Citation

Marzougui D, Eskandarian A, Meczkowski L. Int. J. Crashworthiness 1999; 4(1): 7-16.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Improvement in computer hardware and Finite Element (FE) software have made it possible to simulate complex phenomenon such as the behaviour of automobiles and roadside hardware during crashes. In this paper, the performance of a modified 3'X3' slibase sign support system is evaluated using Finite Element simulations. The first task of the study consisted of developing an accurate finite element model of the new 3'X3' slipbase. This is achieved by using full-scale tests that were conducted on an 8'X8' slipbase at 32 and 96 km/hr (20 and 60 mph) to validate an 8'X8' slipbase FE model. Once an accurak model of the 8'X8' slibase is obtained, the exact modelling techniques used in developing this slipbase are used to construct a FE model of the 3'X3' slipbase. The second task of this study involved using the 3'X3' slipbase model to predict its behaviour in a 32 and 96 km/hr (20 and 60 mph) impacts. The predictions showed that modified 3'X3' slipbase passes the NCHRP 350 safety Criteria. These predictions were compared to full-scale tests that were conducted subsequent to the simulations. It was found that the FE model accurately predicted the full-scale test results. The final task of this study consisted of coducting a parametric FE analysis to determine the maximum clamping force that can be applied to the 3'X3' slipbase without causing it to fail the NCHRP 350 safety criteria The computer simulation parametric study revealed that the bolts can be clamped up to their yielding point and the slipbase will still pass the safety criteria of acceptable vehicle velocity change.