MEMORANDUM DATE: April2, 2009 To: David Streb, Chef of Engineering FROM: Harold Smart, PE, Chie Trafic Engineer SUBJECT: Guidelines fr Impact Attenuators Attached isthe Oklahoma Department of Transportations "Guideline fr Crash Cushion (pact ‘Attruator)" dated March 8, 2009, ‘The guideline was developed by ODOT Trafic Engineer and Federal Highway Adminstration staf. ‘This guideline serves asa decision tool for designers in selecting appropriate impact attenuators. There are many impact attenuators available on the market and the all met the National Cooperative Highway Research Program Report 350 (NCHRP-350) requirements, However, some altenuators are clasifed as fully “reirectve® of "nongating” devices, which indicate the device wil safely redirect 2 ‘vehicle that impacts at any cation along the fae of the device while other are cased as “nonredirective” or gating devices, which wil either capture a vehicle or allaw it to pas through when hit along the fae ofthe device. The basis for selection of aceptabe devices was based on the following three principles |. Traffie volume 2. Location of hazardoas object with respect to the travel lanes 3. Thesafety of worker who are going to repair or replace the damaged impact attenator For example, the guideline recommends using an impact attenuator, which can reset itsl,be repaired quickly at locations close tothe travel lanes and high trafic volume. Thus, the use ofthe guideline will minimize the worker’ exposure to unsafe conditions wile repairing the damaged attenuator. Also, because ofthe opportunity for quick repairs, the exposute ofthe traveling publ 1 an unsale condition wil be minimize, The Department is requesting FHWA's concurrence to allow the usage of the above guideline on all Federakaid projet. Commence ofthe guideline wil alo allow the Deparment spe products ame and phrase “or approved Equal within the same category”. Categories are defined as High Rsk, and Low Risk. Should you have any question or cancers, please el free te contact M. Faria Emamian at 405:521-2867 Please sign front cover of Guidelines and return to Traffic Engineering Ofice for copying andOKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Guidelines for Crash Cushions (Impact Attenuators) Prepared by the Traffic Engineering Division faaee resem Pa agra —s pet Wiha @ “Ad t Keblegaung Yhby thle Cet T hebhgueg ete Baler ae Oklahoma Department of Transportation Federal Highway AdminstrationIntroduction ODOT has adopted National Cooperative Highway Research Program Report 350 (NCHRP 350) criteria ‘Test Level 3 (TL-3) a the standard for impact attenuators and all roadside hardware appurtenances. ‘Testing is done using a minimum of two types of production model vehicles, a small car and a pickup {ruck at a nominal speed of 60 MPH. Each device must pass a minimum number of tests in onder to receive Federal Highway Adminstration acceptance leter. More information about the testing requirements can be found in NCHRP Report 350 Part A and Part B on the Federal Highway ‘Administration website (hip:/Aafety fava dot govroadway_depUroad_ hardware/nchrp_350.htm), “Recommended Procedures for the Safety Performance Evaluation of Highway Features.” All systems listed inthis guide have been approved for use on the State and National Highway Systems. ‘This guideline serves asa decsion-too for designers in selecting appropriate impact attenuators for & highway project. There are mary impact attenuators available on the market and they all met the National Cooperative Highway Research Program Report 350 (NCHRP-350) requirements. However, some attenuators are classified as fully redirective or non-gating devices while others are clasified as non- redirective or gating devices. 4 fully redireetive or non-gating device will safety redirect a vehicle that impacts as any location along the face ofthe devices. Whereas, a non-redirective or gating device will, «ithe capture an impact vehicle or allow ito passthrough when hit along the face ofthe device. “The basis for selection of acceptable devices was based on the following thee principles: traffie volume, location of hazardous object with respect to the traveling lane, and the safety of workers who are going to repair or replace the damaged impact attenuator. For example, the guideline recommends using a “resetable” impact attenuator, which can be repaired quickly, at locations close to the traveling lane ahd high waffic volume. Thus, the ase ofthe guideline will minimize the worker’ exposure to unsafe conditions while repairing the damaged attenuator. Also, because ofthe opportunity for quick repairs, the exposure of the traveling public to an unsafe condition willbe minimized, The following Table 1.1 provides five different categories for selecting appropriate atenvators. The categories were High Risk Narrow, Low Risk Narrow, High Risk Wide, , Narrow Risk Wide, and Non- Redirective. The definition foreach category is defined inthe Table 1.2. High risk is defined as hazardous object on a facility with ADT of greater or equal 40,000 and it is located within the clear zone. Low risk is defined as hazardous object on a facility that has ADT of 40,000 or les. Impact attenuators vary greatly. Some products could protect a hazardous object ranging from 24" 1090" hile other required some sor of transition hardware to connect themselves to standard w-beam guardrail and o larger abutment object. For those impact attenuators that require additional transition hardware, it is rucial that the flare rate ofthe impact attenuators, and its transition hardware are the same, In addition, because of variations of impact attenuators, only those listed inthis guideline are accepted in the State of Oklahoma, For any new products or variation of existing product tobe included in thelist, it is responsibilty of the supplier-o demonstrate that the product has met all NCHRP-350 TL-3 equitements and has been evaluated for Oklahoma Qualified Product List (QPL)All high isk category attenuatcrs are suitable to be used in low risk eategories, However those attenuators Classified in the low risk are no: acceptable replacement for high risk locations. Same application is true for low risk attenuators they can not be substitute for high risk category ‘Table Ll - ODOT Guideline for Roadside Attenuators Fully Redirective Non Gating Narrow <30" [Wide >30" bi 7 Redirective Nate Product Nam High Risk | Low Rik | High Risk | Low Rik ‘Quadiguara tt X x [Quadra ee ¥ x x x 5 PTACcI Family x x 4 PRRACC Family x x 3-_[SC1-100 GM (Smart Cashion) |X x x x © [HEART x x x x 1 | Compressor Systm > x x x x 3 | Reerste x | Big Sandy Sand Bares 10 | Fitch Universal Module System © Needs to meet all requirements of Oklahoma Qualified Product List (QPL) ‘wow energyabsorption.com/products/products_quadguard_crash.asp www energyabsorption.com/productvproducts_quadguard_eliteasp www barrersystemsine.com/products/productaspkey=34enav_family=2 ‘yw highwayguardrail.com/productstrace.html ‘ww. workareaprotection.conv/attenuator him ‘www highwayguardrail.com/productsteart html ‘www.energyabsorption.com/products/products_energitelitasp wow traffixdevices.cor Jocal/SoftCart.exerbigsandy hum?Lsestore+diyjm03944Td0uSd0-+ 1200696346 9 www-energyabsorption com/products/products_universal_barrels.asp 10 _www.barriersystemsine.com/products/productaspkey=44enay_famil (Revised October 24, 2011)‘Table 1 DESCRIPTION “TYPICAL APPLICATION ‘Narrow Hazardous Object Width (S 30 inches) Fully Redirective ‘Non Gating, (Low Risk) To be instlled on highways were the ADT is < 40.000. The location of the hazard to be protected is within the clear zone as described inthe Roadside Design Guide. ‘Typical installation include by not limited to: median, arrow hazard, brsier or narrow pir. Fully Redivectve Non Gating, (High Risk) "To be instilled on highways were the ADT is 540,000. ‘The location of the havand to be protected is within the clear zone as described inthe Roadside Design Guide ‘Typical installation include but not limited to: narrow median, natrow hazard, bacier ‘or natrow pier outside of eurve, area near weaving or lane drops, near highway entrance, exit on freewaylexpressway, gore area, oF left hand exit. Wide Hazardous Object Width (230 inches) E Fully Rediretive ‘Non Gating, (Low Risk) ‘To be instlled where the object needing protection is up 1090" wide on highways were the ADT is < 40,000. The location ofthe hazard tobe protected is within the clear zone as described in the Roadside Design Guide. ‘Typical installation include bby no limited to: Sign Base, Per, narrow Gap Between Bridges. Pally Redivective ‘Non Gating, (High Risk) To be installed on highways where the object needing protection is up t0 90" wide ADT is > 40,000, ‘The location ofthe hazand to be protected is within the clear zone as described inthe Roadside Design Guide. Typical installation include but not Timited to: ouside of curve, area near weaving or lane drop, near highway entrance, exit on freeway / expressway, Sign Base, Per, narrow Gap Between Bridges, left hand exit, Non-Rediveotive Tastallatior in Tocaions where the vehicle isnot likely to hit a hazard should go ‘through the attenuator at an angle. Typical installation locations include: where there is a wide separation of lanes and terran behind the attenuator is not a hazard (slope 4:1 orate) or lanes that are moving inthe same direction. I isnot recommended tobe used on the ouside of curve, area near weaving oF lane drop, near highway entrance, cit on freeway / expressway, narrow Gap Between Bridges, let hand exit Use ot saad bane eetons& aproved lar rtes may allow ination of row impact atenator in advance of wide hazards, depending on space salable ‘Any easton flare angle must moet NCHRP 350 TLS crash rita, an provide an approval eter 9 ODOT fromSYSTEM TYPES AND DESCRIPTIONName QuadGund TT” Wide Manufacturer | Energy Absorpion Systems, Ine Website huipy/wuw.energyabsorption com/produew/ product quadguard crashasp FHWA HSA-10CC42-A ‘Acceptance hiipvisfety Mhwadot goviroadway depvroad hardware/barrierspace42a.him) (Letter General Churaeteristles (wide): ‘© Gbay (excluding the nose section bay). Fist 3 bays use Type I cartridge and last 3 bays use Type M cartridges. 10 degree maximum sie flare. 2 standard backup widths 60 and 90 inches Replaceable/crushable cartridges Re-directive,bi- and unidirectional, non-gating, non-pocketing 20 feet 9 inches long ‘This system isnot resetiable and should be used in areas where minimal impacts are anticipated, @oirueacu QREPLACEABLE CARTRIDGE @SELF-SUPPORTING PLASTIC NOSE wonoai Base © ovn0-seau™ paner @sicxur (Revised October 24, 2011)Name ‘QuadGuind TT Narow ‘Manufacturer | Energy Absorption Systems, Ine Website ‘hups/vww energyabsorpion com/produciy products quadguand cashasp FHWA HNGICC-35 and CC-35B ‘Acceptance (p/sfety fhva.dot goviroads iwareMbrrirs/pdtice-35, Letter iupusefety.fhwa.dot gov/roadway depuroad_hardware/barrierspallce-35b pA) General Characteristles (nartow): ‘© Gbay (excluding the nose section bay). First 3 bays use Type I cartridge and last 3 bays use Type Mearidges. Backup width is 90 inches Replaceable/erushable cartridges Resdirective,bi- and unidirectional, on-gating, non-pocketing 22 feet long ‘This system isnot resetable and should be used in areas where minimal impacts are anticipate, @ournrrcw @rerraceasce cantrioce @sete-suProwring Puastic nose uiowowai Base © vad. BEAU Panet @sacnur (Revised October 24, 2011)Name GniGued™ Bie ‘Manufacturer | Energy Absorption Systems, Inc. Website wes cnergvabsompi adguand oie as FHWA HNG-14/CC-57 and CC-57B ‘Acceptance fey hwa dot gov/roadway_dept/road_hardware/barrier/pdtle-S7. (Letter hupy/safey.fawa.dot.goviroadway deplroad hardware/barrier/pdt/eeS7b-pdf ) (General Characterisles: #11 bay (no cylindrical ia the first 2 hays). New approved 8-bay is acceptable. ‘+ Backup widths available in 24, 30, 36, 69, 0 90 inches, Te 60 and 90 inch system fare out to ‘obtain the required width at hackup HDPE cylinders Re-directve, bi- and un directional, non-gating, non-pocketing ‘This system can withstand multiple impacts with minimal repair ‘This resetable system because High Density Poly Ethylene will return to their original shape 233 feet 4 inches long (L!-bay) 266 feet (8-bay) © nore cnunoce © cx nose © oun -5c00™ ran, © wonorae was @ Hew‘ame TAU-™ Family (Parallel, Taper, or Combination) Manufacturer | Barrier Systems, Ine Website Thupy/wwy.barriersystemsine com/productsproductasp7key=3@nay_family=2, FHWA HSA-I0CC-15 for Narrow or Parallel System. Acceptance (Cutpisafer.thwa.dor,pov/roadway depvroad_hardware/barrets/pdtiee7S pA) Letter HSA-I0:CC-75B for Combination (variable width) Citpiisfery Nivalotr/ivaday dep iss! hail ansfasien lies 7 Sb General Characteristics (For Parallel or Narrow Systems): ‘© Backup widths are avaible in 24,30, and 36 inches ‘© Shay with 2 types crustable/teplace cartridges. First 3 cartridges are Type A and last B cartridges are Type IL ‘+ Resdrective, bi and un directional, non-gating, non-pocketing 26.9 feet long ‘+ This system isnot resetable and should be used in areas where minimal impacts are anticipate. compact macestor UNIVERSAL TANI “TL SYSTEM shownGeneral Characteristics (Combination Systems): oft arelsiATalaD alt Length of Ned lt ajeralaiarad Nose Section Backup widths could accommodate up to 60 inches 8 bay with 2 types crustable/replace cartridges, First 3 rows are Type A cartridges and remainders are Type B cartridges, 26,9 feet long, 5 degree outward fare rte Re-directive, bi and un.directional, non-gating, non-pocketing ‘This ystem isnot esetable and should be used in areas where minimal impacts are anticipated, s[m|sALaTAD sels lajaian 103 Sem em ‘Variations for TAU-II (Taper systems): Backup widths could accommodate up to 96 inches BACKSTOP WIDTH‘Name "TRACC Family (FasTRACC™ and WideTRACO™) ‘Manufacturer | Trinity Highway Products, LLC. Website Thupy/ww highwayguardrail com/producwiace hun FHWA HING-141CC-54 for FusTRACC) ‘Acceptance (oupiisfety fhwa.dot goviroadway_depUroad hardwarelbarriers Letter HSA-10CC-54D (for WideTRACC) hups/sefey thwa,dot.gov/roadway depuroad_hardware/barrerspatlceS44.pd) General Characteristics (FastTRACC or TRACC): Length 21 feet Backup width is availa in 24 inches Resdirective,bi- and undirectional, non-gating, non-pocketing ‘This system isnot esettable and should be used in areas where minimal impacts are anticipated. No cartidges ‘Consisted of impact “sled”, 2 guidance tracks, and steel frames. ENDER PANELS ‘end Length OF Need TRACC (SO Drawing is not available)General Characteristies (WideTRACC): ‘© Length 21 feet, ‘= Av9.5 feet from beginning, the side panels begin to flare outward at 7 degrees. At the length of 21 feet, it could shield the hazardous object of up o 58 inches. To accommodate for larger objects, the attenuators need to move forward and maintaining 7 degrees uni it covers the hazardous object. Re-diective, bi and unidirectional, non-gating, non-pocketing ‘This system isnot resetable and should be used in areas where minimal impacts are anticipated No cartidges, Consisted of impact “Sled, 2 guidance tracks, and steel frames sntghtea kip ! \ Basic WideTRACC contgurations (ISO Drawing is rot available)‘Name ‘SCI-100GM™ (Smart Cushion) ‘Manufacturer | Work Avca Protection Comp. Website ‘wooy werkareaprotecton com/afenvator him FHWA HSA-10(CC-85 Acceptance huipvésfety.fhwa.dot gov/roadway depvroad hardware/barierspatfce8S pa) Letter - Geweral Characteristics: Length 21.5 feet Backup width 4 inches. With approved transition, the unit could be attached tothe flare guardrail at 10 degre starting from the rear to accommodate larger backup width ‘+ Resdrective, bi- and undirectional, non-gating, non-pocketing, ‘* This system can withstand multiple impacts with minimal repair ‘+ This resettable system because ofits shock arresting cylinder and telescoping backward panels. ‘TERMINAL BRACE SCI-100GM‘Name HEART _ ‘Manufacturer | Trinity Fighway Products, LLC. Website Taupviwow highwayguardrail. com/produciThear Aim FHWA HSA-10CC-89 ‘Acceptance uip/ssfey.fhwa dot gov/roadway depuroad_hardware/barrierspdtfce89 pd) Letter General Characteristles: Length 26 feet ‘© Backup width 26° ‘© The HEART attenuator 2onsists of three deformed (hinged) High Molecular Weigh¥/High Density Polyethylene (HMW/HDPE) panels along each side connected to steel diaphragms mounted on tubular ste! tracks, + Rediretivebi and unidirectional, non-gating, non-pocketing # Require further evaluation, (080 Drawing is not available)Name Compressor9system = Manufacturer | Traffix Deviees, Ine. Website Tup/www trafficiadevices com FHWA HSSDICC-%, 954, HSSTICC-93B Acceptance | hupi/safey.fwadot zovioadway depUpolicy euidfroud handwarefbarier/pdties9S him Letter upset. fava dot gov/roadway”depupoicy-guideftoad hardware/barier/pdlcs9Sa pdt up safety fwa.doc govoadway depupolicy guidelread-handwarehbaricrpaticc9Sb pdf | General Characteristics: Length 21 feet 3 inches, Width 53 inches Galvanized structural steel UnicBase™ Platform which does not need tobe placed against a rigid object o support itself. The Compressor requires 14 bots to secure to conerete al 30 bolts to secure to asphalt. Compressor isa se repairs, Contains six (6 selfresoring plastic modules of varying Material thickness and heights. Re-ditective, bi- and unidieetional, non-gting. Requires farther evaluation, restoring attenuator designed to take repeated impacts with minimal or no (080 Drawing is not available) (Revised October 24,2011)NON-REDIRECTIVE ATTENUATORS Nae Big Sane ‘Manufacturer —| Traffix Devos Ine a Website ‘wore rfiadevies coma Inca Sona xen noe 0394200696346 FHWA HING-110C-52 ‘Acceptance | (ipsa. nwa dot govroadway depVoad hardwarebariervplc-52 9 tous Rane Energie Manufacturer [Energy Absorpon Stems Website ps a energ absorption compact oraiacs aerae aap FHWA HNG-14/6C29 Acceptance tip/saft fh do govioadway depuroad hunt 6.29 nip Letter [Ramer air Bae > ‘Mannfacinrer — | Energy Absontio Stee Website Tips renee ah opin com pRIne aE wavered arslaase FHWA FING: 1af0C-28 ‘Acceptance | (puss. fnva do.govroadway depVad hanlwarefariesdplc-28 p49 etter General Characteristics: ‘© Length & Width varies depending on diferent system ‘+ Non-directive, bi and ui tional, gating, pocketing ‘+ Sand barrels are interchengeable with other systems.