Citation

Bronstad ME, Kimball CE. Transp. Res. Rec. 1978; 693: 13-18.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1978, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In and around highway construction zones, delineation devices as well as barriers are used to control and restrict the flow of traffic. The need for positive containment barriers was recognized by the Federal Highway Administration. The Federal Highway Administration further recognized that the use of many temporary barrier devices was not based on documented performance. Accordingly, three temporary barriers were selected for crash test evaluation: (a) 250 x 250-mm (10 x 10-in) timber barrier, (b) W-beam-barrel barrier, and (c) type X curb. These barriers were subjected to controlled impacts with full-sized 2040-kg (4500-lb) automobiles impacting at angles from 7 deg to 16 deg at speeds from 56 km/n (35 mph) to 90 km/h (56 mph).

RESULTS indicate that the first and third barrier designs had minimal redirection-containment capacity, and performance was judged to be poor. The W-beam-barrel concept performed well during a 72-km/h (45-mph), 15 deg angle impact; however, the system was penetrated during a 93-km/h (57.6-mph), 16 deg angle impact.