Performance Evaluation of 29-Inch and 31-Inch W-Beam Guardrails on Six-Lane, 46-Foot Median Divided Freeways
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2015-02-18
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Edition:Final report, 08/16/2013 - 11/30/2015
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Abstract:This report summarizes the research efforts of using finite element modeling and simulations to evaluate the performance of single-faced and double-faced NCDOT W-beam guardrails for different heights under MASH Test Level 3 (TL-3) impact conditions. A literature review is included on performance evaluation of W-beam guardrails as well as applications of finite element modeling and simulations in roadside safety research. The modeling and simulation work was conducted on fourteen single-faced and double-faced NCDOT W-beam guardrails (with placement heights of 29 and 31 inches) placed along a six-lane 46-foot median divided highway with 2.5H:1V and 4H:1V slopes. The single-faced guardrails were also evaluated with a horizontal median curvature of three degrees and the double-faced guardrails were also modeled and evaluated with a lower backside rail. The guardrails with 29- and 31- inch placement heights were impacted by a 1996 Dodge Neon and a 2006 Ford F250 at 62 mph (100 km/hour) and an impact angle of 25 degrees. Two additional Dodge Neon simulations, one at each guardrail height (i.e., 29 and 31 inches), evaluated the single-faced guardrail without horizontal curvature with an impact speed of 70 mph (112.6 km/hour). The guardrails performance was determined by evaluating the vehicular responses based on MASH exit-box criterion, MASH evaluation criterion F, exit angles, yaw, pitch, and roll angles, transverse displacements, and transverse velocities. The simulation results demonstrated the effectiveness of the 29- and 31-inch single-faced and double-faced guardrails placed on a median divided freeway under MASH TL-3 impact conditions. Under small angle vehicular impacts (i.e., 25 degrees), the guardrails with 29- and 31-inch placement heights were shown to be effective at retaining the impact vehicle but exhibited a high likelihood for tire snagging and vehicle spin-out. Finite element modeling and simulations were shown to be both effective and efficient and can be used to study crash scenarios that are difficult and/or extremely expensive to conduct with physical crash testing.
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