TESTING OF HIGHWAY BARRIERS AND OTHER SAFETY ACCESSORIES

A new concept in highway guiderail and median barrier design--the light post, strong beam barrier--was developed during a full-scale New York State test program in 1965. The results of that research led to complete revision of state barrier design standards. The project reported here was an extension of that research, with additional attention to several new problem areas. The work consisted of a 2-year test program of 125 full-scale vehicle impacts, as well as other field and laboratory investigations. Three general areas were covered: (1) field testing of barriers and rails, (2) field testing of other safety accessories, and (3) special investigations involving specific design problems. Included were investigations of guiderail deflection, vehicle size, end treatments, transitions, median barriers, vaulting, and improvements to previous designs.