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Analysis of 54-Inch Tall Single Slope Concrete Barrier on a Structurally Independent Foundation

Tailoring Barriers to Meet Texas Highway Needs

What Was the Need?

TxDOT requires bridge columns adjacent to roadways that exceed specific annual traffic frequency to be designed for impacts from heavy trucks, or be shielded with a barrier. The barrier needs to be on a structurally independent foundation that should be fifty-four (54) inches tall and must pass MASH Test Level 5 (TL-5) testing requirements—MASH is short for the Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware, a compilation of nationally accepted testing standards. Currently, there is no 54-inch tall barrier that meets MASH TL-5 criteria on a structurally independent foundation, nor is there a method to design such a barrier.

What's the Solution?

In this project, researchers developed structurally independent foundation designs for a 54-inch-tall single-slope concrete barrier (SSCB) that meet the impact performance requirements of MASH TL-5. Using the results of the crash test and the simulation analyses, researchers developed guidance on the distance that should be maintained between the 54-inch-tall SSCB and the bridge columns supporting an overpass.

Research Benefits

TxDOT’s Bridge Division can achieve statewide implementation of the 54-inch-tall SSCB and its foundation designs through the development of new standard detail sheets.

Project Number

0-6948

Status

Completed

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Project Details

Start Date

9/1/2017

End Date

8/31/2019

Performing Institution(s)

Texas A & M Transportation Institute (TTI)

Research Team

RS: Nauman Sheikh

Sponsor

Project Manager

Kevin Pete

Contract Specialist

Patti Dathe

Amount Funded

FY18: $111,462
FY19: $201,505

Source

TxDOT RTI

Publications from this Project

Page:

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Functional Area

Safety and Operations

Index Terms

Barriers (Roads)
Simulation
Impact tests
Highway safety

Lead University

TTI

Researcher

Sheikh, Nauman Mansoor

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Comments

nugentml

Related web presentation (9/13/2018): "Pier Protection (Vehicle Collision)" / Taya Retterer, P.E. http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/brg/webinars/2018-0913/03.pdf

4/24/2020 at 4:47 PM

Helpful?

Record Added:

10/19/2017

Record Updated:

1/25/2022 5:39 AM EST

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