Citation

Sicking D, Ross H. Transp. Res. Rec. 1987; 1133: 42-50.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1987, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The design of W-beam guardrail was analyzed with the GUARD computer program to determine the feasibility of reducing guardrail costs without sacrificing barrier performance. Fifteen full-scale crash tests were simulated to validate the GUARD program for use with W-beam guardrails. Simulated crash tests involved full-size and mini-size sedans, small and large pickups, and a full-size van. The GUARD program was found to adequately simulate vehicle motions and predict wheel snag. Alternative barrier designs were then evaluated through GUARD simulation. Design variables included post spacing, post strength, rail height, and blockout depth. These simulations indicated that a W-beam guardrail with 8.33-ft post spacings and 10-in. blockouts could perform as well as or better than existing W-beam barrier designs.

Record URL:
http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1987/1133/1133-006.pdf

Language: en

Keywords

HIGHWAY SYSTEMS; AUTOMOBILES - Testing; COMPUTER SIMULATION; STRUCTURAL DESIGN - Optimization