MPC
Project Details

Title:	Development and Testing of Crashworthy Ipe Bridge Rails
Principal Investigators:	Paul Heyliger
University:	Colorado State University
Status:	Completed
Year:	2013
Grant #:	DTRT12-G-UTC08 (SAFETEA-LU Extension)
Project #:	MPC-416
Keywords:	bridge cables, bridge railings, crashworthiness, data collection, guardrails, highway safety, rural highways

Abstract

The objectives of this project are to: 1) Completely characterize ipe specimens in terms of the full elasticity stiffness tensor components for use in engineering structural applications; 2) Complete impact tests on prototype ipe bridge rails to determine dynamic toughness under standard conditions. These will include basic rail configurations and sandwich-type structures that soften the apparent rail structure while maintaining the ultimate strength. These will be completed for varying angles of attack of the oncoming vehicle, with visual inspection used to detect and quantify levels of damage; 3) Quantify these rail structures in terms of performance metrics compared to more standard metal and large-wood railing systems composed of other wood species.

Project Deliverables

• [Final Report] Ipe: Evaluation of Orthotropic Elastic Properties and Its Application in Roadside Barriers — MPC-17-337
  • View Research Brief

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