Roadside Safety Device Analysis, Testing, and Evaluation ...



Research Project Statement 18-268 FY 2018 Annual ProgramTitle:Roadside Safety Device Analysis, Testing, and Evaluation ProgramThe Problem:Roadway departure crashes represent over 50% of fatalities each year. Roadside safety devices shield motorists from roadside hazards, such as non-traversable terrain and fixed objects, thereby reducing injuries and fatalities associated with roadway departure crashes. To maintain the safety of the motoring public, there is a need to develop new or improved safety devices that accommodate a variety of site conditions, placement locations, and a changing vehicle fleet, including motorcycles.Additionally, in 2009, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Technical Committee on Roadside Safety (TCRS) adopted the Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) as the latest roadside safety hardware crash testing criteria. During the development process, the AASHTO TCRS noted a change in the vehicle fleet, which is reflected in the new guideline. The new MASH design truck, which represents a 90th percentile vehicle in terms of weight, is both heavier (by over 600 lbs) and has a higher center of gravity. It is considered to be more representative of the large class of light trucks, including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), on Texas roadways. Other changes to MASH test criteria include small car weight, impact angle, and impact speed. Upon adoption of this manual, Texas has used MASH as the standard for testing roadside safety hardware on the state highway system, superseding the NCHRP Report 350 implementation agreement.In addition, two NCHRP research projects are underway to analyze motorcycle crashes in depth. One project is a general study of motorcycle crash causes, while the other project specifically targets motorcycle impacts with roadside barriers. When these studies are completed, TxDOT will have information to determine the nature of motorcycle impacts with barriers, and whether or not the TxDOT standard barriers can be redesigned without adversely affecting the good performance experienced with four-wheel passenger vehicle impacts to date.TechnicalObjectives:This project will provide TxDOT with a mechanism to quickly and effectively evaluate high priority issues related to roadside safety devices. In each fiscal year, roadside safety issues will be identified and prioritized by TxDOT. The selected issues will be evaluated and addressed through engineering analyses, computer simulation, dynamic impact testing, and full-scale vehicular crash testing, as appropriate. This research will support the roadside safety needs of the Bridge, Design, Maintenance, and Traffic Operations Divisions. Roadside safety devices that will be studied and developed include guardrail, bridge rail, median barrier, transitions, terminals, attenuators, breakaway sign and mailbox supports, portable barriers, and work zone traffic control devices. The project will require full-scale vehicle crash testing by an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory.DesiredDeliverables:Technical memorandum for each task completed.Monthly progress reports.Value of Research (VoR) that includes both qualitative and economic benefits.Research reports that document each selected research issue. Each report will include findings and recommendations that support the implementation of the roadside safety devices through new or revised design guidelines or standard detail sheets, as appropriate.Project Summary Report.Proposal Requirements:Utilize the deliverable based templates (see the appendices provided or in the University Handbook).Proposals will be considered non-responsive and will not be accepted for technical evaluation if they are not received by the deadline or do not meet the requirements stated in RTI’s University Handbook.Proposals should be submitted in PDF format, 1 PDF file per proposal. File name should include project name and university abbreviation.Pre-Proposal Meeting Information:Monday, March 27, 2017 3:00 – 4:00PMAustin Riverside Campus118 E. Riverside Dr.RTI Conference Room, 1st FloorWebex Information:1. Go to . If requested, enter your name and email address. 3. If a password is required, enter the meeting password: YnnMnpc64. Click "Join". Teleconference information:Provide your phone number when you join the meeting to receive a call back. Alternatively, you can call: Call-in toll-free number: 1-855-437-3563??(US) Access Code: 732 688 493 Notifying RTI of Intent to Propose:In order to be notified if additional project information is distributed by TxDOT, you must contact RTI, at (512) 416-4730 or rtimain@ by April 3, 2017, if you plan to propose.Proposal Deadline:Proposals are due to RTI by 4:00 p.m. Central Time, May 11, 2017. Email submissions should be sent to rtimain@. ................
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