Three full-scale crash tests conducted to evaluate impact behavior of a subcompact vehicle following impact with widely used signpost designs. Each test vehicle weighed 1940 lb (863 kg) and impact speed was approximately 60 mph (96.5 km/h) in each test. Two tests involved impact with a 3 lb/ft (4.5 kg/m) steel U-post and the other test involved 3 lb/ft (4.5kg/m) steel U-posts bolted together to form a 6 lb/ft (8.9 kg/m) back-to-back section. Impact with the 3 lb/ft post in a dry soil resulted in a vehicle change in velocity above the limiting value. Impact with the same post in a wet soil resulted in an acceptable vehicle velocity change since the post was pulled out of the ground. Impact with the 6 lb/ft post resulted in a vehicle change in velocity that greatly exceeded the limiting value. After impact the vehicle rolled over and was a total loss. (FHWA)
Abstract