MPC
Research Projects (2006-07)

Identifying Number

MPC-278

Project Title

Bus-Stop Shelters: Improved Safety, Year 1

University

Colorado State University

Project Investigator:

Wayne Charlie, CSU
wcharlie@engr.colorstate.edu

External Project Contact

N/A

Project Objective

Research objectives are to design, construct and test a prototype timber bus-stop shelter capable of providing improved safety to occupants from vehicle impacts, hail, and windstorm and tornado generated debris. Year one will test a prototype sub-assembly using FEMA test methods for impacts from hail and hurricane and tornado generated debris. During year two, we will do FEMA tests and automobile impact tests on a full-scale shelter. We will first evaluate existing bus-stop shelter designs using various materials including wood, metal, tempered glass, and plastic. We will then develop and test a timber-based design for a bus-stop shelter and timber-based protective barrier around shelters. The USDA Forest Service's Healthy Forest Initiative is resulting in a large volume of timber products in rural areas. We propose to investigate multiple materials for bus-stop shelters, including timber. Based on these tests, we will evaluate the potential of recommending commercial development of the concept of "impact resistant bus-stop shelters." We will also study the spatial relationship between the shelter and the location of roads, parking, curbs, barriers, structures, etc.

Project Abstract

Bus-stop shelters (school and public transit) typically provide, at best, only limited reduction to exposure to rain, snow, wind and direct sunlight. Most shelters provide little or no reduction in potential injury from vehicle impacts and severe storms (wind, wind generated missiles, or hail). The proposed research will evaluate and physically test bus-stop shelter designs, including a timber-based design, to evaluate and upgrade the impact resistance of bus-stop shelters.

Task Descriptions

1. Complete a literature search to determine (a) national and worldwide use of bus-stop shelters and existing specifications, designs and materials used for such shelters, (b) impact strength of typical materials used for such shelters, © existing designs to include impact resistance of structures, (d) accidents related to hail and windstorm generate debris and automobile impacts of bus-stop shelters, and (e) load-displacement characteristics of timber protective barriers to upgrade existing bus-stop shelters as a function of soil conditions, timber type and dimensions, and other variables.
2. Year one will test a prototype sub-assembly using FEMA test methods for impacts from hail and hurricane and tornado generated debris impacting at velocities of up to 100 mph. We will first evaluate and test existing bus-stop shelter designs using various materials including wood, metal, tempered glass, and plastic. We will then develop and test a timber-based design for bus-stop shelter and timber-based protective barriers around shelters.
3. During year two, if funded, we will do FEMA tests and NCHRP automobile impact tests on a full-scale bus-stop shelter, conduct rigorous computer modeling, and compare physical test results with the computer modeling results. Based on these tests, we will evaluate the potential of recommending commercial development of the concept of "impact resistant bus-stop shelters."
4. Seek funding to apply results to actual bus stop shelters.

Colorado State University has an extensive database from its past research on windstorm, tornado and hurricane impact resistance of structures and similar research on blast load resistance of structures. CSU also has an extensive database and computer modeling experience in modeling timber bridges and structures to static and dynamic loadings.

Milestones, Dates

Starting Date: July 1, 2006
Ending Date: June 30, 2007

Yearly and Total Budget

$95,750

Student Involvement

One graduate research assistant; Undergraduate research assistants as needed

Relationship to Other Research Projects

Colorado State University's Center for Explosive Research and Testing includes a FEMA tornado and hurricane debris impact facility.

Colorado State University's Engineering Research Center also includes a facility to conduct vehicle impact tests of safety and security barriers. This facility was conceived and developed via past MPC funded projects and support. See MPC Report No. 03-143, MPC Report No. 05-172.

Technology Transfer Activities

Technology transfer will be via an MPC technical report. If warranted, a technical journal and/or conference paper will be prepared for submittal and an MPC research seminar will be presented over the TLN videoconference network after completion of the project. Publicity about all of the MPC projects is available through the MPC website at www.mountain-plains.org.

Potential Benefits of the Project

Bus-stop shelters should harmonize with the local area and combine simplicity, functionality, good design, and safety. In addition, if these structures can offer safe refuge from hail or debris generated by windstorms and tornados, they would offer additional benefits. Improved structural modeling contributes to better understanding of response to these increasing loads and field conditions. The research proposed will lead to a better understanding of impact resistance of bus-stop shelters leading to more realistic assumptions of a bus-stop shelter's response to impact loading. This information should be of potential benefit to designing new and upgrading existing bus-stop shelters.

TRB Keywords

Bus-Stop Shelters; Hail, Impact resistance; Tornado and Hurricane Debis, Timber