Portable concrete barriers (PCB) keep traffic from entering work areas, protect workersm seperate two-way traffic and protect construction such as false-work for bridges. The barrier connector is normally regarded as the weakest part of the barrier system. Recently, a number of chronic problems have been observed in the use of PCB, mainly related to the connector system. This report contains the results of a survey of PCB use, an analytical analysis of connector strengths, review of crash test results and narrative on visits to highway agencies to learn about current application and performance. The pin and loop variety of connector is used in 46 agencies, however, design specifications even within this connector variety vary widely. The tongue and groove and plate insert connectors are the next most widely used connectors. The most widely used connectors are the least crash tested, and a number of connectors presently being used have never been tested. Analysis of connector strengths reveals that pins in pin and loop connectors should be anchored to prevent pins from jumping or bending out of connector loops. Some connectors currently used have major application and performance problems. (A)
Samenvatting