other than TxDOT's X-bolt barrier with 30-ft segments. The low deflection and ease of placement and repair make the barrier well suited for maintenance and work zone operations.

• Record URL:
  • http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-4692-1.pdf
• 
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Project Title: Development of Portable Concrete Traffic Barriers for Maintenance Operations.
• Corporate Authors:

  Texas Transportation Institute

  Texas A&M University System, 3135 TAMU
  College Station, TX  United States  77843-3135

  Texas Department of Transportation

  Research and Technology Implementation Office, P.O. Box 5080
  Austin, TX  United States  78763-5080

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Bligh, Roger P
  • Sheikh, Nauman M
  • Menges, Wanda L
  • Haug, Rebecca R
• Publication Date: 2005-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Edition: Technical Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 70p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Crash tests; Deflection; Temporary barriers; Work zone traffic control
• Identifier Terms: NCHRP Report 350
• Uncontrolled Terms: High speed roads
• Subject Areas: Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Operations and Traffic Management; Research; I60: Maintenance; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01011195
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA/TX-05/0-4692-1
• Contract Numbers: Project 0-4692
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Dec 30 2005 9:18AM