MASH Test Designation Nos. 3-11 & 3-17 of a Non-Proprietary, High-Tension Cable Median Barrier with Closed-Section Posts

Report Number(s): TRP-03-431-22

Description: MTP-1: The test installation consisted of a 603-ft 8-in. (184.0-m) long, four-cable median barrier system. The cable barrier system consisted of several distinct components: (1) high-tension cables or wire ropes; (2) cable splices; (3) steel support posts; (4) cable-to-post attachment brackets; (5) breakaway end terminals; and (6) reinforced concrete foundations. Four ¾-in. (19-mm) diameter, Class A galvanized 3x7 IWRC IPS (pre-stretched) wire ropes were used for the longitudinal cables. The cables were placed at heights of 15½ in. (394 mm), 23 in. (584 mm), 30½ in. (775 mm), and 38 in. (965 mm) above the ground line. The cables were numbered 1 through 4, starting with the bottom cable and proceeding upward to the top cable. These cables were tensioned up to a nominal force of 2,500 lb (11.1 kN). The cables were supported by 78-in. (1,981-mm) long, HSS3x2x⅛ (75x51x31) steel posts with two ¾-in. (19-mm) holes in the upstream and downstream walls at the ground line. The posts were placed on level terrain and installed with a soil embedment depth of 38 ¾ in. (984 mm) in a compacted, coarse, crushed limestone material that met American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standard soil designation M147 Grade B, alternatively classified as well-graded gravel by the Unified Soil Classification System. The posts were spaced 8 ft (2.4 m) on center, except post nos. 68 and 69 which were spaced at 12 ft (3.7 m) on center. Each cable-to-post attachment bracket was fastened to its respective post by a bolt and sleeve nut. The free end of each bracket was inserted into a notch cut into the MTP.   MTP-2: The cable median barrier system used for test MTP-2 was nearly identical to that used in test no. MTP-1, but the installation was placed at the front slope break point of the 6H:1V V-ditch in accordance with MASH test designation no. 3-17.

Test Level: 3

Barrier Type: High Tension

MASH Test Number: 3-11 & 3-17

Proprietary/Non-proprietary: Non-proprietary

Pass/Fail: Pass

Evaluation: Full-Scale Crash Testing

Sponsor: Midwest States Pooled Fund