Effect of Chain-Link Fence Attachment on the Crash Performance of an H1 Containment Level Safety Barrier

Abstract

Longitudinal barriers are among the road safety equipment used to prevent vehicles from leaving the roadway. These systems are designed to be lightweight for economic reasons without compromising their structural adequacy. In this study, the effect of chain-link fence on impact severity and structural performance of a longitudinal barrier was investigated through finite element (FE) analyses. An H1 containment level longitudinal barrier FE model was validated using real crash test results. After modifying the validated system to reduce its weight, crash test simulations (TB11 and TB42) were conducted on the modified system, both with and without chain-link fence attachment. The chain-link fence was placed below the rail and on the traffic side of the post in a manner that had not been applied before. FE analyses found that the chain-link fence minimally altered TB11 test performance. In TB42 simulations without a chain-link fence, the vehicle climbed over the rail, resulting in a test failure. However, when a chain-link fence was used, the same barrier contained and redirected the vehicle, leading to a successful test. It was concluded that using chain-link fences can enhance the crash performance of longitudinal barriers by limiting the barrier lateral deformation. Further detailed studies, supported by real crash tests, on the placement of fences in barriers are recommended.