Citation

Labra JJ, Rudd J, Ravenscroft J. Transp. Res. Rec. 1976; 566: 1-12.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1976, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Because of the relatively high center of gravity of most heavy vehicles, the possibility of rollover vaulting is always present when a heavy vehicle collides with a median or bridge barrier. There have been various investigations made on vehicle-barrier response using simulation models that are either too simplified or extremely costly to run. The algorithm developed in this paper incorporated a comprehensive, three-dimensional model of the vehicle- barrier interaction and is very inexpensive to operate. In this algorithm, the vehicle-barrier interaction is assumed to take place in three phases: (a) the initial impulsive impact with the barrier; (b) a continuous, nonimpulsive translational and angular motion during redirection; and (c) a second impulsive impact when the rear of the vehicle swings around and strikes the barrier. The algorithm enables the user to monitor all the important vehicle dynamic parameters, including the angular orientation of the vehicle during redirection and the magnitude of the initial impulsive impact forces between vehicle and barrier. The program is applied to investigate the vaulting potential of passenger and heavy vehicles with various barriers at speeds and impact angles covering the expect range.