Abstract
Crash cushions are designed to gradually absorb the kinetic energy of an impacting vehicle and bring it to a controlled stop within an acceptable distance while maintaining a limited amount of deceleration on the occupants. These cushions are used to protect errant vehicles from hitting rigid objects, such as poles and barriers located at exit locations on roads. Impact performance evaluation of crash cushions are attained according to an EN 1317-3 standard based on various speed limits and impact angles. Crash cushions can be designed to absorb the energy of an impacting vehicle by using different material deformation mechanisms, such as metal plasticity supported by airbag folding or damping. In this study, a new crash cushion system, called the ulukur crash cushion (UCC), is developed by using linear, low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) containers supported by embedded plastic energy-absorbing tubes as dampers. Steel cables are used to provide anchorage to the design. The crashworthiness of the system was evaluated both numerically and experimentally. The finite element model of the design was developed and solved using LS-DYNA (971, LSTC, Livermore, CA, USA), in which the impact performance was evaluated considering the EN 1317 standard. Following the simulations, full-scale crash tests were performed to determine the performance of the design in containing and redirecting the impacting vehicle. Both the simulations and crash tests showed acceptable agreement. Further crash tests are planned to fully evaluate the crashworthiness of the new crash cushion system.
Highlights
Traffic and road safety is a serious concern worldwide, and multi-phased research has been undertaken in recent years
1.1.50 crash test showed that the ulukur crash cushion (UCC) design is soft enough to contain and stop an Results of test crash cushion (TC) 1.1.50 crash test showed that the UCC design is soft enough to contain and stop an impacted vehicle in an acceptable manner
After repairing damaged containers and rotating the cushion 15 degrees, a second crash test was performed on UCC design according to EN 1317 part 3 test TC 4.2.50 conditions [10]
Summary
Traffic and road safety is a serious concern worldwide, and multi-phased research has been undertaken in recent years. The United Nations General Assembly has made an important initiative to reduce the fatality rate in traffic accidents around the world by 50% and provided funds for research In this context, Turkey has prepared a 10-year vision program covering traffic education and training, safety and enforcement, health and emergency assistance initiatives, and the improvement of traffic safety with engineering measures [1,2]. Since 2010, serious steps have been taken regarding traffic safety in Turkey These advances include speed control using smart detection systems, the enforcement of traffic rules through cameras, the reduction of arrival times of ambulances in an accident site, and providing traffic safety culture to students of all ages.
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