Abstract
This paper presents equations for determining the peak impact load of a car crashing into a rigid concrete safety barrier. The equations were validated using full-scale crash tests carried out by different research institutions including Monash University. Comparisons between theory and test results indicate that the equations provide reasonable accuracy when predicting peak impact loads of a car crashing into a rigid concrete barrier for different impact speeds and angles. In particular, these equations can provide bridge engineers a useful means of determining realistic peak impact service loads when designing bridge deck barriers. (Author/publisher)