01044934

Component

The crash performance of a popular guardrail and guardrail transition system used in Ohio was evaluated based on crash procedures outlined in NCHRP Report 350 for test level 3 (TL-3). Finite element analyses of the guardrail and transition system were performed using the LS-DYNA finite element software to simulate NCHRP Report 350 Test 3-10 and Test 3-11 impact scenarios. The results indicated that the original ODOT GR-2.2 guardrail would successfully meet all NCHRP Report 350 test level 3 safety criteria. There were some concerns about compatibility of the guardrail and the transition system. It was shown in the study that the performance of the system could be significantly improved with simple modifications to the guardrail. Based on the results of this study, the original guardrail design and several improved designs were accepted by the FHWA as NCHRP Report 350 TL-3 systems and may be used on the National Highway System at the state’s discretion.

01042056

07-1750

English

28p

2007

Transportation Research Board 86th Annual Meeting

CD-ROM

Figures (14) ; References (26) ; Tables (1)

Crash tests; Crashworthiness; Culverts; Design standards; Finite element method; Guardrails; Highway safety; Retrofitting; Simulation; Software; Stiffness; Test vehicles; Testing

Bridges and other structures; Highways; Research; Safety and Human Factors; I85: Safety Devices used in Transport Infrastructure

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2007 Paper #07-1750

BTRIS, TRIS, TRB

Feb 8 2007 6:25PM