Citation

Fortuniewicz JS, Bryden JE, Phillips RG. Transp. Res. Rec. 1983; 942: 31-36.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1983, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

An 8-ft version of New York's standard 20-ft portable barrier was evaluated through full-scale crash tests. The 8-ft barrier is both shorter and more portable than the standard concrete median. It employs the basic New Jersey shape and New York's pin-connected joints but is not connected to the pavement. Four full-scale crash tests were performed with 2,250- and 4,500-lb sedans at about 60 mph and 15- or 25-degree angles. Test results were generally good in terms of vehicle accelerations and occupant-vehicle impact velocities. Lateral barrier movement was similar to that experienced with the 20-ft barrier sections. Vehicle reactions were somewhat violent, especially in the 25-degree impacts, which demonstrates the severity of high-angle impacts with rigid barriers. Smooth barrier surface textures appear to be important for minimizing vehicle roll angles. Performance of 8-ft barriers appears comparable to that of the 20-ft lengths now in use.

Language: en

Keywords

HIGHWAY SYSTEMS; CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION - Precast; CONCRETE TESTING - Impact