In 1980 a standard texas traffic rail, c202, was modified to increase its height and strength to restrain and redirect an 80, 000-lb (36, 300-kg) van-type tractor-trailer under 50-mph (80.5-Km/hr), 15-degree-angle impacts. The concrete parapet height was increased to 36 in. (91 Cm), and an elliptical steel rail was mounted on steel posts to increase the rail height to 54 in. (137 Cm). In 1980 one crash test was conducted on the bridge rail. The truck was restrained and smoothly redirected. This promising high-performance bridge rail was not tested at that time with passenger cars. The results of two successful crash tests with a 1, 918-lb (871-kg) car traveling at 61.3 Mph (98.6 Km/hr) striking at a 21-degree angle and with a 4, 400-lb (1, 998-kg) car traveling at 59.4 Mph (95.6 Km/hr) striking at a 25.9-Degree angle are presented. This paper appears in transportation research record no. 1258, Roadside safety 1990.
Abstract