MASH Test Nos. 3-17 and 3-11 on a Non-Proprietary Cable Median Barrier.

摘要

The Midwest States Pooled Fund has been developing a new design for a non-proprietary high-tension cable median barrier. This new system incorporates four evenly spaced cables, Midwest Weak Posts (MWPs) spaced at 8 to 16 ft (2.4 to 4.9 m) intervals, and a bolted, tabbed bracket to attach the cables to the post. Full-scale crash testing was needed to evaluate the barrier’s safety performance. According to the proposed Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) testing matrix for cable barriers installed within a median ditch, a series of eight full-scale tests are required to evaluate the safety performance of the system. Additionally, a ninth test is required to establish the working width for systems with variable post spacing's. Three full-scale crash tests were performed on the cable barrier system for use anywhere within 6H:1V V-ditches. Test no. MWP-1 was conducted according to MASH test no. 3-17 and utilized a 1500A passenger car impacting the barrier at the slope break point. The vehicle was contained and redirected by the barrier, and the test was deemed acceptable. Test no. MWP-2 was conducted according to MASH test no. 3-11 and utilized a 2270P pickup truck impacting the barrier on level terrain. The vehicle was contained and redirected by the barrier, and the test was deemed acceptable. Test no. MWP-3 was also conducted with a 2270P vehicle according to MASH test no. 3-11. However, the post spacing was reduced from 16 ft (4.9 m), utilized during the first two tests, to 8 ft (2.4 m). After initially capturing the vehicle, three cables were eventually overridden as the vehicle was being redirected. Subsequently, the vehicle rolled and the test was deemed unacceptable.