Dual phase versus CMn strip steels: comparison of quasi-static and dynamic connection properties for road safety barriers

Abstract

The use of high strength steel grades in automotive applications has been widely recorded. This is due largely to vehicle weight reduction programmes as well as increases in vehicle crash safety legislation. This represents the steel industry’s response to the challenge that vehicle components manufactured from steel could get replaced with alternative materials, such as aluminium and polymers. Consequently, new high strength steel grades have been developed to offer credible alternatives. Recently, the UK government has released a new specification, BS EN 1317-1-2-3-4: Road Restraint Systems, to which all new safety barrier designs have to comply. However, much of this development and subsequent usage has been targeted at automotive manufacturers. Road safety barrier technology has not evolved in the same way when compared to vehicle technology. Therefore, a study has been undertaken to assess the outcome of using some of these novel high strength steel grades for the manufacture of road safety barrier components. Quasi-static and dynamic tensile testing at different velocities was undertaken. Representative connection coupons were used to understand the energy absorbing properties of a dual phase steel grade when compared to the current CMn steel grade. The present study presents some initial results as to the increased performance that could be gained from utilising new high strength steel grades for the production of road safety barrier systems.