A MASH Compliant W-Beam Median Guardrail System

0 0 0 0 0 A MASH Compliant W-Beam Median Guardrail System By A. Y. Abu-Odeh, R. P. Bligh, W. Odell, A. Meza, and W. L. Menges Submitted: July 0, 0 Word Count:, + ( figures + tables=,000) =, words Authors: Akram Y. Abu-Odeh (Corresponding Author) Research Scientist Texas A&M Transportation Institute College Station, Texas O: () - F: () -0 Email: abu-odeh@tamu.edu Roger P. Bligh Research Engineer Texas A&M Transportation Institute College Station, Texas O: () - F: () -0 Email: rbligh@tamu.edu Wade Odell, P.E. Research Engineer Safety & Operations Structures & Hydraulics Texas Department of Transportation Research & Technology Implementation Office P.O. Box 00 Austin, Texas -00 O: () - F: () - Email: Wade.Odell@txdot.gov Rory Meza Director, Roadway Design Section Texas Department of Transportation Director, Roadway Design Section P.O. Box 00 Austin, Texas -00 Email: Rory.Meza@txdot.gov O: () - F: () - Wanda L. Menges Research Specialist TTI Proving Ground Texas A&M Transportation Institute College Station, Texas O: () - F: () -0

Abu-Odeh, et al. 0 Abstract The W-beam median guardrail system is a common guardrail system used by many states as a median barrier in ditches and other median configurations. Unfortunately, the -inch design did not pass MASH evaluation criteria in the crash testing program of NCHRP project -(0). In this paper, the researchers modeled and simulated MASH test - of the -inch W-beam median barrier and used the model in the evaluation of a new design of the W-beam median barrier. The simulation indicated that the new -inch W-beam median barrier would pass MASH evaluation criteria. Subsequently, MASH tests -0 and - were performed to evaluate the new design. Both tests passed MASH evaluation criteria. Hence, a new MASH complaint W- beam median barrier system is available for TxDOT and other state DOT s to utilize as a median guardrail system. Keywords: MASH, Guardrails, Median Barrier, Simulation.

Abu-Odeh, et al. 0 0 INTRODUCTION In NCHRP project -(0) (), Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) researchers performed crash tests for several non-proprietary hardware. One of the systems tested under that project was the G(S) median barrier. This system presents a unique performance challenge due to the additional constraint of the posts imposed by the double-sided G(S) W-beam median barrier. The added post constraint delays the release of the post from the rail, which results in vehicle climb and vaulting due to a localized drop in rail height. Hence, there was a need to re-design the W-beam median guardrail system to pass MASH (Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware ()), evaluation criteria. BACKGROUND The G(S) W-beam median barrier (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) designation SGM0a with non-steel blocks) is a -inch tall, strong steel post, W-beam median barrier. In NCHRP project -(0), the median barrier was constructed using -gauge W-beam guardrail elements attached to ft long W. steel posts spaced ft- inch on center. The W-beam guardrail elements were offset from the posts using non-steel blockouts nominally inch inch inch long. The height of the G(S) W-beam median barrier test installation was inches. The length-of-need for the installation was 00 ft. The front (impacted) rail was constructed with ft- inch long terminals on each end and the rear rail was constructed with 0 ft long terminals on each end. The total overall test installation length was 00 ft. A cross section of the G(S) W-beam median barrier is shown in Figure. 0 FIGURE Cross-section of W-beam median barrier. Two tests were performed under NCHRP Project -(0) (),, MASH test -0 and MASH test -. MASH test -0 involves a 00C vehicle with test inertial mass of 0 lb impacting the median barrier at an impact speed of. mi/h and at an angle of degrees. MASH test - involves a 0P vehicle weighing 000 lb and impacting the median barrier at an impact speed of. mi/h and at an angle of degrees. The W-beam median barrier was able to contain and redirect the 00C vehicle in MASH test -0. However, it did not contain or redirect the 0P vehicle in MASH test -. During TTI test 0--(),, the left front tire

Abu-Odeh, et al. and wheel of the 0P vehicle rode up on post. Then, the front of the vehicle became airborne above the median barrier, and the vehicle lost contact with the barrier as it was airborne over the median barrier. This vaulting behavior is shown in Figure. 0 0 FIGURE The 0P vehicle vaulting the -inch W-beam median barrier during MASH - test. RESEARCH APPROACH To improve the performance of the -in high median W-beam, TTI researchers analyzed the failed test and incorporated design changes that have the potential of rectifying the performance of the median W-beam barrier. First, the research team developed a detailed finite element model of the W-beam median rail to calibrate the model under the MASH test already conducted. The new Silverado vehicle model developed by the National Crash Analysis Center (NCAC, ()) was used to simulate the MASH 0P test vehicle. In the model, the post comprised of different thicknesses to accurately represent the shape of a W steel post. A total of,0 shell elements were used for modeling the posts. Additionally, the W-beam model contains a more refined element mesh than the previously used W-beam models, so it can capture deformation more realistically. A total of,0 shell elements were used for modeling the W-beam segments (). Both the post and the W-beam models are shown in Figure. The end terminals and the remaining portion of the length-ofneed rail were represented by spring elements connected to each end of the modeled W-beam. These springs elements have a combined stiffness representative of typical end terminals.

Abu-Odeh, et al. FIGURE Meshing scheme of the -ft Post Model (left) and the gauge W-beam rail (right). The vehicle model used for simulation was the Chevrolet Silverado model, which was developed by NCAC. This vehicle model represents the MASH 0P test vehicle. The finite element model for the MASH 00C test vehicle was not available at the time when this research was performed. The vehicle and -inch median W-beam barrier models are shown in Figure. 0 FIGURE Finite Element model of the -inch median barrier. The research team started by simulating the failed test using LS-DYNA () finite element code. The vaulting phenomena of the vehicle captured in the simulation as shown in Figure below. Hence, the model is considered corroborated with the failed MASH test - and can be used as a tool to investigate the system performance once modified.

Abu-Odeh, et al. FIGURE Simulation of the MASH - where the 0P vehicle vaults over the -inch median barrier. Design modifications included increasing the rail height from inches to inches and moving the splice location from at post to mid-span. The cross-section views of the new system design and the model are shown in Figure. 0 FIGURE Model of the -inch median W-beam guardrail with the 0P vehicle model. SIMULATION RESULTS Two simulations were conducted using LS-DYNA () finite element code. One was conducted with vehicular impact at post and the other with vehicular impat at mid-span.. TL - Mid-Span Impact In the first simulation case, the analysis represents vehicular impact at mid-span of the guardrail. The modified barrier system was impacted by 0P vehicle model at. mi/h and an angle of degrees. The occupant risk assessments for this model are provided in TABLE, and vehicle behavior is shown in Figure.

Abu-Odeh, et al. TABLE TRAP Output Summary for Mid-Span Impact Case Occupant Risk Factors Impact Velocity (m/s) at 0. sec on left side of interior x-direction:. Rec: < m/s y-direction: -. Max: < m/s THIV (km/hr):. at 0. sec on left side of interior THIV (m/s):. Ridedown Acceleration (G's) x-direction: -0. (0. - 0. sec) Rec: < G's y-direction:. (0. - 0.0 sec) Max: <0 G's PHD (G's):. (0. - 0. sec) ASI: 0. (0. - 0. sec) Maximum 0 msec Moving Average Acceleration (G's) x-direction: -. (0. - 0. sec) y-direction:. (0. - 0. sec) z-direction:. (0. - 0. sec) FIGURE Views of vehicle behavior in the at mid-span impact simulation case.. TL - At-Post Impact The modified system wassimulated under impact by the 0P test at a post location instead of the mid-span using the same MASH TL - initial conditions of. mi/h and degrees. The occupant risk assessment for this model is provided in TABLE TRAP Output Summaryand vehicle behavior is shown in Figure. TABLE TRAP Output Summary for At-Post Case Occupant Risk Factors Impact Velocity (m/s) at 0. sec on left side of interior x-direction:. Rec: < m/s y-direction: -. Max: < m/s THIV (km/hr):. at 0. sec on left side of interior THIV (m/s):. Ride down Acceleration (G's) x-direction: -. (0.0-0. sec) Rec: < G's y-direction:. (0. - 0. sec) Max: <0 G's

Abu-Odeh, et al. PHD (G's):. (0.0-0. sec) ASI: 0. (0. - 0. sec) Maximum 0 msec Moving Average Acceleration (G's) x-direction: -. (0. - 0. sec) y-direction:. (0. - 0. sec) z-direction:. (0. - 0.0 sec) 0 FIGURE Views of vehicle behavior in the at post impact simulation case. Both simulation cases indicated that the -inch W-beam median barrier is able to contain and redirect the test vehicle, and able to pass MASH evaluation criteria as presented in TABLE and TABLE. Hence, the research team used the new design for the full-scale crash testing phase of the project. FULL SCALE CRASH TESTS Test Article Design and Construction The constructed system is a inch tall, strong steel post, W-beam median barrier. This (TxDOT) median barrier was constructed using gauge W-beam guardrails attached to ft long W. steel posts spaced ft- inch on center. The W beam guardrails are offset from the posts using wood blockouts nominally inch inch inch long. For this installation, the W-beam rail element joints were moved off the posts and centered mid-span between posts. FIGURE depicts the cross-section of the TxDOT -inch W Beam Median Barrier. Photographs of the completed installation are shown in Figure 0.

Abu-Odeh, et al. FIGURE Cross-section of the TxDOT -inch W-beam median barrier. FIGURE 0 TxDOT -inch W-beam median barrier installation. 0 0 MASH Test -0 MASH test -0 involves an 00C vehicle weighing 0 lb and impacting the TxDOT -inch W-Beam Median Barrier at an impact speed of. mi/h and an angle of degrees. The target impact point was inches upstream of post. The 00 Kia Rio used in the test weighed lb, and the actual impact speed and angle were. mi/h and.0 degrees, respectively. The actual impact point was inches upstream of post. The front bumper, hood, radiator and support, left front strut and tower, left front tire and wheel rim, left front fender, and left front door were damaged. The hood was pushed into the windshield which shattered the lower portion of the windshield. Maximum exterior crush to the 00C vehicle was.0 inches in the side plane at the left front corner just above bumper height. No occupant compartment deformation was noted. Damage to the guardrail and the vehicle is shown in Figure.

Abu-Odeh, et al. 0 0 FIGURE Vehicle and guardrail damage after MASH test -0. Data from the accelerometer, located at the vehicle s center of gravity, were digitized for evaluation of occupant risk. In the longitudinal direction, the occupant impact velocity was 0.0 ft/s at 0. s, the highest 0.00-s occupant ridedown acceleration was. Gs from 0. to 0. s, and the maximum 0.00-s average acceleration was -. Gs between 0.0 and 0. s. In the lateral direction, the occupant impact velocity was. ft/s at 0. s, the highest 0.00-s occupant ridedown acceleration was. Gs from 0. to 0. s, and the maximum 0.00-s average was. Gs between 0.0 and 0.0s. The guardrail was able to contain and redirect the vehicle. These data and other pertinent information are provided in Figure.

General Information Test Agency... Test Standard Test No.... TTI Test No.... Test Date... Test Article Type... Name... Installation Length... Material or Key Elements... Soil Type and Condition... Test Vehicle Type/Designation... Make and Model... Curb... Test Inertial... Dummy... Gross Static... 0.000 s 0.0 s 0.0 s 0.0 s Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) MASH Test -0 00-0-0- Median Barrier TxDOT -inch W-Beam Median Barrier ft gauge W-beam at inch height on ft long W. steel posts spaced ft- inch on center with inch inch inch routed wood blockouts with splice midspan between posts Standard soil, dry 00C 00 Kia Rio lb lb 0 lb lb Impact Conditions Speed.... mi/h Angle....0 degrees Location/Orientation... inches upstrm of post Impact Severity.... kip-ft Exit Conditions Speed... Not obtainable Angle... Not obtainable Occupant Risk Values Impact Velocity Longitudinal... 0.0 ft/s Lateral.... ft/s Ridedown Accelerations Longitudinal.... G Lateral.... G THIV.... m/s PHD....0 G ASI... 0. Max. 0.00-s Average Longitudinal...-. G Lateral.... G Vertical...-.0 G Post-Impact Trajectory Stopping Distance.... ft dwnstrm Aligned w/cntr rail Vehicle Stability Maximum Yaw Angle... degrees Maximum Pitch Angle... degrees Maximum Roll Angle... degrees Vehicle Snagging... No Vehicle Pocketing... Yes/No Test Article Deflections Dynamic.... inches Permanent... 0. inches Working Width.... inches Vehicle Intrusion.... inches Vehicle Damage VDS... KFQ CDC... FLEW Max. Exterior Deformation....0 inches OCDI... LF0000000 Max. Occupant Compartment Deformation... None FIGURE Summary of results for MASH test -0 on the TxDOT -inch W-Beam Median Barrier. Abu-Odeh, et al.

Abu-Odeh, et al. 0 MASH Test - MASH test - involves a 0P vehicle weighing 000 lb and impacting the TxDOT -inch W-Beam Median Barrier at an impact speed of. mi/h and at an angle of degrees. The target impact point was 0. ft upstream of post. The 00 Dodge Ram 00 pickup truck used in the test weighed 0 lb, and the actual impact speed and angle were.0 mi/h and. degrees, respectively. The actual impact point was 0. ft upstream of post. The left front tie rod, left front lower A arm, left front frame rail, and left front hub assembly were deformed. Also damaged were the front bumper, grill, left front tire and wheel rim, left front fender, left front door, left rear door, left rear exterior bed, left rear tire, and rear bumper. Maximum exterior crush to the vehicle was.0 inches in the side plane at the left front corner just above bumper height. No occupant compartment deformation occurred. Damage to the guardrail and the vehicle is shown in Figure. 0 FIGURE Vehicle and guardrail damage after MASH test -. Data from the accelerometer, located at the vehicle center of gravity, were digitized for evaluation of occupant risk. In the longitudinal direction, the occupant impact velocity was.0 ft/s at 0. s, the highest 0.00-s occupant ridedown acceleration was 0. Gs from 0. to 0. s, and the maximum 0.00-s average acceleration was -. Gs between 0.00 and 0.00 s. In the lateral direction, the occupant impact velocity was. ft/s at 0. s, the highest 0.00-s occupant ridedown acceleration was. Gs from 0. to 0.0 s, and the maximum 0.00-s average was. Gs between 0. and 0. s. These data and other pertinent information from the test are provided in Figure.

General Information Test Agency... Test Standard Test No.... TTI Test No.... Test Date... Test Article Type... Name... Installation Length... Material or Key Elements... Soil Type and Condition... Test Vehicle Type/Designation... Make and Model... Curb... Test Inertial... Dummy... Gross Static... 0.000 s 0.00 s 0.00 s 0.00 s Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) MASH Test - 00-0-0- Median Barrier TxDOT -inch W-Beam Median Barrier ft gauge W-beam at inch height on W. steel posts spaced ft- inch with inch inch inch routed wood blockouts with splice midspan between posts Standard soil, dry 0P 00 Dodge Ram 00 Pickup 0 lb 0 lb No dummy 0 lb Impact Conditions Speed....0 mi/h Angle.... degrees Location/Orientation... 0. ft upstream of post Impact Severity.... kip-ft Exit Conditions Speed... Angle... Occupant Risk Values Impact Velocity Longitudinal....0 m/s Lateral.... m/s Ridedown Accelerations Longitudinal... 0. G Lateral.... G THIV....0 m/s PHD... 0. G ASI... 0. Max. 0.00-s Average Longitudinal... -. G Lateral.... G Vertical.... G Post-Impact Trajectory Stopping Distance.... ft dwnstrm Vehicle Stability Maximum Yaw Angle... degrees Maximum Pitch Angle... degrees Maximum Roll Angle... degrees Vehicle Snagging... No Vehicle Pocketing... No Test Article Deflections Dynamic....0 inches Permanent.... inches Working Width....0 inches Vehicle Intrusion... 0. inches Vehicle Damage VDS... LFQ CDC... FLEW Max. Exterior Deformation....0 inches OCDI... LF0000000 Max. Occupant Compartment Deformation... None FIGURE Summary of results for MASH test - on the TxDOT -inch W-Beam Median Barrier. Abu-Odeh, et al.

Abu-Odeh, et al. 0 0 RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS A new MASH compliant W-beam median barrier system was developed and tested successfully using MASH TL- conditions. Nonlinear finite element simulation was used to evaluate the system performance prior to testing. The modified median barrier system passed the evaluation criteria for both MASH tests -0 and -. This modified system utilizes standard blockouts and standard post spacing. The system is inches tall and has splices positioned off post locations. By having a MASH compliant W-beam median barrier, TxDOT and other states DOT s will have the option of specifying this new design for implementation. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This research project was conducted under a cooperative program between the Texas Transportation Institute, the Texas Department of Transportation, and the Federal Highway Administration. The authors acknowledge and appreciate TxDOT guidance and assistance. REFERENCES. D. Lance Bullard, Jr., Roger P. Bligh, Wanda L. Menges, and Rebecca R. Haug, Evaluation of Existing Roadside Safety Hardware Using Updated Criteria Technical Report, National Highway Research Cooperative Program, NCHRP Web-Only Document : Project -(0), Transportation Research Board, March 00.. AASHTO. Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Official, Washington DC, 00.. National Crash Analysis Center. NCAC Finite Element Model Archive. http://www.ncac.gwu.edu/vml/models.html. Accessed: Dec 0, 00. A. Y. Abu-Odeh, R. P. Bligh, D. L. Bullard, and W. L. Menges. Crash testing and Evaluation of the modified G(S) W-Beam Guardrail on : Slope. TTI 00--. Texas A&M Transportation Institute, College Station, TX, 00.. J. O. Hallquist. LS-DYNA: Keyword User's Manual, Version, Livermore Software Technology Corporation (LSTC), Livermore, California, 00.