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Title:

Dynamics of Highway Guardrails: Laboratory Experiments (II)

Accession Number:

01842743

Record Type:

Component

Abstract:

This is the third report in a series dealing with small-scale model experiments on the effect of vehicle impact against guardrails. The variables include vehicle impact speed and direction, impact location, initial static tension in the cable, post spacing, and coefficient of sliding friction between wheels and ground. Additional variables introduced into this phase of the investigation include yielding of the post foundations, yielding of the end anchorage, use of a "tension spring" in series with the cable, and use of elastic supports between the cable and the posts. Among the recorded quantities are maximum dynamic cable tension, speed and direction of the vehicle after impact, and post displacement. A correlation has been made between the kinetic energy lost by the vehicle as a result of the impact, and the work done by the frictional forces, by the displacement of the posts, and by the displacement of the end anchorage. A limited investigation of beam-type guardrails has been included. All of the results are presented in terms of full-scale values. General conclusions have been drawn.

Supplemental Notes:

Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.

Language:

English

Authors:

Ayre, Robert S
Hilger, Milton A

Pagination:

14p

Publication Date:

1956

Serial:

Highway Research Board Proceedings

Issue Number: 35
Publisher: Highway Research Board

Media Type:

Digital/other

Features:

Figures; Photos; References; Tables

Subject Areas:

Design; Highways; Safety and Human Factors

Files:

TRIS, TRB

Created Date:

Apr 12 2022 11:03AM