CHALLENGES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SEMI-FLEXIBLE BARRIERS TO MEET MASH TL4 (Paper 921)

This presentation will explore the challenges associated with the development of semi- flexible barriers to meet the new MASH TL4 standard. Semi-flexible barriers are traditionally steel w-beam or thrie-beam rails connected to strong or weak steel posts embedded into the ground. The presentation will cover the design elements and innovative mechanisms, of several systems, developed to enhance the crash testing performance of semi-flexible barriers to meet the new standard. The MASH TL4 standard has significantly increased the re-directive requirements of barriers over the NCHRP350 TL4 standard and this influence will be explored.
The presentation will be a very visual power point presentation highlighting the changes to crash test protocols for larger trucks displaying and explaining these tests through real life video footage.