00469200

Component

http://onlinepubs.trb.org...trr/1987/1133/1133-006.pdf

https://scholar.google.co...Ross&publication_year=1987

The design of W-beam guardrail was analyzed with the GUARD computer program to determine the feasibility of reducing guardrail costs without sacrificing barrier performance. Fifteen full-scale crash tests were simulated to validate the GUARD program for use with W-beam guardrails. Simulated crash tests involved full-size and mini-size sedans, small and large pickups, and a full-size van. The GUARD program was found to adequately simulate vehicle motions and predict wheel snag. Alternative barrier designs were then evaluated through GUARD simulation. Design variables included post spacing, post strength, rail height, and blockout depth. These simulations indicated that a W-beam guardrail with 8.33-ft post spacings and 10-in. blockouts could perform as well as or better than existing W-beam barrier designs.

Publication of this paper sponsored by Committee on Safety Appurtenances. 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

00610219

pp 42-50

1987

Transportation Research Record

0-309-04512-6

Print

Figures (17) ; References (7) ; Tables (5)

Alternatives analysis; Computer programs; Costs; Crash tests; Crashes; Feasibility analysis; Forecasting; Guardrails; Height; Performance; Performance evaluations; Posts; Reduction (Chemistry); Simulation; Spacing; Strength of materials; Structural design; Testing; Validation

Blockout depth; W beams

Design; Finance; Highways; Research; Safety and Human Factors; I85: Safety Devices used in Transport Infrastructure

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Jun 30 1988 12:00AM

• AN ANALYSIS OF THE RISK OF OCCUPANT INJURY IN SECOND COLLISIONS
• CRASH TEST EVALUATION OF THE VEHICLE-ATTENUATING TERMINAL (V-A-T)
• DEVELOPMENT OF AN ECONOMIC MODEL TO COMPARE MEDIAN BARRIER COSTS
• GUARDRAIL-BRIDGE RAIL TRANSITION EVALUATIONS
• THE DESIGN OF INDEPENDENT ANCHOR BLOCKS FOR VEHICULAR-IMPACT LOADINGS
• W-BEAM APPROACH TREATMENT AT BRIDGE RAIL ENDS NEAR INTERSECTING ROADWAYS