High-Speed Impact Tests on Highway Safety Fences

More information

Main author

Becke, M.

Co-Authors

-

Type of media

PDF

Publication type

Lecture

Publication year

-

Publisher

18. EVU Conference, Hinckley

Citation

Becke, M.: High-Speed Impact Tests on Highway Safety Fences. 18th EVU Conference, Hinckley (UK) 2009

English, 7 pages, 7 figures, 14 references

Analysis of eleven experimental high-speed collisions with safety fences, which led to twenty actual
impacts, has been carried out. The analyses revealed dependencies, the use of which will substantially
improve the reconstruction of comparable safety fence accidents. The main results can be summarised
in five statements:
1. The post-collision speed is about 95% of the pre-collision speed.
2. The exit angle is about 56% of the angle of incidence.
3. The collision-induced speed change transversal to the vehicle is approximately 140% of the speed
of the collision normal to the safety fence.
4. The friction coefficient μ between the vehicle and the safety fence is about μ = 0.27.
5. The kinematic coefficient of restitution is about " = 0.5 for this type of collision.
These parameters can be employed in simulation programs. Various models have been analysed,
especially in the simulation program PC-Crash. The best match between calculated and measured
results is achieved in the algebraic impact model derived by Kudlich-Slibar – which is interesting
since only one parameter, the depth of intrusion, is left as a variable. The motion of the vehicle
differs depending on the depth of intrusion. However, no general recommendation can be given how
to choose the intrusion in order to achieve the best results.