Numerical Evaluation of Retrofit Designs of Cable Median Barriers Using Reclaimed Tires

摘要

This thesis presents a research attempt at finding out a viable retrofit system design for cable median barriers using reclaimed tires. Finite element analysis was used to conduct simulations in order to evaluate the performance of retrofit barriers.;Four designs of the retrofit tire-cable median barriers were modeled and tested under impacts by a 1996 Dodge Neon and a 2006 Ford F250 according to MASH test level 3 impact conditions. The simulations were conducted on a flat median and the vehicles were impacted on the barrier at 62.1 mph and 25° impact angle at the post to find out a feasible design out of the four proposed designs. These simulations were conducted in a systematic manner and a viable design option was found amongst the four proposed retrofit options and named as EDC_J1. Further evaluation of EDC_J1 design was carried out by setting up simulations for back side and front side impacts on post and mid-span on flat and sloped medians.;The simulation results showed that the EDC_J1 barrier could successfully redirect the smaller sedan in most cases compared to the current cable median barrier without tires. The EDC_J1 tire-cable median barrier was also found to have less barrier deflection than the current design for impacts with smaller sedan.