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
RESEARCH TASKS
PHASE I
Task 1. Conduct a literature review. Consider related NCHRP research and other resources on how existing MASH test matrices and international test procedures were developed or modified.
Task 2. Develop stakeholder outreach plan. Outreach should include, but not be limited to input from (1) experts in crash testing on (a) how existing testing matrices were developed or modified; and (b) any RSH not adequately addressed by existing MASH matrices; and (2) state DOT staff who will be using the new matrices. The plan shall be submitted to NCHRP for approval. NCHRP approval is required before work on subsequent tasks begins.
Task 3. Conduct stakeholder outreach. As part of the outreach, identify stakeholders interested in participating in a practitioner workshop and solicit their participation.
Task 4. Submit interim report. The report shall summarize findings from Tasks 1 through 3 and propose a research plan for developing the procedures in Phase II. Findings from the report shall be presented to NCHRP at an in-person meeting in Washington, DC. NCHRP will fund travel for project panel members. NCHRP approval of the report is required before work on subsequent tasks may begin.
PHASE II
Task 5. Develop draft procedures. NCHRP approval of the draft procedures is required before work on subsequent tasks may begin.
Task 6. Conduct an online workshop for stakeholders. Host stakeholder workshop, including at least one member of the AASHTO Technical Committee on Roadside Safety, for evaluation of the draft procedures. Submit a technical memorandum on workshop findings and proposed revisions to the procedures for NCHRP approval.
Task 7. Conduct pilot studies on RSH. Conduct at least two pilot studies using the draft procedures generated from Tasks 5 and 6 to develop or modify a test matrix. The studies will be selected by the panel to ensure the applicability of the draft procedures to a broad set of RSH and should include sufficient detail on steps taken to develop the matrix. NCHRP approval of the pilot study findings is required before work on subsequent tasks may begin.
Task 8. Develop final procedures. Use input gained from Tasks 6 and 7 to finalize the procedures. The procedures shall be written in a format suitable for potential inclusion or reference in MASH.
Task 9. Submit draft final deliverables. Deliverables shall include (1) a conduct of research report summarizing the research effort, (2) the procedures for MASH test matrix development, and (3) a slide summary of the research.
STATUS: Research in Progress.
