Report Result

TRP-03-303-15

Bob Bielenberg, Scott Rosenbaugh, Ronald Faller, Brandt Humphrey, Tyler Schmidt, Karla Lechtenberg (Polivka), John Reid

PUBLICATION DATE

2015-11-03

ABSTRACT

The Midwest States Pooled Fund has been developing a new design for a non-proprietary high-tension cable median barrier. This new system incorporates four evenly spaced cables, Midwest Weak Posts (MWPs) spaced at 8 to 16 ft (2.4 to 4.9 m) intervals, and a bolted, tabbed bracket to attach the cables to the post. Full-scale crash testing was needed to evaluate the barrier's safety performance. According to the proposed Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) testing matrix for cable barriers installed within a median ditch, a series of eight full-scale tests are required to evaluate the safety performance of the system. Additionally, a ninth test is required to establish the working width for systems with variable post spacings. Three full-scale crash tests were performed on the cable barrier system for use anywhere within 6H:1V V-ditches. Test no. MWP-1 was conducted according to MASH test no. 3-17 and utilized a 1500A passenger car impacting the barrier at the slope break point. The vehicle was contained and redirected by the barrier, and the test was deemed acceptable. Test no. MWP-2 was conducted according to MASH test no. 3-11 and utilized a 2270P pickup truck impacting the barrier on level terrain. The vehicle was contained and redirected by the barrier, and the test was deemed acceptable. Test no. MWP-3 was also conducted with a 2270P vehicle according to MASH test no. 3-11. However, the post spacing was reduced from 16 ft (4.9 m), utilized during the first two tests, to 8 ft (2.4 m). After initially capturing the vehicle, three cables were eventually overridden as the vehicle was being redirected. Subsequently, the vehicle rolled and the test was deemed unacceptable.

KEYWORDS

Highway Safety, Crash Test, MASH, Compliance Test, Longitudinal Barrier, Cable Barrier, Median Barrier, High-Tension, 6H:1V Median V-Ditch

REPORT

TRP-03-303-15.pdf