NCHRP Report 350 Test 3-11 of the New York DOT Portable Concrete Barrier with I-Beam Connection (Retest) (473220-14)

In previous testing, NCHRP Report 350 test 3-11 was performed on the New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) portable concrete barrier (PCB). In this test, the rear of the 2000-kg pickup truck rode up the face of the barrier, extended over the barrier and then rolled over along the top of the barrier. The joints on both ends of the barrier segment immediately downstream of the point of impact failed, allowing the segment to overturn on its side. This barrier segment came to rest with one end projecting 5.2 m behind the installation. A third joint immediately upstream of the point of impact also partially failed. Inspection and analysis of the failed connections indicated that the tested barrier had only 24 percent of its intended connection capacity due to improper weld length, size, and penetration. It was determined that a PCB properly fabricated according to NYDOT standards and specifications should have adequate strength to perform satisfactorily and meet the evaluation criteria set forth in NCHRP Report 350. Thus, a recommendation was made to fabricate new barrier segments with the proper welding details and re-run NCHRP Report 350 test 3-11 with the new barrier segments. During this repeat of NCHRP Report 350 test 3-11 on the NYDOT PCB, the welds held as intended and the barrier contained and redirected the 2000-kg pickup truck. The NYDOT PCB met the required criteria specified for NCHRP Report 350 test 3-11.