Crash Tests of Construction-Zone Traffic Barriers

Tests conducted by the New York State Department of Transportation to determine the performance of various types of traffic barriers for construction zones are described. A 30.5-cm (12-in) timber curb with steel splice plates between sections and steel pins driven into the subbase was unable to redirect vehicles in minor impacts. A 40.6-cm ( 16-in) high timber curb with a W-beam steel rail bolted to the face was successfully tested at 76 km/h (47 miles/h) and 17 deg and at 61 km/h ( 38 miles/h) and 14 deg. Steel washers welded atop the anchor pins reduced barrier movement at impact. This barrier is suitable for use where moderate impacts may occur (64 km/h (40 miles/h) and 15 deg) and requires only a few inches of deflection distance. New York’s standard portable concrete median barrier with pin-connected joints, which contained an impacting vehicle at 89 km/h (55 miles/h) and 25 deg without any connection to the pavement except the two terminal sections, appears to be suitable for use in highspeed work zones. Pulling the joints tight when it was installed and grouting the bottom corners reduced barrier deflection and damage. Deflection of as much as 38.1 cm (15 in) may be produced by 97-km/h (60-mile/h) impacts where anchorage to the pavement is not provided, but it would be less where conditions do not permit such severe impacts.