TTI Research Supervisor: Roger Bligh Senior Research Engineer Texas A&M Transportation Institute Texas A&M University System TAMU 3135, College Station, Texas, 77843-3135 [email protected]
Pooled Fund Technical Representative: Mary McRae Assistant State Traffic and Safety Engineer Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities 3132 Channel Drive P.O. Box 112500 Juneau, AK 99811-2500 (907) 465-1222 [email protected]
ABSTRACT
The objective of this project was to explore the feasibility of attaching Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH)-compliant thrie-beam transition systems onto rigid concrete barriers other than the one that was tested. The Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) research team used a state survey, literature review, engineering experience, and limited finite element simulation study to determine key features associated with the concrete parapet that can influence impact performance of a transition system. Recommendations were then developed regarding the application of selected features to permit attachment of a MASH-compliant thrie-beam transition to other concrete parapets than the one tested. The key features enabling use of the tested transition with other parapets were parapet profile, parapet height, parapet toe tapering, and curb or rubrail presence in the tested transition. The study findings and recommendations are summarized in this report.
