Citation

Carney J, Alberson D, Bullard JD, Chatterjee S, Menges W. Transp. Res. Rec. 1999; 1690: 1-7.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.3141/1690-01

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The development and full-scale crash testing of a new, reusable, and essentially maintenance-free crash cushion designed to shield wide hazards are described. The energy-dissipating medium in this device is composed of high-molecular-weight, high-density polyethylene cylinders. This "smart" energy-dissipating thermoplastic is the same material used in the REACT family of narrow-hazard crash cushions and truck-mounted attenuators. It is self-restorative and reusable and possesses excellent energy-dissipation properties. The design process incorporated the results of impact testing with individual polyethylene cylinders, finite-element modeling, and a comprehensive full-scale crash testing program conducted in accordance with the guidelines of NCHRP Report 350. It is demonstrated that finite-element modeling is a cost-effective tool whose use can minimize the number of costly full-scale crash tests required to develop an effective impact attenuation device. This new, reusable, wide-hazard crash cushion satisfies all of the requirements of NCHRP Report 350 and has been accepted by FHWA for use in the National Highway System.