W-BEAM GUIDERAIL TRANSITION FROM LIGHT TO HEAVY POSTS

Two full-scale crash tests evaluated a transition between light- and heavy-post W-beam guiderail. The transition consisted of lowering the rail height from 30 to 27 inches and reducing the spacing of the light posts as the heavy-post section is approached. The crash-test impacts were just upstream of the heavy-post section using 1,800- and 4,500-pound sedans. Test results were generally acceptable in terms of National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) criteria. Although the exit trajectory of the 4,500-pound sedan exceeded the recommended threshold limits, the vehicle was not judged to present a significant threat to other vehicles.

Media Info

  • Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: p. 55-61
  • Monograph Title: Roadside safety features
  • Serial:

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00490177
  • Record Type: Publication
  • ISBN: 0309047722
  • Files: TRIS, TRB
  • Created Date: Dec 31 1989 12:00AM