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Results: 1 - 2 of 2 Flexible Highway Barriers (May 2008, MPC-08-198, Project #273) Jordan Jarrett, C.J. Riley, David Sawahata, and Paul Heyliger Highway barriers exist in part to protect life and property from excessive danger as part of normal road usage. Typically, these barriers can be characterized as stiff and passive. In this study, we report on the potential use of highly flexible materials that maintain the effective resistance to load of passive structures, but do so in a much more flexible manner. In this regard, these flexible barriers are softer, and have the potential to limit damage. The initial focus of this work is on inexpensive one-dimensional networks of biological or metallic elements that can undergo large deformations but still remain as viable barrier candidates. The intent is to explore the levels of energy absorption and global strength, with eventual barrier prototypes constructed and tested. Keywords: crash barriers, guard rails, numerical model, structural frames, wood, elastica  | Dynamic Impact Load Tests of a Bridge Guardrail System (Sep. 2007, MPC-07-188, Project #042) Richard Gutkowski, Abdalla Shigidi, and Michael Peterson A structural concept as an alternative to conventional bridge guardrail system for application in timber bridges was conceived in prior related research on an innovative timber bridge system. This paper presents the results of the subsequent study, which was conducted after making the improvements. The results showed the main component of a steel hanger performed without significant distress. Applied transverse ramp load was favorably distributed into the transverse floor beam segment of the specimen, and no noticeable damage resulted at q load level comparable to the ultimate load implied in bridge design code requirements of the American Association State Highway and Transportation Officials. An exploratory test under pendulum impact load testing showed the hanger and its connection system performed with no major damage. The main bridge girder sustained structural damage, but extreme handling methods needed to move the specimen into the load position and a reduction in its depth prior to testing may have damaged the girder and contributed to that outcome being suspect. Keywords: bridges, guard rails, load tests, timber  | | | |
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