This paper reflects the nationwide research trend to utilise computer impact simulation for improvement of highway roadside safety hardware. Numerical simulation is based on the nonlinear, explicit dynamic finite element method using the LS-DYNA3D computer code to perform numerical calculations. Finite element models of two roadside safety barriers developed at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, the AASHTO G2 Weak-post W-beam Guardrail and the reinforced concrete Post and Beam Bridge Rail, are impacted with a public domain FEM model of the Chevrolet C-2500 pickup. Animation sequences are included for both simulations. Results of numerical simulation obtained for the G2 guardrail are compared to full-scale crash tests using an established validation procedure. The finite element modelling which led to the development of the G2 Guardrail and the Post and Beam Bridge Rail are discussed. For the covering abstract see ITRD E116488.
Samenvatting