Development of Transition Element for Low-Profile Traffic Barrier to Standard Concrete Traffic Barrier

Project Description

The low-profile barrier system has proven extremely useful in increasing safety in low-speed urban work zones. A large number of situations exist where speed limits transition from low to high or vice versa, but the system—designed for urban areas with uniformly low speed—cannot be used in such situations without approved hardware for connecting the low-profile barrier to the taller, traditional, concrete-median barriers..

This research developed a crashworthy transition barrier segment to connect the 20-inch (508 mm) tall low-profile barrier [LPCB(1)-92] to the 32-inch (813 mm) tall F-shape portable concrete barrier [CSB-04]. The 10 ft (3 m) transition barrier segment is a reinforced concrete element that has a standard 32-inch (813 mm) tall concrete barrier cross-section at one end and a 20-inch (508 mm) tall low-profile barrier cross-section at the other end. The length of the transition barrier segment makes it easy to handle, transport, and set.

Full-scale tests verified the performance of the new transition barrier segment for NCHRP Report 350 TL-2 impact conditions. This level of performance permits the use of the new transition barrier segment on roadways with speeds up to and including 45 mi/h (72 km/h) or other conditions deemed appropriate for TL-2 barrier systems. Once transitioned to a standard barrier height, speed limits can be increased to be consistent with the higher TL-3 performance level of the taller F-shape barrier.

Project Publications

Development of Transition Element for Low-Profile Traffic Barrier to Standard Concrete Traffic Barrier 0-5527-S

Development of a Low-Profile to F-Shape Transition Barrier Segment 0-5527-1

Texas Transportation Researcher Articles

Safety Cuts Both Ways - Volume 40, Number 3

For More Information