TTI Research Supervisor: Nathan D. Schulz, Ph.D. Associate Research Scientist Texas A&M Transportation Institute TAMU 3135 College Station, Texas 77843-3135 (979) 317-2694 n-schulz@tti.tamu.edu
Pooled Fund Technical Representative: Scott U. Jollo, P.E. State Traffic Structures Engineer Traffic-Roadway Section Oregon Department of Transportation 4040 Fairview Industrial Dr SE, MS #5 Salem, OR 97302-1142 (503) 510-2204 Scott.u.jollo@odot.oregon.gov
ABSTRACT
The purpose of the tests reported herein was to assess the performance of the 3 × 3 and the 8 × 8 Square Tube Slip Base Sign Support Systems according to the safety-performance evaluation guidelines included in the second edition of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) (1). The crash tests performed for the 3 × 3 Square Tube Slip Base Sign Support System were:
MASH Test 3-61: An 1100C vehicle weighing 2420 lb impacting the Support Structures while travelling at 62 mi/h and 0 degrees.
MASH Test 3-62: A 2270P vehicle weighing 5000 lb impacting the Support Structures while traveling at 62 mi/h and 0 degrees.
The crash test performed for the 8 × 8 Square Tube Slip Base Sign Support System was:
MASH Test 3-60: A 1100C vehicle weighing 2420 lb impacting the Support Structures while traveling at 19 mi/h and 0 degrees.
This report provides details on the Square Tube Slip Base Sign Support Systems, the crash tests and results, and the performance assessment of the Square Tube Slip Base Sign Support Systems for MASH TL-3 Support Structures evaluation criteria.
The 8 x 8 Square Tube Slip Base Sign Support System met the performance criteria for MASH Test 3- 60. The 3×3 Square Tube Slip Base Sign Support System did meet the performance criteria for MASH Test 3- 61, but did not meet the performance criteria for MASH Test 3-62. The top part of the sign support contacted the roof of the pickup truck vehicle and induced a tear in the roof. This behavior was determined to be penetration of the occupant compartment, resulting in failure of MASH Criterion D.
