MASH Evaluation of TxDOT High-Mounting-Height Temporary Work Zone Sign Support System

Author/Presenter: Dobrovolny, Chiara S.; Arrington, Dusty R.; Bligh, Roger P.; Menges, Wanda L.; Kuhn, Darrell L.
Abstract:

The objective of this research was to develop a nonproprietary, lightweight, crashworthy, temporary work-zone single sign support for use with an aluminum sign substrate. The device is intended to meet the evaluation criteria in American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials “Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH).” In addition to crashworthiness, consideration was given to cost, functionality, and accommodating a high-mounting-height (7 ft). An aluminum sign substrate was also a design requirement stipulated by the Texas Department of Transportation. Texas A&M Transportation Institute researchers used perforated steel tubing for the frame of the new temporary single sign support system to accommodate the requests for a lightweight, durable, and easy to assemble structure. Slip joints were incorporated into the vertical support to help mitigate the severity of secondary contact between the sign substrate and roof of the impacting vehicle. The proposed design options were full-scale crash tested with 1100C and 2270P vehicles under required MASH TL-3 conditions. Two out of the three proposed new designs for temporary work zone sign supports functioned acceptably under the impacted MASH TL-3 conditions. A third design was judged to have potential for intrusion into the occupant compartment due to a tear in the roof of the 2270P vehicle during MASH Test 3-72 at 90 degrees.