Dynamic Impact Load and Performance Evaluation of Concrete Rigid Barriers

In this study the useful formula is proposed to estimate the lateral impact forces with respect to the different design level varying from SB1 to SB6 for concrete rigid barriers, since the guideline of lateral impact load of concrete rigid barriers in domestic and foreign design codes does not reflect all possible collision conditions such as shape of barrier, weight of vehicle, impact velocity and impact angle. For this purpose, HVOSM and LS/DYNA-3D programs are used to analyze the three-dimensional nonlinear dynamic behaviour, especially acceleration of vehicle after collision. The occupant risk has been evaluated for F-type, NJ-type, 55-type, and two different type of barriers proposed by Korea Highway Corporation as well as vehicle stability in terms of critical override velocity and critical overturn velocity. Also, the ultimate loads of concrete rigid barriers are compared each other for different design parameters like concrete strength, arrangement and size of upper and lower rebars, yield strength of steel, and concrete cover depth.