Development of Low-Deflection Precast Concrete Barrier

The high lateral dynamic deflection of some current Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) portable concrete barriers renders them inappropriate for deployment in areas with restricted work space. Under this project, a new precast concrete traffic barrier system with limited deflection was developed through a program of simulation and full-scale crash testing. Based on the results of the testing and evaluation reported herein, the new cross-bolt, F-shape, precast concrete traffic barrier is considered suitable for implementation on high-speed roadways. The low barrier deflection [19 in. (483 mm)] and ease of placement and repair make the cross-bolt F-shape barrier well suited for use as a work zone barrier. The weight of the 30-ft (9.1-m) F-shape barrier segments was determined to be approximately 13,680 lb (6205 kg). Because this is less than the weight of the current New Jersey-shaped barriers used by TxDOT, implementation of the new barrier will not require any changes to current barrier transportation, handling, and placement procedures.