Development of MASH TL-3 transition between guardrail and portable concrete barriers.
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2014-06-01
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Abstract:Often, road construction causes the need to create a work zone. In these scenarios, portable concrete barriers (PCBs)
are typically installed to shield workers and equipment from errant vehicles as well as prevent motorists from striking other
roadside hazards. For an existing W-beam guardrail system installed adjacent to the roadway and near the work zone,
guardrail sections are removed in order to place the portable concrete barrier system. The focus of this research study was to
develop a proper stiffness transition between W-beam guardrail and portable concrete barrier systems. This research effort
was accomplished through development and refinement of design concepts using computer simulation with LS-DYNA.
Several design concepts were simulated, and design metrics were used to evaluate and refine each concept. These
concepts were then analyzed and ranked based on feasibility, likelihood of success, and ease of installation. The rankings
were presented to the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for selection of a preferred design alternative. Next, a Critical
Impact Point (CIP) study was conducted, while additional analyses were performed to determine the critical attachment
location and a reduced installation length for the portable concrete barriers. Finally, an additional simulation effort was
conducted in order to evaluate the safety performance of the transition system under reverse-direction impact scenarios as
well as to select the CIP.
Recommendations were also provided for conducting a Phase II study and evaluating the nested MGS configuration
using three Test Level 3 (TL-3) full-scale crash tests according to the criteria provided in the Manual for Assessing Safety
Hardware, as published by the American Association of Safety Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).
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