Determination of the Length-of-Need for Guardrail without Anchorage (TTI-614721, T4541-DZ)

<<Back to Search Results


Final Report Link: Determination of the 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

Roadside Safety Engineer

Washington State Department of Transportation

Development Division

P.O. Box 47329 Olympia, WA 98504-7246

(360) 704-6307

[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 fuardrail bolt head and rail slot intercation. Following the improved modeling effort, the mimum length-of-need was again predicted through computer simulation. The research team then investigated a reduction in this length-of-need by including gaurdrail washers on the downstream end posts. This system was then evlatued through full-scale crasht esting, but 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.
 
 

Updated July 3, 2024