Reconstruction Techniques for Energy-Absorbing Guardrail End Terminals
This article examines (1) the identification of the numerous types of energy-absorbing guardrail end terminals and (2) a crash reconstruction technique that is developed for determining the initial velocity of a vehicle impacting a guardrail end terminal based upon conservation of momentum and conservation of energy. Care must, however, be taken when comparing full-scale crash tests, which occur on ideally installed end terminals under optimal conditions, to real-world crashes. The physics concepts of conservation of momentum and conservation of energy were used to develop the crash reconstruction technique. Through increased knowledge of the different types of guardrail terminals and being able to reconstruct real-world crashes, those working in highway planning, designing, and maintenance will have much more data than is currently available to devise better methods of reducing roadside crashes.
- Record URL:
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Availability:
- Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00014575
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Authors:
- Coon, Brian A
- Reid, John D
- Publication Date: 2006-1
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Print
- Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
- Pagination: pp 1-13
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Serial:
- Accident Analysis & Prevention
- Volume: 38
- Issue Number: 1
- Publisher: Elsevier
- ISSN: 0001-4575
- Serial URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/00014575
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Conservation of mass and energy; Conservation of momentum; Crash reconstruction; Crash tests; Crashes; Energy absorbing materials; Guardrail terminals; Highway safety; Velocity measurement
- Subject Areas: Highways; Research; Safety and Human Factors; I85: Safety Devices used in Transport Infrastructure;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01013434
- Record Type: Publication
- Files: TRIS, ATRI
- Created Date: Dec 22 2005 10:30AM