United States Department of Transportation
i
Determination of the maximum MGS mounting height : phase I crash testing.
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2012-03-09
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[PDF-41.05 MB]
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Edition:Final reportt; 2010-2012.
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Abstract:Post-and-rail guardrail systems encounter environmental conditions, such as severe frost heave or erosion, which
may drastically affect the post embedment depth and rail mounting height. In addition, guardrail systems may be designed
to accommodate future roadway surface overlays. As these scenarios arise, it becomes evident that the rail mounting height
tolerances for post-and-rail systems need to be evaluated. Over the years, the recommended minimum top rail mounting
height for the MGS was established as 27¾ in. (705 mm) based on crash testing with pickup trucks at 25-degree angles and
according to the NCHRP Report No. 350 and MASH safety standards. However, no maximum height has been set.
The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the potential for increasing the maximum rail mounting height
of the MGS. The research study included two full-scale crash tests with Kia Rio passenger cars, each weighing
approximately 2,425 lb (1,100 kg). The first system utilized a 34-in. (864-mm) top rail mounting height and a line post
embedment depth of 37 in. (940 mm). The second system utilized a 36-in. (914-mm) top rail mounting height with a line
post embedment depth of 35 in. (889 mm). Following the success of the full-scale crash test program, both system heights
were found to satisfy MASH TL-3 evaluation criteria for test no. 3-10. Evaluation of these rail heights under pickup truck
impacts (test no. 3-11) is necessary before these taller systems can be deemed crashworthy according to MASH.
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