Knowledge CentreTechnical Resources SearchConference PapersCRASH PERFORMANCE OF ENERGY-ABSORBING GUIDE RAIL TERMINALS

CRASH PERFORMANCE OF ENERGY-ABSORBING GUIDE RAIL TERMINALS

Abstract

Energy-absorbing guide rail terminals (EAGRTs) are a form of end treatment designed to absorb energy during a collision and prevent intrusion into the impacting vehicle. After several years of use in New Brunswick there is evidence to suggest these systems may not always perform as desired. This study was conducted to evaluate the real-world performance of EAGRT systems in collisions throughout the Province. A retrospective review of 103 collisions that occurred prior to the study was supplemented with an in-depth analysis and reconstruction of 18 collisions that occurred during the study period. The study involved two EAGRT systems; the ET-Plus and the SKT-350. In New Brunswick between 2007 and 2010 80% of all EAGRT collisions in the study area were property-damageonly, 19% resulted in injuries, and there was one fatality. In most cases the EAGRT absorbed a significant amount of energy (an average of 315 KJ per crash); however, several observations were made. It was determined that not all EAGRT systems are being installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. Intrusion of system components into the vehicle was documented in two collisions. It was also observed that many of the collision configurations were outside the boundaries defined by both the NCHRP Report 350 and MASH. The major recommendations focused on installation and maintenance issues. The study also revealed areas in need of further research. These areas include the feasibility of using systems that maximize lateral offset to reduce snowplow damage, and whether an impact offset greater than one quarter would be more critical than an impact with only a quarter offset, which is currently used in the NCHRP Report 350 (and MASH) Test 3-30.

Conference Paper Details

Session title:
GOVERNMENTAL POLICIES AND PROGRAMS THAT AFFECT HIGHWAY SAFETY PERFORMANCE
Author(s):
Ryan W. Esligar
Eric D. Hildebrand
Topics:
Road safety
Year:
2012