Developing a New Barrier Condition Index (BCI) to Optimize Barrier Improvements in Wyoming

Details

• Creators:
  Molan, Amirarsalan Mehara ; Moomen, Milhan ; Mashhadi, M Mahdi Rezapour ; Ksaibati, Khaled
• Corporate Creators:
  Wyoming Technology Transfer Center ; University of Wyoming. Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering
• Corporate Contributors:
  Wyoming. Department of Transportation. Research Center
• Subject/TRT Terms:
  • Barriers (Roads)
  • Condition surveys
  • Cost effectiveness
  • Design
  • Highway safety
  • Life cycle analysis
  • Recommendations
  • Regression analysis
  • Optimization
  • Benefits Traffic Barrier
  More +
• Publication/ Report Number:
  WY-2102F
• Resource Type:
  Tech Report
• Geographical Coverage:
  Wyoming;United States
• Edition:
  Final Report
• Contracting Officer:
  Kidner, Martin; Fritz, Ed
• Corporate Publisher:
  Wyoming. Department of Transportation
• Abstract:
  Traffic barriers are installed on roadsides and medians to shield motorists from hazardous objects and other vehicles. Due to the important role played by traffic barriers in promoting safety, it is important to continuously assess their condition and performance. This study prioritized and ranked traffic barriers on Wyoming’s highways for safety improvement by enhancing the height of barriers below recommended thresholds. This was achieved by conducting a benefit-cost analysis to estimate the reduction in crashes that would be gained by adjusting barrier heights. The analysis indicated that substantial benefits would be accrued if barrier heights are optimized. Traffic barriers on Wyoming’s highways were then ranked based on the estimated benefits. As part of the study, a safety evaluation was carried out to identify the geometric factors of traffic barriers that impact crash severity. Finally, a condition assessment procedure referred to as the Barrier Condition Index (BCI) was used to demonstrate a new approach in the condition assessment, rating, and prioritization of traffic barriers.
• Format:
  PDF
• Funding:
  RS03218
• Download URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/56052/dot_56052_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 5.75 MB]
• Collection(s):
  US Transportation Collection
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:15bb193c80529d9840b0aec688f43172459170916fe935baad9988497ee2de2f6a6f5d3a977c9977e1dfd79592c05b531bbbda0bf64416ed66b66eecc914d1c0