Report Result

TRP-03-244-10

Jennifer Rasmussen (Schmidt), Dean Sicking, Ronald Faller, John Reid, Bob Bielenberg, Karla Lechtenberg (Polivka)

PUBLICATION DATE

2010-12-16

ABSTRACT

A new fracturing-bolt, Universal Breakaway Steel Post (UBSP) was developed and evaluated for use as a replacement for the wood controlled release terminal (CRT) post currently used in the thrie beam bullnose system. The breakaway steel post was implemented into the thrie beam bullnose barrier system and subjected to two full-scale vehicle crash test according to the Test Level 3(TL-3) guidelines provided in NCHRP Report No. 350. Test no. USPBN-3 (test designation no. 3-30) demonstrated that the breakaway steel post performed in a satisfactory manner in the bullnose system as the passenger car was captured and safely brought to a controlled stop. Test no. USPBN-4 (test designation no. 3-31) demonstrated that the breakaway steel post also performed in a satisfactory manner in the bullnose system as the pickup truck was captured and safely brought to a controlled stop. With the successful completion of these two full-scale crash tests along with other prior successful testing, it is recommended that the universal breakaway steel post be considered a safe alternative to the CRT posts in the original thrie beam bullnose median barrier system.

KEYWORDS

Highway Safety, Crash Test, Roadside Appurtenances, Compliance Test, NCHRP Report No. 350, Guardrail Posts, Wood Posts, Breakaway Steel Posts, Bullnose Barrier, Median Barrier

REPORT

TRP-03-244-10.pdf