Crash Tests of Construction Zone Traffic Barriers: Fid-Bau Portal

Crash Tests of Construction Zone Traffic Barriers

K. C. Hahn / J. E. Bryden

Three temporary construction zone traffic barriers were crash-tested to determine their performance. A 12-in. timber curb, with steel splice plates connecting adjoining sections and steel pins driven into a gravel subbase, was unable to redirect vehicles in very minor impacts. The test vehicle straddled the barrier at 30 mph 3 degrees and 20 mph 7.5 degrees and went completely over it at 30 mph 7.5 degrees. Only minor movement of the barrier was detected. A 16-in. high timber curb, with a corrugated-beam steel rail bolted to the face (W-beam timber curb), was successfully tested at 43 mph 17 degrees and 38 mph 14 degrees. Steel retaining washers welded to the tops of the anchor pins reduced barier movement upon impact. This barrier is suitable for use in construction zones where moderate impacts may occur (40 mph 15 degrees), and requires only a few inches of clear deflection distance behind the barrier. New York's standard portable precast-concrete median barrier using pin-connected joints contained an impacting vehicle at 55 mph 25 degrees, and appears suitable for high-speed work zones with no connection to the pavement or other barrier restraint except for the two terminal sections. Pulling the joints tight upon installation and filling the bottom corners with mortar substantially reduced barrier deflection and damage. Barrier deflection up to 15 in. may result in 60 mph 25 degrees impacts where anchorage to the pavement is not provided, but would be less where conditions do not permit such severe impacts.