Development of Portable Concrete Traffic Barriers for Maintenance Operations

Project Description

The portability needs of concrete traffic barriers (normally 30 feet long and 14,000 pounds) often require involving rented cranes and operators to lift and place them. This can result in costly construction delays. This research sought to develop and test a portable barrier system for high-speed applications that can be easily transported and erected by Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) maintenance personnel using readily available equipment such as a front-end loader. Consideration was given to factors such as segment length, segment weight, connection method, barrier constructability, and dynamic barrier deflection.

The project panel selected the F-shape barrier with X-bolt connection, developed in TxDOT Project 0-4162, for further evaluation during this project. Subsequent to design and simulation, a full-scale crash test was conducted to assess impact performance and quantify the design deflection of the cross-bolted F-shape barrier. The new barrier satisfied NCHRP Report 350 evaluation criteria for the modified test designation 3-11 impact conditions. The occupant risk factors also scored within the preferred limits specified in the report. Based on the results of the testing and evaluation, the new precast, cross-bolt, F-shape concrete traffic barrier with 10-ft barrier segments is considered suitable for implementation on high-speed roadways.

Project Publications

Portable Concrete Traffic Barrier for Maintenance Operations 0-4692-1

Short, Portable Concrete Barrier Simplifies Maintenance Operations 0-4692-S

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