In the early 1960's British Ropes Ltd., now Bridon PLC, collaborated with the Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL) in the development of a weak post wire rope safety fence (WRSF) consisting of two ropes, under a known tension, resting freely in a slot in the top of the fence. During the development it was found that the WRSF was sensitive to the height of the ropes above the ground level and the decision was taken to ensure they were always at the correct height by installing the WRSF on a hardened running surface. In 1986 Bridon PLC took a policy decision to update the performance of the 2-rope wire rope safety fence. This report outlines the work carried out, the results of the tests, and an indication of how an indication of how the properties of the fence can contribute to safety, in particular to the safety of the occupants of the vehicle. Attention was centred on the behaviour of saloon vehicles although the behaviour of heavy goods vehicles is also reported. (A)
Samenvatting