Numerical analysis and evaluation of a semi-heavy guardrail system

Abstract

The continuous increase in traffic accidents, following the rise in the number of vehicles in traffic and their speed, requires the development of research on the design of active and passive safety systems. This research mainly aims to compare the performance of commonly used passive safety systems (semi-heavy W-beam guardrails) mounted on roadside and pedestrian bridges to protect vehicles and pedestrians. It is intended to reduce the deformations of the vehicle upon impact with the protective device mounted between the roadside and the pedestrian area for the protection of the vehicle occupants; reduce the parapet working width for the pedestrian’s safety; and maintain the vehicle’s trajectory from the moment of impact to the final movement, between the guardrail and the median axis of the road, to ensure the protection of other road users. A CAD model of the vehicle-guardrail scenario was developed to achieve these objectives. Load simulation cases are performed using the finite element method according to the European standards SR EN 1317 for impact tests of vehicles - TB 42, recommended for semi-heavy guardrails.