United States Department of Transportation
i
Recommendations for placement of cable median barriers on 6:1 and 4:1 sloped medians with horizontal curvatures.
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2012-09-01
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[PDF-5.53 MB]
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Edition:Final report.
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Abstract:This report summarizes the research efforts of using finite element modeling and simulations to evaluate the performance of generic lowtension
cable median barriers (CMBs) on four-lane and six-lane freeways with a 46-foot median, horizontal curvature, and 6:1 and 4:1
median slopes. A literature review is included on the performance evaluation of CMBs and applications of finite element modeling and
simulations in roadside safety research. The modeling and simulation work is presented on a CMB with vehicular impacts of a 1996
Dodge Neon and a 2006 Ford F250 at 62.1 mph (100 km/hr). The placement of CMB at 4, 6, and 8 ft (1.22, 1.83, and 2.44 m) from the
median centerline was evaluated under vehicular impacts at three departure angles (20 , 25, and 30).
The simulation results show that the current NCDOT CMB meets the Test Level 3 (TL-3) requirements of MASH when placed at 4 ft
(1.22 m) from the median centerline on the 6:1 slope of a four-lane freeway. The backside impacts to the CMB placed at 8 ft (2.44 m)
from the median centerline on the 6:1 slope of a four-lane freeway only partially engages the vehicle, which allows the vehicle to enter
the opposing travel lane before being redirected or stopped.
Compared to the CMB on a four-lane freeway, the CMB placement at 8 ft (2.44 m) from the median centerline on a six-lane freeway has
reduced performance in both the front-side and backside impacts by the Ford F250 for TL-3 requirements of MASH. For the tested
impacts with a Dodge Neon, the CMB on the 6:1 slope of the six-lane freeway has similar performance to that of a four-lane freeway on
the 6:1 slope.
Based on the simulation results, placing the CMB at 6 ft (1.83 m) from the median centerline on a 4:1 slope of a six-lane freeway is not
recommended.
The use of finite element simulations in this project is shown to be both effective and efficient and thus recommended for future
investigations of other research topics.
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