PORTABLE CONCRETE MEDIAN BARRIERS: STRUCTURAL DESIGN AND DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE

Types of portable concrete median barriers (CMBs) in use in the United States are described primarily in terms of structural details and the load-bearing characteristics of their end connections. Twelve end-connection designs are analyzed to produce estimates of their resistance to loads in four test conditions: simple tension, shear, yaw moment, and torsion. Rotational connection slack is estimated from the geometric properties of the different end connections. Nine crash tests conducted by four research agencies are examined. These tests cover a range of barrier lengths from 3.81 to 9.14 m (12.5-30 ft) and a range of connection details that vary from low to significant load capacity. The crash tests vary in intensity from a 7 deg test at 104.6 km/h (65 miles/h) to a 25 deg test at 99.8 km/h (62 miles/h). Analysis of these tests yields specific conclusions on the performance of CMBs. An energy analysis of portable CMBs during vehicle impacts is presented. Estimates of barrier deflection derived from this analysis check closely with deflections observed during crash tests. A parametric study of the influence of various barrier characteristics, including barrier length and mass, connection slack and strength, and support media static and sliding friction, is also presented. Based on this analysis, portable CMBs can now be designed to provide specific performance characteristics. (Authors)

• Record URL:
  http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1980/769/769-004.pdf
• Record URL:
  https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=PORTABLE+CONCRETE+MEDIAN+BARRIERS%3A+STRUCTURAL+DESIGN+AND+DYNAMIC+PERFORMANCE&author=D.+Ivey&author=H.+Ross&author=T.+Hirsch&author=C.+Buth&author=R.+Olson&publication_year=1980
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/03611981
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper appeared in Transportation Research Record No. 769, Roadside Hazards, Traffic Barriers, and Safety Appurtenances. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved
• Authors:
  • Ivey, Don L
  • Ross, Hayes E
  • Hirsch, Teddy J
  • Buth, C Eugene
  • Olson, Robert M
• Conference:
  • 59th Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board
  • Location: Washington District of Columbia, United States
  • Date: 1980-1-21 to 1980-1-25
• Publication Date: 1980

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 20-30
• Monograph Title: Roadside hazards, traffic barriers, and safety appurtenances
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record
  • Issue Number: 769
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Barricades; Concrete structures; Crash tests; Deflection; Median barriers; Performance; Portable equipment; Shear strength; Structural design; Temporary barriers; Tension; Torsion; Yaw
• Subject Areas: Construction; Highways; Research; Safety and Human Factors; I85: Safety Devices used in Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00331273
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0309031133
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Oct 28 1981 12:00AM