As Part of WisDOTs process to develop a new set of standard detail drawings for concrete barrier, WisDOT requires some additional assistance developing some details.
Issue 1: ZOI for various heights of Single Slope Concrete Barrier:
Reviewing the crash test report on the Single Slope Caltrans barrier did not indicate a ZOI. Discussions with Caltrans indicated that they have performed some crash test, but the report is not final. Not knowing when Caltrans will release the report, WisDOT is in proposing to do the following:
1. Because the slope of the Single slope barrier wall is constant, a vehicle should "ride up" the barrier regardless of wall height the same amount (e.g. if the truck rides up 3" during an impact to a 32" single slope barrier it should ride up 3" during an impact on a 56" barrier). This would allow someone to interpolate working width between two known working widths. In fact taller walls may have less deflection because vehicle contacts the upper part of the barrier, prevents the vehicle from lean on top of the wall.
2. Use the 27" working width of ZOI-2 crash test from MwRSF Research Report No. TRP-03-151-07 as the working width for the Caltrans 32" concrete barrier. Although there are differences between the 32" Caltrans barrier and the barrier used in the ZOI-2 test (ZOI-2 barrier has a narrower top and a flatter front face), WisDOT believes that these differences are small considering the variability of real world crash test.
3. It appears that in the Caltran's crash test of a 56" wall that the pickup truck did not lean over the barrier (i.e. 0 working width).
4. Therefore if one were to use a linear interpolation between working width of the 32" ZOI-2 crash test and the 56" Caltrans, WisDOT could calculate working widths for intermediate barrier heights of 36, 42 and 51.
WisDOT understands that crash testing would be the preferred method to determine working width. However, given MwRSF's experience in crash testing does this procedure sound reasonable? Or, does MwRSF have an alternative suggestion on how WisDOT can determine working width for the various barrier heights?
Issue 2 Use of taller walls or vertical barrier in confined locations:
There are going to be situations were designers, have limited space to install a barrier wall (typically near structures). In these locations, designer cannot get the require working width for a given barrier height or shape. Currently WisDOT allows designers to either install a taller barrier wall or vertical barrier.
Given MwRFS's experience in crash testing, is there a preferred alternative (e.g. install the vertical wall of same height, install a taller single slope wall, install a taller vertical wall...). If there is no general preferred alternative, what other factors should a designer consider when selection a barrier wall in these situations.
My responses to your questions are provided below in red.
** CALTRANS has several published reports on various crash testing of single-slope concrete and steel barriers using different test levels.
** Two terms have been noted above " zone of intrusion (ZOI) and working width. The ZOI was termed by MwRSF researchers in a Pooled Fund study and refers to the maximum vehicle extent behind the top front corner of the barrier. ZOI was reported to vary by barrier shape/type and Test Level. Working width is the lateral distance from the original front face/toe of barrier to the greatest of vehicle extent, barrier deflection, or barrier width.
** Using the same test level and identical barriers, the taller barriers have the potential for reduced ZOI. However, the height where this reduction occurs may not be known. Even though the maximum vehicle extent may be reduced with increases in barrier height, the working width could technically increase since the barrier base would be wider.
** The working width for the single-face, single-slope, concrete barrier was approximately 27", as observed for Test ZOI-2 by MwRSF. Recall that this measurement was taken from the front toe of the barrier. Thus, an effective TL-3 ZOI measurement would have been about 21" for this test. The published ZOI value for the prior TL-3 impacts into 32" tall, sloped-face barriers is 18", while 24" was provided for vertical-face barriers. Actually, the single-slope barrier would likely fall between the two noted ZOI values, thus substantiating the 21" measurement from test no. ZOI-2.
** If no truck lean over the top-front corner of the barrier was observed for pickup truck vehicle, then the ZOI would be zero. However, the working width would be the base width of the rigid parapet.
** I am not sure whether you are seeking working widths or ZOIs for the varying height, single-slope barriers. Also, ZOI may not vary linearly as a sudden change may occur at a height sufficient to prevent vehicle extent over the top of the barrier. We would need to review all of the CALTRANS single-slope barrier tests to determine (estimate) the ZOI for each test and then provide a ZOI guide value for a given test level. In addition, MwRSF has shown how crash testing was used to demonstrate that fixed objects could be allowed within the ZOI. Please note that the original ZOI guidance was conservative and based on the premise that fixed objects would not be contacted if outside of the ZOI. However, fixed objects could be placed within the ZOI if proven to not cause undue risk to occupants or pedestrians nearby. Also, it should be noted that the ZOI concept has not been adopted by AASHTO but serves as a could guide to use to improve motorist safety.
** Are you seeking TL-3 or TL-4 ZOI values?
** Does the WsDOT desire to keep all fixed objects outside of the ZOI?
** A preferred procedure would be to first review the single-slope, crash testing reports published by CALTRANS to determine whether the linear approach is reasonable. If it is, then no additional work would be needed. However, it there are concerns with this approach, then MwRSF would need to acquire film/video from CALTRANS to determine more accurate ZOI and/or working width values. This secondary effort may require considerable resources, that of which may quickly utilize a moderate portion of the Year 19 Pooled Fund consulting funding. If this level of effort is required, then we would first need to obtain Pooled Fund approval to proceed.
** The ZOI and working width measures for a rigid barrier system are generally of little concern when used in medians to prevent cross-median crashes. However, values for ZOI and working width may be more of concern when placed very close to rigid, fixed objects. Before I can answer the question above, it would be helpful to understand the type of hazards that are anticipated to be shielded by the family of single-slope barrier systems. In addition, it is imperative to know what test level is being considered for each barrier variation. Thanks!
** Of course, other factors that warrant consideration when placing these barriers include: end and interior anchorage for the barrier base, safety treatment for the barrier ends, propensity for head ejection out of side windows and head slap against rigid parapets and objected mounted on top or close behind.
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