scope:

This Standard sets out the requirements for roadside devices that provide some degree of redirection and containment capability when impacted by a vehicle, or provide controlled absorption of the kinetic energy of a vehicle that is on a collision course with some significant obstacle.

This Standard includes the following:

(a) Methods and data to test road safety barrier and crash cushion systems.

(b) Issues to be addressed in specifying these devices.

(c) Erection and maintenance practices necessary to achieve acceptable performance.

(d) Steps to evaluate the nature of repairs necessary for road safety barrier systems following a crash.

The Standard also provides details of non-patented road safety barriers that are deemed to comply with this Standard.

Where the terms 'vehicle' or 'impacting vehicles' are referred to in this Standard for the consideration of effects on or by a road safety barrier system, these terms include the following:

(i) Motorized vehicles, such as cars, trucks and motorcycles.

(ii) Non-motorized vehicles, such as pedal cycles and horse-drawn vehicles.

(iii) Operators, drivers and riders of vehicles specified in Items (i) and (ii) whether attached or unattached to their vehicle. (iv) Any other road users, considered appropriate to the conditions being assessed.

This Standard is to be read in conjunction with NCHRP Report Number 350.

NOTE: For commentary on this Section, see Appendix A.