Work zone informational sign panels are often mounted on portable wood or metal frames and used for changing traffic operations in new jersey work zones. Attimes, these portable signs are placed close to type iii breakaway barricades used to channelize traffic. If signs could be placed on the barricades instead, some portable wood or metal sign frames would no longer be needed. This would reduce sign costs as well. Barricades with signs attached at various heights for visibility purposes were tested for durability under wind loads up to 60 mph in accordance with criteria established by aashto. Twenty- and 60-mph full-scale vehicle crash tests were conducted in compliance with criteria established by aashtoand nchrp report 230. Only lightweight signs were attached to the barricades inthe tests to eliminate doubt concerning the damage that standard-weight signs might cause. The 12-in.-Clearance, 0.024-In.-Thick aluminum sign failed the 60-mph crash test. However, vinyl roll-up signs with 21, 38, and 50 in. Of clearance from the bottom of the sign to the pavement and 0.024-In.-Thick aluminum signs with 29 and 41 in. Of clearance passed the wind and crash tests and are recommended for implementation. This paper appears in transportation research record no. 1258, Roadside safety 1990.
Abstract