In 1981 and 1982 the SWOV Institute for Road Safety Research has carried out final tests with the RIMOB (Impact attenuator equipped with crumpling tubes) crash cushion. In those years there were no test conditions for crash cushions available. In accordance with some experiences in the United States, the following relevant tests were chosen: (1) central impacts; (2) frontal off set impacts; and (3) side impacts. In this report the `old' tests and results are redescribed similar to the CEN/TC 226/WG1 standard. Owing to differences between RIMOB and CEN test conditions the given results are not directly comparable. However, there is much agreement. The RIMOB is developed for passenger cars with a mass of approximately 900 kg. passenger cars with a mass of approximately 900 kg. An integrated buffer segment provides for well-functioning with vehicles with a higher mass. Collisions with vehicles with a lower mass give higher values for the Acceleration Severity Index (ASI criterium) as described in this report. (A)
Abstract