The results of three full-scale vehicle impact tests of an energy-absorbing barrier employing 55-gal tight-head steel drums are reported. The 19.6-ft long test barriers were designed as gore installations. The tests were conducted with 1968 sedans weighing approximately 4,700 lb and travelling at speeds of from 54 to 64 mph. The tests were run head-on and at 9 deg with the barrier axis into the barrier nose, and 11 deg with the barrier axis mid-way along the side of the barrier. The head-on and angle impacts into the nose of the barrier resulted in vehicle passenger-compartment decelerations less than the 12-g limit suggested by the federal highway administration. Vehicle damage was moderate. The vehicle remained stable and upright during impact. The impact into the side of the barrier did not produce completely satisfactory results. The vehicle was redirected by the bridge approach guard-rail behind the barrier. The results indicate that the barrier effectiveness in reducing the severity of most impacts is such that it should be used operationally on an experimental basis. However, future design refinements are needed, particularly with regard to redirection of vehicles colliding with the side of the barrier. A study of accident statistics and human tolerance to deceleration is summarised. This study indicated that the deceleration imparted to the impacting vehicle should be as low as possible, perhaps lower than in some current criteria. (Author/publisher)
Abstract