MASH Test 3-21 Evaluation of Short W-Beam Transition

When roadways intersect with restrictive features such as a bridge rail, it becomes difficult to fit a transition system with proper length. For this project, American Association of State Highway and Transportation (AASHTO) Manual for Assessing Safety hardware (MASH) test Level 3 (TL-3) W beam transitions with shorter length are desired to be tested. These systems are used when State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) need to implement a shorter transition without compromising the integrity of the guardrail system. The objective of this study was to model and crash test shorter W-beam transition systems for MASH TL-3 compliance. A MASH compliant transition with shorter length would provide the members of the Roadside Safety Pooled Fund with a valuable option in restrictive conditions against roadside hazards. Due to the high occupant ridedown acceleration during the crash test, the short transition did not satisfy the performance criteria for MASH Test 3-21 for transitions.