Experimental performance evaluation of an innovative hybrid barrier system filled with waste materials

Abstract

Roadside barriers have been one of the main contributors to reducing fatal traffic accident severities. There is limited knowledge about the potential for using natural/waste materials for roadside barrier applications. This paper aims to develop a novel hybrid roadside barrier type by using timber and waste materials (slag and tire) together and to observe the performance. In this regard, pendulum crash tests were conducted and deformation, working width, and severity performance of each hybrid barrier type were evaluated following EN 1317 road restraint systems standard. Experimental results revealed that hybrid barriers produced with waste materials can be alternative to conventional barriers. They can be recommended to place, especially in scenic, mountainous, and historical roadsides due to their aesthetic design and environmentally friendly features. This is the first step towards enhancing innovative hybrid barriers and will serve as the basis for the next step, full-scale crash tests. Outcomes of this study will encourage the utilization of different waste materials in the production of roadside barriers in future studies and contribute to the diversification of utilization areas of waste materials.