ASSESSMENT OF ROAD EQUIPMENT RESISTANCE TO SNOW PLOUGH LOADS

摘要

An evaluation of safety barriers resistance to snow plough loads shall be added to road equipment assessment in accordance with EN 1317-5. The resistance to snow removal operations is now one of the mandate characteristics of safety barriers. Horizontal and vertical pressure of snow ploughed against the rail and minor impacts caused by the plough in the traffic face and the upper edge of the rail are evaluated through geometric and strength aspects. This paper presents this evaluation method explaining its historical background, its meaning and the use of it with its limitations. Finally, a possible evolution of this method is considered for future assessments.