Computer Simulation of Recycled Content Guardrail Post Impacts
Publication: Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 130, Issue 6
Abstract
Guardrail posts made of recycled plastics are becoming candidates for use in roadside safety features due to the nature of exhibiting properties that are useful in absorbing energy. Relatively few studies have specifically addressed the performance of recycled guardrail posts in strong-post guardrail systems. Few have reported success in this area. In this study, a detailed computer simulation study is performed to evaluate the crashworthiness of the recycled content guardrail posts. Results of a full-scale crash test are also used to verify the accuracy of the finite element models used in the simulation study. Based on the investigation, it is demonstrated that computer simulations can effectively model the dynamic response behavior of a crash event and provide valuable information about the impact performance of recycled content guardrail posts. Crash simulation results indicate that when proper quality recycled posts are used the guardrail system has the potential for meeting the National Cooperative Highway Research Program Report 350 recommendations.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
References
1.
Atahan, A. O., Bligh, R. P., Bowen, A. R., and Alberson, D. C. (2000). “Applications of recycled materials in roadside safety devices.” Research Rep. 1458-3, Texas Transportation Institute, Texas A&M Univ., College Station, Tex.
2.
Atahan, A. O., Bligh, R. P., and Ross, H. E., Jr. (2002). “Evaluation of recycled content guardrail posts.” J. Transp. Eng., 128(2), 156–166.
3.
Bligh, R. P., Alberson, D. C., and Butler, B. G. (1995). “Applications of recycled materials in roadside safety devices.” Research Rep. 1458-1, Texas Transportation Institute, Texas A&M Univ., College Station, Tex.
4.
Bligh, R. P., and Bullard, L. D., Jr. (1995). “Crash testing and evaluation of round, wood post, W-beam guardrail system.” TTI Research Study No. 405391-1, Texas Transportation Institute, Texas A&M Univ. System, College Station, Tex.
5.
Hallquist, J.O. (1998). LS-DYNA3D users manual, Livermore Software Technology Corporation, Livermore, Calif.
6.
Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO). (1993a). “Potential applications in highway products of rubber/plastics blends based on waste materials.” MAT-92-11, Research and Development Branch, MTO, Ont., Canada.
7.
Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO). (1993b). “Development of specifications for plastic lumber for use in highway applications—Phase I.” MAT-93-02, Research and Development Branch, MTO, Ont., Canada.
8.
Plaxico, C., Patzner, G. S., and Ray, M. H. (1997). “Finite element modeling of guardrail timber posts and the post-soil interaction.” Paper No. 980791, Transportation Research Board, Washington, D.C.
9.
Ross, H. E., Jr., Sicking, D. L., Zimmer, R. A., and Michie, J. D. (1993). “Recommended procedures for the safety performance evaluation of highway features.” NCHRP Rep. 350, National Research Council, Washington, D.C.
10.
Sicking, D. L. (1995). “Applications of simulation in design and analysis of roadside safety features.” Transportation Research Circular 435, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, Washington D.C., 67–74.
11.
Smith, L. L., and Ramer, R. M. (1992). “Recycled plastics for highway agencies.” Paper No. 920496, Florida Department of Transportation, Transportation Research Board, Washington, D.C.
12.
Strybos, J. W. (1993). “The development of roadside safety hardware using recycled materials.” SAE Trans., 102(6), 98–109.
13.
Zaouk, A.K., Bedewi, N.E., Kan, C.D., and Marzougui, D. (1996). “Development and evaluation of a C-1500 pick-up truck model for roadside hardware impact simulation.”
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Copyright
Copyright © 2004 ASCE.
History
Published online: Oct 15, 2004
Published in print: Nov 2004
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.