MASH TL-3 Testing and Evaluation of the TxDOT T131RC Bridge Rail Transition (9-1002-12-4)

This project designed and crash tested a transition design for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) T131RC Bridge Rail that would meet the strength and safety performance criteria for Test Level 3 of American Association of State Highway Official's (AASHTO) Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH). The TxDOT T131RC Bridge Rail Transition contained and redirected the 1100C vehicle. The vehicle did not penetrate, underride, or override the installation. Maximum dynamic rail deflection was 7.4 inches. No detached elements, fragments, or other debris were present to penetrate or to show potential for penetrating the occupant compartment, or to present hazard to others. Maximum occupant compartment deformation was 2.5 inches in the left door at occupant hip height. The 1100C vehicle remained upright during and after the collision event. Occupant risk factors were within the limits specified in MASH. The 1100C crossed the exit box within the limits specified in MASH. The TxDOT T131RC Bridge Rail Transition contained and redirected the 2270P vehicle. The vehicle did not penetrate, underride, or override the installation. Maximum dynamic deflection during the test was 8.4 inches. No detached elements, fragments, or other debris were present to penetrate or to show potential for penetrating the occupant compartment, or to present hazard to others. Maximum occupant compartment deformation was 0.25 inch in the left door at occupant hip height. The 2270P vehicle remained upright during and after the collision event. Occupant risk factors were within the limits specified in MASH. The 22270P vehicle crossed the exit box within the limits specified in MASH. The TxDOT T131RC Bridge Rail Transition performed acceptably as a MASH TL-3 transition.