Citation

Caldwell C. Accid. Reconstr. J. 2011; 21(2): 33-41.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Accident Reconstruction Journal)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article reports on a study undertaken to evaluate a newly-developed portable maintenance work-zone barrier (PMWB) that will shield maintenance personnel from errant vehicles entering work zones. The portable barrier can be moved forward along the highway without any downtime for disassembly and reassembly. Two full-scale crash tests were performed and evaluated in accordance with the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 350. Computer modeling was utilized with the intent of determining the crashworthiness of the PMWB during the design process. The Caltrans PMWB, commonly called the Balsi Beam, consists of a modified tractor truck and trailer with two telescoping box beams to create a positive workspace with a double beam barrier. The vehicles tested were a 1989 Geo Metro and a 1994 Chevy 2500 pickup truck. The authors conclude that the Balsi Beam should be approved for use in locations where appropriate, notably those conditions where traffic is running under 43 mph. The authors call for additional field-testing of the PMWB, focusing on deployment and handling. Additional testing also needs to determine whether a rear hit on a deployed system will collapse the system. Readers are referred to the f ull National Technical Information Service report (www.ntis.gov).