A series of crash tests and operational demonstrations of a precast movable concrete barrier (mcb) were performed. Four crash tests of the mcb showed that it can successfully redirect both light and heavy passenger cars at various angles of impact. The crash tests involved two large cars weighing 4, 370 lb and 4, 300lb, traveling 59.3 And 59.4 Mph, and striking at 24 degrees and 16 degrees, respectively; and two small cars weighing 2, 000 lb and 1, 895 lb, traveling 57.7 And58.6 Mph, and striking at 15 1/2 degrees and 20 1/2 degrees, respectively. The crash tests satisfied the requirements for structural adequacy and occupant riskin nchrp report 230. Vehicle trajectory requirements were not satisfied becauseof large exit angles. The demonstrations consisted of (a) a transfer vehicle straightening a deflected barrier after the last crash test; (b) a transfer vehicle transporting, assembling, and transferring a barrier on a 1, 400-ft radius witha 12% cross-slope; (c) a transfer vehicle transferring a barrier on a 4 to 5% longitudinal grade; and (d) manual movement of the barrier to adjust minor misalignments. The mcb moves laterally under impact. The lateral movement is related to impact severity. Two equations are presented to predict lateral movement as a function of impact severity. This paper appears in transportation research record no. 1258, Roadside safety 1990.
Abstract