Report Result

TRP-03-151-08

Mitch Wiebelhaus, Karla Lechtenberg (Polivka), Ronald Faller, John Rohde, Dean Sicking, Jim Holloway, John Reid, Bob Bielenberg

PUBLICATION DATE

2008-01-03

ABSTRACT

The objectives of this research were to evaluate the current practices for the placement of luminaire poles both on top of and behind single-slope concrete barriers and to determine their effects on safety for both the driver and occupants of the impacting vehicle and nearby pedestrians. Three full-scale crash tests were performed on the barrier system and luminaire poles, with the first two full-scale crash tests evaluating the performance of a luminaire pole placed on top of a single-slope concrete barrier and the third test evaluating the performance of a luminaire pole placed behind the single-slope concrete barrier. The first full-scale crash test, test no. ZOI-1, was performed according to the test designation 4-12 of NCHRP Report No. 350. The test consisted of a 7,985-kg (17,605-lbs) single-unit truck impacting the barrier at a speed of 81.0 km/h (50.4 mph) and at an angle of 15.6 degrees. This test passed all of the NCHRP Report No. 350 safety requirements as the single-unit truck was safely brought to a controlled stop. The second full-scale crash test, test no. ZOI-2, was performed according to test designation 4-11 of NCHRP Report No. 350. The test consisted of a 2,009 (4,430-lbs) pickup truck impacting the barrier at a speed of 99.3 km/h (61.7 mph) and at an angle of 23.4 degrees. This test passed all of the NCHRP Report No. 350 safety requirements as the pickup truck was safely brought to a controlled stop. The third full-scale crash test, test no. ZOI-3, was performed according to test designation 4-12 of NCHRP Report No. 350. The test consisted of a 8,000-kg (17,637-lbs) single-unit truck impacting the barrier at a speed of 80.8 km/h (50.2 mph) and at an angle of 16.4 degrees. This test passed all of the NCHRP Report no. 350 safety requirements as the single-unit truck was safely brought to a controlled stop.

KEYWORDS

Highway Safety, Luminaire Pole, Longitudinal Barriers, Permanent Barrier, Crash Test, NCHRP 350, Concrete Barrier, Zone of Intrusion

REPORT

TRP-03-151-08.pdf