Abstract
This article reports on a study of the deflections of differently-shaped metal road guardrail posts. The authors analyzed the deformation processes of the sigma(Σ)-shape and double T-shape metal posts of guardrails, using a mathematical model. The analysis used one-dimensional first-order finite elements, and considered elastic deformations, as well as the effect of soil on the buried post section of the guardrail. The deflections of Σ-shape and double T-shape metal posts caused by the impact of a motor vehicle moving at varying speed are then determined. The authors found that the deformation of the sigma-shape post is not so heavy compared to the double T-shape post deformation. This property of the sigma-shape post was found irrespective of the post location (on the road shoulder or on a bridge) or the motor vehicle’s speed at the moment of collision. The authors conclude that guardrails with high deformation behaviors, such as the sigma-shape post, are most effective in keeping travel along the longitudinal axis of the guardrail and/or fully stopping the vehicle.
Highlights
The development of road transport is obviously a positive trend if viewed from the perspective of social and economic benefits it brings
According to the same statistical data (Prentkovskis et al 2009), the collision of a motor vehicle with an obstacle accounts for about 8% of all traffic accidents recorded in Lithuania
Based on the dependences presented, it may be noted that the deformation of Σ-shape post is not so heavy compared to double T-shape post deformation
Summary
The development of road transport is obviously a positive trend if viewed from the perspective of social and economic benefits it brings. According to the Accident Rate Information, in Lithuania, the Traffic Police recorded 3827 road accidents in 2009, which appeared in the official statistics under any of the following categories (Prentkovskis et al 2009; 2010):. According to the same statistical data (Prentkovskis et al 2009), the collision of a motor vehicle with an obstacle accounts for about 8% of all traffic accidents recorded in Lithuania (see Accident Rate Information). In this case, the obstacle may be represented by a road guardrail, lighting pole, railway switch, tree, gate or any building or structure located near the road, etc. The Baltic Journal of Road and Bridge Engineering, 2010, 5(2): 104–109 guardrail which is mounted on the dangerous road sections (e. g. near a sharp turn, as well as the objects on the roadside, bridges, viaducts, etc.)
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