BACKGROUND
The AASHTO Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) has developed test matrices for various roadside safety hardware (RSH) using an approach of “worst practical conditions.” This approach is based on selecting the worst or most critical conditions when defining a test matrix, wherein the tests evaluate different vehicle types, impact conditions, and failure types. A matrix also needs to allow multiple design alternatives for a given RSH. Finally, test matrices must be practical such that the RSH successfully evaluated are cost effective and provide increased safety benefits without burdening end users like state departments of transportation (DOTs) financially.
While MASH has matrices for most RSH, several devices lack a test matrix. There are currently no formal procedures to develop or evaluate a new test matrix. This lack of procedures makes it difficult for state DOTs to balance safety, cost, and practicality. Procedures to create new matrices could improve the effectiveness of RSH, increase efficiency in developing and maintaining test matrices, and provide a consistent and sound RSH evaluation process.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this research are to develop procedures to:
- Determine whether an existing MASH test matrix applies to a given RSH
- Develop test matrices for RSH that are not adequately addressed by existing MASH matrices
STATUS: Research in Progress.
