Introduction

The objective of the project is to develop a w-beam guardrail terminal for use on low-speed roadways (45 MPH and less). The proposed guardrail terminal will be a simple design, composed of readily available, off-the-shelf components. The design will be visually unobtrusive and compatible with aesthetic coatings. To minimize environmental and right-of-way impacts, the guardrail terminal will be as short as possible and without excessive offset from the roadway centerline. This project will provide a low-cost option for guardrail terminals that fits within the low-speed context of many FLMA roadways.  

Goals

The objective of this research is to develop a crashworthy w-beam guardrail terminal for low-speed roadways. 

Scope

The project will include: 

• Conduct a literature review of available crash-tested low-speed guardrail terminals. 
• Develop a simple, low-cost, visually unobtrusive guardrail terminal that meets current crash test criteria for low speed roadways. 
• Use advanced computer simulation methodology to analyze the design concept. 
• Conduct full-scale crash tests of the design concept using the critical test conditions described in the current crash test recommendations. 
• Provide drawings of the crash-tested terminal systems. 
• Prepare a presentation to help disseminate the project details. 

Engagement

A report detailing the technical analysis has been developed, including results from computer modeling and physical crash testing. Presentation materials describing the project have been developed. Detailed installation drawings will be developed. 

Project Details

Digital Object Identifier (DOI) 

https://doi.org/10.21949/1521399 

ORCID for the principal investigator 

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1277-1895

Texas Transportation Institute
1111 Rellis Parkway Bryan, TX 77807
United States
Phone: 979-317-2000

Contact Information

Project Manager: Christine Black
Phone: 720-963-3662
Email: Christine.Black@dot.gov