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We have a quick question about use of HIDOT 42" tall aesthetic vertical shape concrete barrier which has FHWA Eligibility Letter B346 MASH TL-3 (see attached).  The questions are as followings:

1 - It appears the aesthetic treatment recess is ½".  If we'd like to use this vertical shape without aesthetic recess, i.e. smooth surface, is it considered acceptable and same crashworthy as originally tested?

2 - It appears the crash testing ws done without sidewalk.  If this type of vertical shape is used on 6" tall 6' wide sidewalk, is it considered acceptable and same crashworthy? 

The crash test was done at MwRSF.  Your researcher team must understand the performance well when some "insignificant" changes are made.  Not sure if above mentioned changes would consider as "insignificant".  

In response to your questions:

1. If the parapet did not utilize the aesthetic asperities, we do not foresee any degradation in the vehicle response. Previous research of barrier asperities has shown that they can lead to vehicle snag. Thus, removal of the asperities would tend to provide for a smoother vehicle redirection.
2. We have recently evaluated this barrier for Hawaii with a 6” tall by 6’ wide sidewalk. See attached presentation.  Hawaii-BR_w_sidewalk.pptx

Let me know if you need anything else.