Vehicle Earth Berm Simulation Study.

摘要

Earth berm configurations were investigated using simulation models to study their effectiveness in redirecting impacting vehicles at various approaching speeds and angles. The modified N.C. earth berm (RS berm) with 10-inch initial energy-dissipating curb-like steps was further tested and modified to reduce the step height. Improved berm with six 5-inch curb-like steps showed good results after many other configurations had been considered. Substantial height reduction of steps from 10inches down to 5inches resulted in satisfactory vehicle dynamic responses upon impact. However,the overall performance of this improved berm was about equivalent to that of the RS berm. Dynamic responses of vehicle impacting shrub barriers were also studied in conjunction with berm configurations without energy-dissipating curb-like steps. Proper biological system barriers were designed to absorb vehicular kinetic energy in order to prevent errant vehicles from fatal accidents. Simulation analysis showed that shrub barriers would effectively deter the impacting vehicle and improve the performance of an earth berm.