Bridge Rail Analysis and Crash Testing

The original objective of the proposed research study is to determine if PennDOT's Structure Mounted Guide Rail (SMR) Bridge Barrier meets the requirements of NCHRP Report 350 Test Level 3. Prior to performing the crash testing, nonlinear, dynamic, finite element modeling with LS-DYNA was performed on the bridge rail system. Results from this modeling effort allowed the team to examine a range of the barrier's performance characteristics, and enabled the research team to make reasonable assessments for improving the performance of the barrier during the actual crash testing. The research team performed parametric investigations that examined four parameters: the Post Strength, W-Beam Stiffness, Connection Bolt Strength and the Post Anchor Bolt Strength. From the modeling effort, the team proposed necessary recommendations for modifying the existing bridge rail to enhance the probability of a successful crash test. After review of the results from the LS-DYNA computer simulation, the research team implemented changes into the standard bridge rail design to improve the crash performance of the barrier system. After review of those modifications, the research team concluded that the probability of success for TL-3 was very high. As a result, the team decided to perform the crash test with respect to TL-4 requirements. A full-scale crash test installation was then constructed with the proposed changes. NCHRP Report 350 test designation 4-12 was performed on the modified PennDOT Structure Mounted Guide Rail Bridge Barrier. This test involved a 17,636 lb (8000 kg) single-unit truck impacting the critical impact point of the length of need at a speed of 500 mi/h (80 km/h) and an angle of 15 degrees. The details of the system, description of the crash test procedures and results, and assessment of the crash test are reported herein. According to the results of the full-scale crash test, the PennDOT Structure Mounted Guide Rail Bridge Barrier marginally passed the requirement for NCHRP Report 350 test designation 4-12.

• Corporate Authors:

  Texas Transportation Institute

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

  Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

  Bureau of Planning and Research
  400 North Street, 6th Floor
  Harrisburg, PA  United States  17120-0064

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Williams, William F
  • Alberson, Dean C
  • Menges, Wanda L
  • Haug, Rebecca R
• Publication Date: 2007-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: CD-ROM
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 60p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge railings; Highway safety; Impact tests; Simulation; Trucks
• Subject Areas: Highways; Motor Carriers; Safety and Human Factors; I82: Accidents and Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01088752
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-PA-2007-019 BRACT, 401301-2
• Contract Numbers: 430137
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Feb 25 2008 2:36PM