Files
Abstract
This study performs a vehicle crash simulation of a single-slope concrete median barrier as a viable alternative to a full-scale crash test. In a parameter study, two material models are evaluated to study the effect of associated material parameters on beam response during impact and validate the beam analysis results against available drop-weight impact test data. The analysis scheme established from the study was successfully implemented to characterize increased impact resilience in concrete barriers made of the rubber and steel fiber modified concrete mixture. Crash test simulations are performed with a pickup truck as well as a heavy commercial truck. It is concluded that the change in the material parameters related to failure and post-failure behavior, particularly in the Riedel-Hiermaier-Thoma material model, has significant effect on the peak impact force reduction. Energy dissipation mechanisms and implications of modeling fiber reinforced concrete barriers by studying post-failure mechanism are discussed.