MASH Test 3-11 of the WSDOT Pin and Loop Concrete Barrier with drainage Slots

Simple engineering analyses was performed on the Washington pin and loop barrier to improve the strength for the barrier section from crash impact loading. To further evaluate the free standing precast single slope concrete barrier, a finite element analysis was then performed to determine the maximum lateral deflection of the barrier due to impact from a pickup truck vehicle under MASH test level 3 conditions. Additional simulations were performed to determine the potential of wheel snagging for the small passenger vehicle due to the presence of the drainage scupper. After these analyses were completed, a full-scale crash test was then performed to assess the performance of the Washington DOT pin and loop concrete barrier with drainage slots according to the safety-performance evaluation guidelines included in MASH. The crash test was in accordance with Test Level 3 (TL-3) of MASH, and involves the 2270P vehicle (a 5000 lb., 1/2-ton, Quad Cab Pickup). Due to rollover and the occupant compartment deformation caused by the rollover, the Washington DOT pin and loop concrete barrier with drainage slots did not perform acceptably according to the evaluation criteria for MASH test 3-11.