Work Zone Appurtenances Tested to NCHRP Report 350

A wide variety of traffic control devices and roadside appurtenances currently are used in work zones. These include portable concrete barriers (PCBs), temporary sign supports, and Types I, II, and Ill barricades. These devices require crash testing and evaluation in accordance with the recommended procedures set forth in National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 350. There have been efforts in recent years by State Departments of Transportation and private manufacturers to design, develop, crash test and evaluate various traffic control devices and roadside appurtenances for use in work zones that are safe for both workers and the traveling public. Eleven States have contributed funds to State Planning and Research Pooled Fund Study 2-188, "Crash Tested Safety Appurtenances for Work Zones." A list of appurtenances to be crash tested and evaluated was identified and prioritized by representatives from the participating States. Included in this report are results of wind load studies performed on barricades and details of full-scale crash tests performed on several Type Ill barricades and a portable sign stand. Also included are full-scale crash tests on the New York State Department of Transportation PCB, as well as computer simulation results of a bent plate saddle retrofit for PCBs and a full-scale crash test performed on the saddle design.