Risk Analysis of Objects Placed Within the Working Width of Barrier Systems

Currently, there is a need for a method to quantify the risk of placing an object within a barrier’s working width. Barrier systems’ working widths are typically derived from computer modeling or crash tests conducted under severe impact conditions. However, many real-world impacts are less severe and do not require the full working width. Additionally, while placing objects outside the barrier’s working width is desirable, site constraints can make this infeasible. A method to calculate the relative risk of placing objects within a barrier’s working width could save state departments of transportation both project costs and time. Currently, there is little research examining the working widths of various barrier systems under impact conditions less severe than Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) test conditions. The objective of this research is to develop a simple, practical methodology for associating various real-world impact conditions with barrier system working widths and assigning relative risk values to the placement of objects within those working widths. This research would examine existing encroachment databases and use barrier computer models to estimate the relative risk of objects placed within the working width. Relative risk could be defined as the percentage likelihood of interaction between the vehicle, the barrier, and the object being shielded—assuming all other variables remain constant. Consequently, factors such as hazard type, object length, and average annual daily traffic (AADT) would not be included in the calculation.

• Record URL:
  • http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=5887
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Contract to a Performing Organization has not yet been awarded.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Proposed
• Funding: $500,000.00
• Contract Numbers:

  Project 22-69

• Sponsor Organizations:

  National Cooperative Highway Research Program

  Transportation Research Board
  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)

  444 North Capitol Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Project Managers:

  Turner, Anne-Marie

• Start Date: 20250526
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Barriers (Roads); Crash tests; Risk assessment; Width
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01955924
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Research Board
• Contract Numbers: Project 22-69
• Files: TRB, RIP
• Created Date: May 26 2025 9:48PM