Citation

Polivka K, Faller R, Sicking D, Reid J, Rohde J, Holloway J, Kuipers B, Bielenberg B. Accid. Reconstr. J. 2008; 18(2): 49-61, 64.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Accident Reconstruction Journal)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Significant changes in the vehicle fleet over the past 10 years have led to changes in performance criteria for roadside safety hardware. In particular, replacement of the large sedan with a 3/4-ton pickup has caused reevaluation of much of the existing roadside safety hardware. One of the key questions in this reevaluation has been the performance of the W-beam guardrail. Several recent tests of W-beam guardrails have shown that successful capture and redirection of the 3/4-ton pickup vehicle is very sensitive to vehicle size, soil conditions, and post types. Unfortunately, these requirements do not appear to be satisfied by either standard W-beam rail systems nor the more costly 3-beam systems. In recognition of the potential for improving guardrail performance for high-center-of-gravity vehicles and the need to reestablish reasonable barrier height tolerances, the aims of this research project were to: examine the performance of W-beam guardrails and make necessary design changes; develop a guardrail-to-curb barrier combination that provides increased hydraulic capacity and placement farther in front of the rail face to reduce frequency of snow plow damage to guardrails; and 3) evaluate guardrail stiffening and determine appropriate guardrail placement guidelines for shielding rigid-hazards using full-, half-, and quarter-post spacing designs.