MASH TL-3 Evaluation of TxDOT Extra-Large Mailboxes

The purpose of the testing reported herein was to assess the performance of TxDOT's extra-large mailboxes according to the safety-performance evaluation guidelines included in AASHTO MASH for Test Level Three (TL-3) for support structures. The mailboxes tested were the single extra-large mailbox on Type 4 support, two architectural mailboxes and two medium mailboxes on a bent pipe support, and a single extra-large mailbox on Type 3 support. The single Centennial model #950020B extra-large mailbox on Type 4 support performed acceptably for MASH Test 3-61. The multiple mailboxes on a bent pipe support also showed the installation to performed acceptably for MASH Test 3-61. The windshield of the test vehicle deformed 4.6 inches into the occupant compartment and the laminate was torn during MASH Test 3-61 on the single Centennial model #950020B extra-large mailbox on Type 3 support. The installation failed criterion D of MASH. In a re-test after applying a modification to the connection bracket of the single Centennial model #950020B extra-large mailbox, the Type 3 support performed acceptably for MASH Test 3-61.