Finite elements simulations of vehicle impacting a single slope barrier embedded in soil were used to determine the embedment depth needed to adequately restrain the barrier for limited spaces. The crash tested barrier shown above had a permanent deflection of just 5.5 inches.
A new application of a precast 42-in. tall single-slope concrete barrier for use in front of steep slopes was developed that eliminates the need for a foundation beam or moment slab. The design effort was led by finite element simulation. Successful impact performance was achieved by embedding the barrier segments 10 inches and maintaining a 2-ft offset from the slope break point. The use of the embedded barrier system is expected to save approximately $300 per linear foot and dramatically reduce construction time compared to a barrier anchored with a traditional cast-in-place moment slab. This paper was the 2010 winner of the Practice-Ready Paper Award sponsored by the Design and Construction Group of the Transportation Research Board. This award is given each year to an outstanding published paper that is judged to have the best potential for immediate implementation in the design and construction of transportation facilities.
Reference
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N.M. Sheikh, R.P. Bligh, R.B. Albin, D.Olson. Application of a Precast Concrete Barrier Adjacent to a Steep Roadside Slope. Transportation Research Record 2195, Journal of the Transportation Research Board, Transportation Research Board, Washington, D.C., 2010.