Critical Impact Points for Crash Testing Transitions
REPORT NUMBER
TRP-03-084-99
AUTHORS
Ronald Faller, Dean Sicking
PUBLICATION DATE
1999-04-16
ABSTRACT
Two approach guardrail transitions were modeled with Barrier VII in order to determine the critical impact point (CIP) for each system. The computer simulation modeling was performed according to the TL-3 impact conditions found in NCHRP Report No. 350 (2). The first transition system consisted of a nested W-beam rail with attached rubrail and was supported by steel wide-flanged posts. For the nested W-beam system, the CIP was determined to occur for an impact 1,905-mm upstream from the centerline of the steel space tube. The second transition consisted of a nested thrie beam rail with a backup steel tube member which was supported by steel wide-flanged posts and included a special post spacing. For the nested thrie beam system, the CIP was determined to occur for an impact between post nos. 1 and 2.
KEYWORDS
Highway Safety, Guardrail, Roadside Appurtenances, Longitudinal Barrier, Computer Simulation, Approach Guardrail Transition, Barrier VII