Roadside Crash Testing Program for Design Guidance and Standard Detail Development

Project Description

Roadside safety devices perform the important function of shielding errant motorists from roadside hazards such as non-traversable slopes and fixed objects. In order to maintain the desired level of safety for the motoring public, these safety appurtenances must be designed to accommodate a variety of site conditions, placement locations, and a changing vehicle fleet. As changes are made or in-service problems are encountered, there is a need to assess the compliance of the specific safety device with current vehicle testing criteria, and modify the device or develop a new device with enhanced performance and maintenance characteristics. Roadside safety issues were identified and prioritized for investigation under this study in conjunction with TxDOT personnel. The selected safety problem was evaluated through crash data analysis, computer simulation, and full-scale vehicular crash testing as appropriate. Factors such as impact performance, maintenance, and cost were considered. Implementation may be in the form of new guidelines or procedures incorporated into appropriate design manuals and/or new or revised standard detail sheets.

Project Publications

Analysis of the Impact Performance of Concrete Median Barrier Placed on or Adjacent to Slopes 0-5210-1

Crash Testing and Evaluation of the Shur-Tite (R) Multiple-Mailbox Mount 0-5210-2

Crash Testing and Evaluation of F-Shape Barriers on Slopes 0-5210-3

Analysis of a Flexible Bridge Rail System for High-Speed Roadways 0-5210-4

Crash Testing and Evaluation of TxDOT Burn Ban Signs 0-5210-5

NCHRP Report 350 Test 3-11 of the Modified T8 Bridge Rail 0-5210-6

NCHRP Report 350 Crash Testing and Evaluation of the S-Square® Mailbox System 0-5210-7

Dynamic Testing of the T223 Bridge Rail 0-5210-8

For More Information