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ABSTRACT

The objective of this research study was to evaluate the thrie-beam bullnose system using Universal Breakaway Steel Posts (UBSPs) to Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH 2016) criteria. In Phase I, three full-scale crash tests were conducted to evaluate the bullnose design. The crash tests were conducted according to the TL-3 criteria outlined in MASH 2016. The first test, test no. MSPBN-1, was conducted according to MASH 2016 test designation no. 3-35 with a 2270P vehicle at a speed of 62.9 mph (101.3 km/h) and an angle of 25.1 degrees. Test no. MSPBN-1 was conducted to examine the non-gating, thrie-beam bullnose crash cushion at critical impact point on the system where the behavior transitioned from capture to redirection. The second test, test no. MSPBN-2, was conducted according to MASH 2016 test designation no. 3-34 with an 1100C vehicle at a speed of 62.1 mph (100.0 km/h) and an angle of 14.7 degrees. Test no. MSPBN-2 was conducted to evaluate the impact performance of the bullnose as the device behavior changed from capture to redirection. The third test, test no. MSPBN-3, was conducted according to MASH 2016 test designation no. 3-32 with an 1100C vehicle at a speed of 62.7 mph (101.0 km/h) and an angle of 15.1 degrees. Test no. MPSNB-3 was conducted to evaluate the bullnose behavior during oblique impacts on the end or nose of the system. The tests were successful and met the MASH 2016 TL-3 safety requirements. Based on the successful completion of the first three critical tests in the MASH 2016 evaluation of the thrie-beam bullnose, it is believed that the remaining MASH 2016 TL-3 test matrix should be completed to certify the MASH 2016 compliance of the thrie beam bullnose system.

KEYWORDS

Highway Safety, Crash Test, Roadside Appurtenances, Median, Compliance Test, MASH, Bullnose, Thrie Beam, UBSP, Universal Breakaway Steel Post, BCT, Guardrail Envelope, Crash Cushion

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