Computer simulation analysis has become a popular technique for supplementing full-scale crash testing to predict the behaviour of road safety barriers including guardrails and bridge rails. To ensure the computer simulation model is reliable the model should be calibrated with known full-scale crash tests as documented in NCHRP Report 179.
The Safe Direction simulation models have been verified and validated as required by NCHRP Report 179 and have been used to evaluate installation variants for the following ASBAP approved barrier systems:
- RamShield® W-Beam Guardrail
- RamShield® Low deflection
- HammerBeam® Bridge & Culvert Barrier
- CrocGuard® Bridge & Culvert Barrier
Variants evaluated include impacts at various speeds, missing posts, varying soil conditions and determining impact loads transferred to anchor bolts.
Each Safe Direction simulation is accompanied by a Technical Directorate providing details of the simulated impact and commentary on vehicle and barrier behaviour. Please contact Safe Direction for more details.
