Report Result

TRP-03-327-16

Justine Kohtz, Bob Bielenberg, Scott Rosenbaugh, Ronald Faller, Karla Lechtenberg (Polivka), John Reid

PUBLICATION DATE

2016-05-17

ABSTRACT

The Midwest States Pooled Fund has been developing a new non-proprietary cable median barrier. This system incorporates four evenly spaced cables, Midwest Weak Posts spaced at 8 to 16 ft (2.4 to 4.9 m) intervals, and a bolted, tabbed bracket to attach the cables to each post. Full-scale crash testing was needed to evaluate the barrier's safety performance. According to the Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) updated/proposed testing matrix for cable barriers installed within a 6H:1V or median ditch, a series of eight full-scale tests are required to evaluate the safety performance of a system. A ninth test is required to establish the working width for systems with variable post spacing. Three full-scale crash tests were performed. Test no. MWP-4 was conducted according to MASH test no. 3-11 and utilized a 2270P pickup truck impacting the barrier on level terrain. The vehicle was contained by the barrier, and the test was deemed acceptable. Test no. MWP-6 was conducted according to MASH test no. 3-10 and utilized a 1100C passenger car impacting the barrier on level terrain. The vehicle was contained and redirected by the system. However, the system posts penetrated the occupant compartment through tearing and rupture of the vehicle floor board, and the test was deemed unacceptable. Test no. MWP-7 was also conducted with a 1100C vehicle according to MASH test no. 3-10. Alterations were made to the system posts. Although the vehicle was contained by the system, occupant compartment penetration by line posts was again observed. Test no. MWP-7 was deemed unacceptable.

KEYWORDS

Highway Safety, Crash Test, MASH, Compliance Test, Longitudinal Barrier, Cable Barrier, Median Barrier, High-Tension, 6H:1V Median V-Ditch

REPORT

TRP-03-327-16.pdf