DETERMINATION OF LENGTH-OF-NEED FOR GUARDRAIL WITHOUT ANCHORAGE (TTI-614721, T4541-DZ)

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Final Report Link: DETERMINATION OF LENGTH-OF-NEED FOR GUARDRAIL WITHOUT ANCHORAGE

 

TTI Research Supervisor:

James C. Kovar, E.I.T.

Associate Transportation Researcher

Texas A&M Transportation Institute

TAMU 3135

College Station, Texas 77843-3135

(979) 317-2680

[email protected]

  Pooled Fund Technical Representative:

Joe Hall

[email protected] 

 


ABSTRACT

The objective of this project was to determine the minimum length-of-need of a Midwest Guardrail System (MGS) without downstream anchorage required to provide MASH compliant redirective behavior. In pursuit of this objective, the research team performed computer simulations to predict the minimum length-of-need prior to full-scale crash testing. After a crash test which failed to meet project objectives, the research team improved the predictive capability of the simulations by improving the modeling of the guardrail bolt head and rail slot interation. Following the improved modeling effort, the minimum length-of-need was again predicted through compter simulation. The research team then investigated a reduction in this length-of-need by including gardrail washers on the downstream end posts. This system was then evalated through full-scale crash testing, but it again failed to meet the project objectives. Consequently, the research team prepared recommendations for future research efforts. This report documents the efforts discussed above and the resulting recommendations for future research.
 

2024-05-29 (May 29)