Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Dynamic strength of a modified W-beam BCT trailing-end termination system

2015; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 20; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/13588265.2015.1009308

1754-2111

Cody S. Stolle, John D. Reid, Ronald K. Faller, Mario Mongiardini,

Structural Response to Dynamic Loads

AbstractW-beam systems utilise end-terminal anchorages to develop tension upstream and downstream of an impact event. However, the capacities of the anchorage components under impact loading are not well known. One such W-beam end-anchorage system, the Midwest guardrail system (MGS) trailing-end anchorage, was evaluated using three dynamic component tests – a soil foundation tube pull test, a breakaway cable terminal (BCT) post splitting test, and an MGS end-anchorage system pull test. The peak load recorded during a soil foundation tube test was 193 kN at 56 mm deflection, as measured at the ground line. BCT posts split at loads of 17.8 and 32.9 kN. The end-anchorage tensile capacity was 156 kN, dissipating 64.7 kJ. Results from the component tests were also used to create and validate nonlinear finite element models of the components in order to be used for future design and analysis of end anchorages.Keywords: W-beam end terminalMGS end anchoragebreakaway cable terminal (BCT)component testcomputer simulationLS-DYNA AcknowledgementsThe authors wish to acknowledge Midwest Roadside Safety Facility personnel for constructing, conducting, and analysing the component tests. Individuals deserving recognition include Jim Holloway, Bob Bielenberg, Scott Rosenbaugh, Karla Lechtenberg, Shaun Tighe, and Curt Meyer. The research was conducted at the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA.Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.Additional informationFundingThe researchers would like to thank the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and Erik Emerson [grant number TPF-5(193) Suppl.#28] for funding this research study.