The development and full-scale crash testing of a new, reusable, and essentially maintenance-free crash cushion designed to shield wide hazards are described. The energy-dissipating medium in this device is composed of high-molecular-weight, high-density polyethylene cylinders. This “smart” energy-dissipating thermoplastic is the same material used in the REACT family of narrow-hazard crash cushions and truck-mounted attenuators. It is self-restorative and reusable and possesses excellent energy-dissipation properties. The design process incorporated the results of impact testing with individual polyethylene cylinders, finite-element modeling, and a comprehensive full-scale crash testing program conducted in accordance with the guidelines of NCHRP Report 350. It is demonstrated that finite-element modeling is a cost-effective tool whose use can minimize the number of costly full-scale crash tests required to develop an effective impact attenuation device. This new, reusable, wide-hazard crash cushion satisfies all of the requirements of NCHRP Report 350 and has been accepted by FHWA for use in the National Highway System.


    Access

    Download

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Reusable High-Molecular-Weight, High-Density Polyethylene Crash Cushions for Wide Hazards


    Additional title:

    Transportation Research Record


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    1999-01-01




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




    Development of Reusable High-Molecular-Weight-High-Density Polyethylene Crash Cushions

    Carney, J. / Faramawi, M. / Chatterjee, S. | Transportation Research Record | 1996



    Development of Reusable High-Molecular-Weight–High-Density Polyethylene Crash Cushions

    Carney, J. F. / Faramawi, M. I. / Chatterjee, S. | Transportation Research Record | 1996


    Barrel crash cushions

    Hirsch, Teddy J. / Ivey, Don L. | BASE | 1997

    Free access