Report Result

TRP-03-299-14

Brad Winkelbauer, Cody Stolle, Ronald Faller, Karla Lechtenberg (Polivka), John Reid, Bob Bielenberg

PUBLICATION DATE

2014-05-29

ABSTRACT

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) evaluated a 3-cable, low-tension, cable barrier system that eliminated cable compensators and increased the size of cable-to-post attachments from 5/16 in. (8 mm) to ½ in. (13 mm) diameter. Additionally, a new hanger end post was evaluated. These modifications were implemented to investigate dynamic deflections as well as tendencies for underride, override, penetration, and cable release. For this study, three Test Level 3 (TL-3) full-scale crash tests were performed on the low-tension, three-cable roadside barrier with strong J-bolts according to the Manual For Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH). The cable barrier system was configured with center cable heights of 17 1/8 in. (435 mm), 23 1/8 in. (587 mm), and 29 1/8 in. (740 mm) above the ground surface. Braking tests were conducted to determine the maximum pitch of the 1500A vehicle that would perpetuate the vehicle to underride the barrier. The modified barrier system was tested using a 1500A full-sized passenger sedan for test nos. NYJ-1 and NYJ-2. During test no. NYJ-1, the vehicle ruptured the barrier, and therefore it did not meet the MASH impact safety standards. After considering the causes of test failure, a retest was performed, test no. NYJ-2. During this test, cable slap contributed to excessive windshield deformations, and therefore it did not meet the MASH impact safety standards. Test no. NYJ-3 utilized a 2270P vehicle, which also ruptured the barrier, and therefore it did not meet the MASH impact safety standards.

KEYWORDS

Highway Safety, Crash Test, Roadside Appurtenances, Compliance Test, MASH, Cable Guardrail, J-bolt, Three-cable, Median Barrier, Braking Tests

REPORT

TRP-03-299-14.pdf