Studies on the effectiveness of the innovative road safety system

Abstract

The paper evaluates the effectiveness of the innovative road safety system equipped with prototype component segments composed of a body made of a plastic filled with reinforced concrete. Main advantages of the new safety barrier include increased resistance to corrosion as well as easy transport and assembly directly on a road section being secured. Model tests were performed on a car of 900 kg weight allowing for carrying out the TB11 tests according to the EN 1317-2 standard. LS-DYNA software was applied for modelling, using the finite element method. The work presents the numerical test results, trajectory of vehicle movement after collision as well as the concrete barrier displacement. It also includes examples of stress in steel bars and joint coupling. Detailed assessing of simulation test results were made on the basis of ASI, THIV and PHD index. They were calculated on the basis of velocity and acceleration courses of selected car bodywork points. Numerical test results confirm the fact that this system meets the normative requirements. They allow for qualifying that system for B impact severity level and W4 working width. The results presented in the paper make the initial stage of the study and further calculations will be oriented towards a possibility of meeting the requirements for higher restraint levels.