Development of Low-Deflection Precast Concrete Barrier (0-4162-3)

The high lateral dynamic deflection of some current TxDOT portable concrete barriers renders them inappropriate for deployment in areas with restricted work space. Under this project, a new precast concrete traffic barrier system with limited deflection was developed through a program of simulation and full-scale crash testing. Based on the results of the testing and evaluation reported herein, the new cross-bolt, F-shape, precast concrete traffic barrier is considered suitable for implementation on high-speed roadways. The low barrier deflection (19 inches (483 mm)) and ease of placement and repair make the cross-bolt F-shape barrier well suited for use as a work zone barrier. The weight ofthe 30-ft (9.1 m) F-shape barrier segments was determined to be approximately 13,680Ib (6205 kg). Because this is less than the weight of the current New Jersey-shaped barriers used by TxDOT, implementation of the new barrier will not require any changes to current barrier transportation, handling, and placement procedures.