Report #9-1531-R2A – Chapter 2

Abstract

Chapter 2 of the research report presents the work completed for the development and evaluation of an improved railing for use on top of barriers. The railing system and barrier were evaluated for upright motorcyclist impacts and MASH TL-3. Three design concepts for the railing system were developed to meet the impact requirements. One design was selected for further design and evaluation through FE analyses. This design consisted of a chain link fence, vertical steel posts, and one horizontal steel post along the top of the chain link fence. Overall, the final chain link fence design showed acceptable performance for upright motorcyclist impact and MASH TL-3. Recommendations were made to evaluate the design according to full-scale crash testing.

    TTI Research Supervisor

    Nathan Schulz
    Texas A&M Transportation Institute

    Technical Representative

    Kenneth Mora
    Texas DOT