Abstract: A water-ballasted barrier system incorporates a concave reflective design, wherein outer walls of the barrier segment are configured in a concave manner. The concave section is designed to prevent the tire of a vehicle, impacting the barrier, from climbing up the side of the barrier segment, by pocketing the tire in the curved center portion of the barrier wall. Adjacent barrier segments are attached together using an interlocking knuckle design, having a lug pin connection system. In some embodiments, wire rope cable is internally molded into each barrier segment to strengthen the barrier system.

Abstract: An impact slider assembly for a guardrail including a slider connected to a first rail and a slider substantially surrounding the first rail, so that in use, the slider gathers and retains the first and any subsequent rails which telescopically overlap with each other during an impact.

Abstract: Metal roadway safety barrier formed by a series of horizontal rails, girders or fences (1) mounted on vertical posts (2) by means of a “breakable” joining mechanism (3) which provides said joint with the possibility of disengaging in a controlled manner when the level of the force transmitted thereto, following the impact of a vehicle, reaches a given value. The “breakable” joint is formed by a screw (3) which has along its shank, at a certain distance from its head, a cross-section of lesser mechanical strength. In an alternative embodiment, the “breakable” joint is formed by means of a “breakable” washer.

Abstract: A portable perimeter defense system is provided that is configured for preventing unwanted intrusions by vehicles or other heavy and fast-moving vehicles into a protected area while also providing requisite ballistic resistance capabilities. The defense system includes individual modular barriers that can be readily transported to a point of use and can be secured in place without requiring heavy equipment or power sources, such as electricity. This can be readily achieved with as few as one person. The modular barriers include a front plate configured to provide exceptional ballistic protection in the direction of impact and to provide an impact surface capable of withstanding impact. When circumstances warrant a double row portable perimeter defense system, a bracing system is provided to render parallel rows of barriers cooperative to prevent aft tilting of the impacted forward barriers.

Abstract: A system and method for a device for releasing a cable of a safety system is disclosed. The system and method disclose various features of the cable system as it applies to a roadway barrier system and other applications in the event that the cables are impacted generally longitudinally proximate the region they are secured to a surface.

Abstract: An anti-ram vehicle barrier system adapted to arrest an impacting vehicle of substantial mass within a selected distance of the barrier. The distance is approximately 36 inches for a vehicle having a mass of at least about 15,000 pounds and traveling at least about 30 mph upon impact with the barrier. The barrier system includes a fence portion and/or a gate for selectively allowing passage through an entry port. The fence portion includes a pair of terminal posts positioned in and secured to the ground in a spaced apart relationship and cables connected between the terminal posts. The gate includes a cable extending across a panel that is connected on opposing ends to opposing posts positioned on opposite sides of the entry point. For passage the panel is moved relative to the posts. The panel is moved vertically relative to the ground in some embodiments and laterally in other embodiments.

Abstract: A gate assembly according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure comprises a cable extending across a panel, the panel movable between a closed position blocking an entry port and an open position; a latch post secured in the ground on a first side of the entry port, wherein a first end of the cable connected to the latch post when the panel is in the closed position; and a post device secured in the ground on a second side of the entry port, the panel positioned through a passage of the post device.

Abstract: A terminal portion of a guardrail safety system includes a terminal portion of a guardrail beam having a downstream end and upstream end. The terminal portion of the guardrail beam slopes from a height appropriate for redirecting an errant vehicle to a height proximate the surface of the ground at an upstream end of the terminal portion. Support posts are installed adjacent a roadway in spaced apart relation to one another and are coupled to the terminal portion of the guardrail beam. A terminal support post is installed adjacent the roadway at an upstream end of the terminal portion of the guardrail beam. The terminal support post couples to an upstream end of the terminal portion of the guardrail beam by a resistive, tensile coupling that maintains tension in the terminal portion of the guardrail beam. The resistive, tensile coupling is maintained between the terminal support post and the guardrail beam during an end-on or re-directive impact by a vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle restraint system for demarcating roadways, including guard rails (1) that are detachably placed next to each other. Each guard rail (1) includes a housing-like base body (3) that can be arranged on the ground and a guide bar (2) disposed above the base body (3). Each base body (3) includes a tongue (9) at a topside (8). Each guide bar (2) at a bottom (7) has a groove (17), wherein the groove (17) during coupling engages in the tongue (9) of a base body (3), thereby creating a formfitting tongue and groove joint (60) between the guide bar (2) and base body (3).

Abstract: A terminal portion of a guardrail safety system includes a terminal portion of a guardrail beam having a downstream end and upstream end. The terminal portion of the guardrail beam slopes from a height appropriate for redirecting an errant vehicle to a height proximate the surface of the ground at an upstream end of the terminal portion. Support posts are installed adjacent a roadway in spaced apart relation to one another and are coupled to the terminal portion of the guardrail beam. A terminal support post is installed adjacent the roadway at the upstream end of the terminal portion of the guardrail beam. The terminal support post couples to an upstream end of the terminal portion of the guardrail beam by a resistive, tensile coupling that maintains tension in the terminal portion of the guardrail beam. The resistive, tensile coupling is maintained between the terminal support post and the guardrail beam during an end-on or re-directive impact by a vehicle.

Abstract: A bumper rail assembly is provided that uses bars of arch-shaped spring steel, mounted in a standing-arch configuration, as shock absorbers for the bumper rails. An end portion of the spring steel bar is shaped into a saddle so that the spring steel bar can be secured indirectly, by means of a metal plate or bracket, to the concrete base. The assembly minimizes shear forces on the anchor bolts, offers performance advantages over conventional shock absorbers such as used tires, and is economically competitive with conventional shock absorbers.

Abstract: A roadway guardrail system including a rail, a plurality of support posts, and a plurality of fasteners assembly to redirect an impacting vehicle and dissipate a portion of the impacting vehicle's energy. Block-outs may be positioned in between the rail and support posts. A plurality of support posts each includes a slot extending along its length aligning with apertures in the rail and engaging with the rail through the apertures with fasteners including reinforcing members slidable along the slots in the posts. Alternatively, the rail has a plurality of laterally extending slots aligning with apertures in support posts and engaging with the support posts through the apertures with fasteners including reinforcing members slidable along the slots.

Abstract: Consistent and reliable releasing of a guardrail during a vehicle impact is enabled by a releasable fastener for safety structures along a highway. The release of secured components such as guardrail is controlled, and precise positional cooperation is provided between securing members and the guardrail. Forces may be attenuated to further optimize response.

Abstract: An energy absorbing system with one or more energy absorbing assemblies is provided to reduce or eliminate severity of a collision between a moving vehicle and a roadside hazard. The energy absorbing system may be installed adjacent various roadside hazards or may be installed on highway service equipment. One end of the system may face oncoming traffic. A collision by a motor vehicle with a sled assembly may result in shredding or rupturing of portions of an energy absorbing element to dissipate energy from the vehicle collision.

Abstract: A water-ballasted barrier system incorporates a concave reflective design, wherein outer walls of the barrier segment are configured in a concave manner. The concave section is designed to prevent the tire of a vehicle, impacting the barrier, from climbing up the side of the barrier segment, by pocketing the tire in the curved center portion of the barrier wall. Adjacent barrier segments are attached together using an interlocking knuckle design, having a lug pin connection system. In some embodiments, wire rope cable is internally molded into each barrier segment to strengthen the barrier system.

Abstract: A vehicle barrier system. The vehicle barrier system includes a base, an arm hingably mechanically coupled to the base, a raising/lowering mechanism in mechanical communication with the arm, and a cable supported by the arm, the cable mechanically coupled to first and second anchors placed on opposite sides of an area through which a vehicle may pass, and the raising/lowering mechanism moves the arm and the cable between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A guardrail system having a standard length-of-need section and a terminal end, the terminal end having a high effective flare rate of at least 5:1 is provided with two independent and cooperating cable anchor systems. One of the cable anchor systems is a side impact releasing mechanism which may include a strut connecting a first and a second breakaway post; a strut anchor release affixed at a first end to a first breakaway post and at a second end to the rail element; a strut with a plug weld anchor release; a strut with a shear bolt anchor release; and a strut with an angled plate anchor release.

Abstract: A fixed bollard system includes a plurality of spaced apart, elongated bollards each longitudinally disposed along a corresponding X-axis, each bollard being comprised of an I-beam having a front face and a opposing back face extending between a top end and an opposing bottom end. A plurality of horizontal support beams are each longitudinally disposed along a corresponding Y-axis, each horizontal support beam being comprised of an I-beam and having a first end and an opposing second end, the first end of each horizontal support beam being connected to the back face of a corresponding bollard at the bottom end thereof. An elongated lateral front beam connects to the front face of each of the plurality of bollard at the bottom ends thereof. An elongated lateral rear beam connects to the second end of each of the plurality of horizontal support beams.

Abstract: A guardrail block includes an attachable support for signage, such as a reflector. The reflector may be mountable on the support, and the support may be integrated with a base or may be separate and attached to the base. For example, a support may be snap fit into the base and the base can be slip fitted into recessed channels formed in elongated extensions extending from a top surface of the guardrail block. The guardrail block may be made of a synthetic foam material, the support and base may be die injection molded, and the reflector may be reflective tape adhered to a surface of the support, for example.

Abstract: The support is of the laminar type and has transversely various areas with different resistance, resilience and coefficient of friction, in order to determine, in the impact of a body on the support, a concave shape in the central part of the support, which is to brake the movement during impact by the body, over the upper or lower edges of the support, and which simultaneously has some heat-resistant friction characteristics, whilst retaining characteristics of sliding without adherence between 100° C. and 200° C.

Abstract: An improved guard rail system spacer block having a front face, a rear face and an outer circumferential undulating surface surrounding a plurality of individual spaced apart cavities that extend from one of such faces to the other. Lugs project from the rear face to support the block on a post of a roadway guard rail system and align it with the post during installation of the system and a lug projects from the front face to temporarily support a guard rail strip during installation of the guard rail system.

Abstract: Roadside barrier including barrier sections coupled to one another, each having a horizontal portion, a vertical portion extending upward from the horizontal portion and a front plate coupled to the vertical portion and adapted to receive an impact from a vehicle. The vertical portion extends upward from a middle region of the horizontal portion to form a T-shaped structure. A vehicle impacting the front plate is situated on a front part of the horizontal portion thereby preventing the vehicle from tipping over. A mass, such as gravel or sand, is placed on a rear part of the horizontal portion, either loose or in a barrel or box. The barrier section is optionally designed to provide an increased drag once moved from its installation position, for example, by forming downwardly-extending protrusions on a lower surface of the horizontal portion which are adapted to penetrate the ground below the barrier section.

Abstract: A breakaway support post for a guardrail includes an upper post member and a lower post member. The upper and lower post members are overlapping and configured such that the upper and lower post members are non-rotatable relative to each other about an axis extending in an axial impact direction. In one embodiment, a tensile fastener extends in the axial impact direction and connects overlapping portions of the upper and lower post members. In another embodiment, a shear fastener extends transversely to the axial impact direction and is the only connection between the upper and lower post members. In another aspect, a guardrail assembly includes first and second rail sections, with a deforming member deforming the first rail section as it moves relative to the second rail section. Methods of using and assembling a guardrail assembly are also provided.

Abstract: A warning system for barriers of highways comprises a plurality of barrier plates erected on two sides of roads in a different distance arrangement, and each including an optical fiber and a power line for network connection and communication connected therewith, and including a plurality of LED warning lights and LED illumination lights attached thereon; a number of electric control boxes affixed onto the barrier plates in a different distance arrangement, and each electrically connecting with the optical fiber and the power line for controllably changing warning and illuminating signs of the LED warning lights and the LED illumination lights; a plurality of solar energy devices matching with the electrical control boxes for absorbing and storing solar energy to supply power in the night or in electricity shortage; multiple monitor stations severing to monitor the electrical control boxes for controlling the LED warning lights of the barrier plates to change warning signs.

Abstract: A block used to space guardrails from support posts. The positioning or spacer block is a generally rectangular block having corded-out cavities to reduce weight and tabs or projections for cooperatively engaging the sides and top of a support post as well as the edges of the guardrail during roadway safety barrier system installation. Webbing within one or more of the cavities is used for additional structural support. The spacer block may be formed by low-pressure injection molding to optimize the strength to weight characteristics of the spacer block. The spacer block is formed from virgin and/or recycled plastic material and/or includes virgin or recycled rubber material, such as that obtained from the regrind of used tires, and/or another elastomeric materials from other sources.

Abstract: Deformable separator device for road safety barrier for vehicle impact of the type used between a vertical securing-support element or post and a horizontal impact element or railing, characterized in that the deformable separator (3) comprises two metallic pieces (5) and (6), in the form of a “U”, which are arranged so that their open faces are facing each other, assembled forming a single body, and with one piece being partially contained within the throat of the other piece and joined together by means of suitable fastening means via individual holes and in that the wings of the pieces are provided with guide-holes (11) (11?) at different heights in such a manner that they guide the bending of the separator element and which comprises a fusible fastening between the separator element and the post.

Abstract: A guardrail includes a cable routing device providing a tortuous path for at least one tensioned cable, the cable routing device includes a bar having a rotational axis and including a cable entry port having a circumference slightly larger than the cable which passes directly therethrough when the bar is in a first non-cable gripping orientation in which the diameter of the port (diametric width) is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the cable, and wherein rotation of the bar about the axis effectively decreases the width of the port relative to the width of the cable to create a second cable-gripping orientation which provides the tortuous path, wherein the tortuous path through the bar is due to the relative decrease in the effective diametric width of the port and this provides sufficient frictional resistance to movement in relation to the cable during impact to facilitate impact energy dissipation.

Abstract: A modular vehicle barrier system includes a reaction mass for installation in the earth; at least one post immovably anchored in the reaction mass and extending upwardly therefrom; the reaction mass having a forward member for confronting and compressing the surrounding earth and absorbing energy from the impact of the vehicle with the post.

Abstract: A support post assembly with mounting bracket assembly and hinge plate with defined bend lines and break points are provided to prevent or reduce damage to objects attached to the support post assembly. The hinge plate has an enhanced section having a channel formed transversely thereacross to function as a bend line when the support post assembly is subjected to a predetermined force. A section of reduced or removed material further directs the force to the weakened area to guide the bending, and openings in the bend line guide breaking or tearing of the plate. Damage is limited to the hinge plate, which is easily replaced. A mounting bracket assembly having a two-piece body for connecting or splicing support posts together includes a strap with crosspiece configured to provide a desired bend line or breakpoint.

Abstract: A steel rope safety system includes at least one steel rope having at least one strand, and the at least one rope or at least one strand is compacted. Further, a method is provided for making a steel rope safety system comprising the step of providing at least two wires, the step of stranding the wires thereby forming a strand for a rope and the step of compacting the strand. There is likewise provided the use of compacted steel ropes as impact reducing material.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for decelerating moving vehicles. A set of two novel pylons is disclosed employing a simple, durable and reliable braking mechanism. Each braking mechanism comprises a spindle assembly including a brake disk and a spool assembly comprising a rotor and two caliper disks adjacent the brake disk. The spool assembly is pivotally mounted on the spindle assembly. As the strap is deployed a ratchet and pawl mechanism fixed to the base of the spindle assembly prevents the spindle assembly from rotating with respect to the spool assembly. The sliding friction between the caliper disks and the brake disk impedes the rotation of the spool assembly and restrains deployment of the strap. After impact, the strap can be rewound via a ratchet nut located on the spool assembly. During rewind the spindle assembly rotates with the spool assembly. An additional embodiment connects a sacrificial barrier between the two pylons mounted to a gantry.

Abstract: A combined guardrail and cable safety system is disclosed. In one aspect, the present invention teaches a safety barrier including a plurality of cable posts spaced from each other and disposed adjacent to a roadway. At least two cables are releasably engaged with and supported by the cable posts. The cable posts and the two cables cooperate with each other to prevent a vehicle from leaving the roadway. A plurality of guardrail posts are spaced from each other and disposed adjacent to the roadway longitudinally spaced from the plurality of cable post. A guardrail beam is fixedly coupled to the plurality of guardrail posts and including slots. The two cables extend from the cable posts through respective slots formed in the guardrail beam permitting each cable to engage a respective cable anchor bracket securely fastened to a portion of the guardrail beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous metal system which is used to protect motorcyclists and which can be installed on a standard metal safety barrier. The invention comprises a continuous horizontal metal panel (4) which is disposed between the fence (1) and the ground (40). According to the invention, the panel (4) is suspended from the fence (1) by means of arms or support pieces (5) which are positioned at each post (2) and arms which are positioned at the centre of each bay (6) and which are solidly connected to clamps (7). In addition, both arms (5 and 6) are fixed to the fence (1) using the same screw (8).

Abstract: High contention and energy absorption capacity system to contain vehicle's side impact configured by an anchoring plate, configured by a post having a base, a frontal plate and a base plate and said post affixed to the terrain at regular intervals, configured by two or more systems of continuous horizontal rails arranged longitudinally and attached to the post by a clamp placed in the inner side of the rail and also constituted by a separating device that is characterized by the post's leg to be comprised by two tubular profiles, mutually facing, the base plate of the post having frontal and lateral-rear openings that permit a certain controlled displacement of the post's leg, as a separating device between the post and the rail there is a shock-absorbing system having high energy capacity that serves to endow the system with a high capacity to absorb the energy resulting from the impact of a vehicle and allow it to be redirectioned.

Abstract: A guardrail block includes an attachable support for signage, such as a reflector. The reflector may be mountable on the support, and the support may be integrated with a base or may be separate and attached to the base. For example, a support may be snap fit into the base and the base can be slip fitted into recessed channels formed in elongated extensions extending from a top surface of the guardrail block. The guardrail block may be made of a synthetic foam material, the support and base may be die injection molded, and the reflector may be reflective tape adhered to a surface of the support, for example.

Abstract: An impact head for a guardrail includes cable routing means adapted to form a convoluted path through which a cable can be threaded. The convoluted path that the cables must follow through the impact head of the invention restricts movement of the cable through the head, thereby providing sufficient friction to slow down the movement of the impact head during a vehicle impact.

Abstract: A roadway guardrail system is disclosed having a plurality of posts capable of supporting at least one rod transverse to the posts, and at least one rod comprising one or more axially extending steel rods supported transverse to the plurality of posts. Each rod may include a plurality of axially extending steel rods supported transverse to the plurality of posts connected in a substantially end to end relationship. The steel rods may be connected using a coupler, and may be welded. The steel rods may be rebar.

Abstract: In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, an end treatment of a guardrail safety system includes a terminal portion of a guardrail beam that has a downstream end and an upstream end. The terminal portion of the guardrail beam slopes from a first vertical height appropriate for redirecting an errant vehicle to a second vertical height proximate the surface of the ground at an upstream end of the terminal portion of the guardrail beam. A flattening portion forms a channel through which the terminal portion of the guardrail beam is disposed. A vertical dimension of the channel is greater at a downstream end of the flattening portion than at an upstream end of the flattening portion. An impact plate is connected to the flattening portion for engaging an impacting vehicle at an end of said guardrail beam. During an end-on impact, the impact plate and the flattening portion are advanced longitudinally along the guardrail in a downstream direction by the vehicle.

Abstract: A perimeter security barrier (1) for restraining a vehicle impacting the barrier from a direction substantially perpendicular thereto is described. The barrier comprises a pair of spaced apart end posts (3, 5) rigidly fixed in the ground and intermediate posts (11a, 11c) disposed between the end posts are also fixed in the ground. At least one pair of wire ropes (15c, 15d) is supported between the end posts and optionally woven around the intermediate posts, the ropes being secured at each end to respective end posts. Energy absorption means (21) is provided at each end for absorbing energy transmitted by the ropes from the impacting vehicle.

Abstract: A combined guardrail and cable safety system is disclosed. In one aspect, the present invention teaches a safety barrier including a plurality of cable posts spaced from each other and disposed adjacent to a roadway. At least two cables are releasably engaged with and supported by the cable posts. The cable posts and the two cables cooperate with each other to prevent a vehicle from leaving the roadway. A plurality of guardrail posts are spaced from each other and disposed adjacent to the roadway longitudinally spaced from the plurality of cable post. A guardrail beam is fixedly coupled to the plurality of guardrail posts and including slots. The two cables extend from the cable posts through respective slots formed in the guardrail beam permitting each cable to engage a respective cable anchor bracket securely fastened to a portion of the guardrail beam.

Abstract: A guardrail defined by a number of vertical supporting posts fixed successively to the ground along the edge of a road, and by one or more longitudinal members fixed successively and substantially horizontally to the vertical posts to form a longitudinal transverse retaining member extending along the edge of the road, at a predetermined height off the ground; each of the longitudinal members being defined by a rigid, controlled-deformation strip of composite material, which is bent back on itself to form a substantially S-shaped first longitudinal portion and a substantially C-shaped second longitudinal portion adjoining and covering the first longitudinal portion, so as to form a tubular, complex-section body extending from one vertical post to another and substantially parallel to and a predetermined height off the ground.

Abstract: Barrier elements provide security from terrorist threats by ability to withstand both vehicle collisions and explosive blasts. Each barrier element is prefabricated to include a massive block of durable material, preferably of high strength concrete, with at least one tunnel extending at least partially between respective cavities in two opposite sides of the block. Each barrier element also includes at least one beam that is preferably made of steel and extends through one such tunnel. Multiple blocks are positionable slidably on top of the ground side-against-side with their beams coupled longitudinally to one another at least approximately end-to-end. Retainer means can be used to block coupling means from entry into the tunnels. Forces from a vehicle collision or an explosive blast can cause barrier elements to rotate relative to one-another when the couplings between beams hinge or bend as the durable material that interferes with the rotation breaks away.

Abstract: A guard system for protecting cables or posts from damage by falling rocks and other dynamic forces is provided. The guard assembly comprises a first sleeve rotatably positionable about one of the cables or the posts and a second sleeve rotatably positionable about the cable or the post. A removable collar assembly is positioned between the first sleeve and the second sleeve for maintaining the spacing between the first sleeve and the second sleeve with the removable collar assembly comprising a first removable collar and a second removable collar. The first removable collar has a first slot for receiving the cable or post and the second removable collar has a second slot for receiving the cable or post with the first slot extending from a perimeter of the first removable collar to a point past a center point of the first removable collar and the second slot extending from a perimeter of the second removable collar to a point past a center point of the second removable collar.

Abstract: An impact slider assembly for a guardrail which includes: a slider mechanism attached to a first rail and second rail which substantially conforms with a rail profile; and an integral means for attachment to the first rail, wherein the slider mechanism gathers telescoping rails whilst substantially maintaining the strength of the rails in a fully re-directing manner.

Abstract: A protection barrier includes a base, the base having a great lower side and a small topside; the base expanding from the topside to the lower side gradually; each of two lateral sides of the base being installed with a first buffer for buffering and resisting impacts from vehicles. The base has an approximate triangle shape with each apex being frustrated. Each of the two lateral sides of the base having a second buffer. A ground anchor is installed to a bottom of the base. The buffers have a shape selected from semi-round shapes, semi-elliptical shapes, and other cambered shapes. The protection barriers can be arranged longitudinally between two lanes for isolation or aside a lane for preventing a vehicle to run out of the lane.

Abstract: In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, a terminal portion of a guardrail safety system includes a terminal portion of a guardrail beam having a downstream end and upstream end. The terminal portion of the guardrail beam slopes from a height appropriate for redirecting an errant vehicle to a height proximate the surface of the ground at an upstream end of the terminal portion. Support posts are installed adjacent a roadway in spaced apart relation to one another and are coupled to the terminal portion of the guardrail beam. A terminal support post is installed adjacent the roadway at an upstream end of the end terminal. The terminal support post couples to an upstream end of the terminal portion of the guardrail beam by a resistive, tensile coupling that maintains tension in the terminal portion of the guardrail beam. The resistive, tensile coupling is maintained between the terminal support post and the guardrail beam during an end-on or re-directive impact by a vehicle.

Abstract: In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, an end treatment of a guardrail safety system includes a terminal portion of a guardrail beam that has a downstream end and an upstream end. The terminal portion of the guardrail beam slopes from a first vertical height appropriate for redirecting an errant vehicle to a second vertical height proximate the surface of the ground at an upstream end of the terminal portion of the guardrail beam. A flattening portion forms a channel through which the terminal portion of the guardrail beam is disposed. A vertical dimension of the channel is greater at a downstream end of the flattening portion than at an upstream end of the flattening portion. An impact plate is connected to the flattening portion for engaging an impacting vehicle at an end of said guardrail beam. During an end-on impact, the impact plate and the flattening portion are advanced longitudinally along the guardrail in a downstream direction by the vehicle.

Abstract: A highway crash barrier structure with an improved interlocking system includes a plurality of rigid sections disposed end-to-end in interlocking relationship with one another. The ends of each rigid upright section are provided with a reshaped JJ Hooks® connection. Each hook member has an extending vertical lip which is bent into a “J” shaped cross-section to engage a similar lip on the hook member of the adjacent section such that lateral movement of the respective sections is prevented. However, the respective sections of the system can be easily placed or removed by vertically displacing them. In addition, the interlocking plates at each end of the upright sections are vertically lengthened while the number of bars welded to the plate is increased to reduce the rotational moment of the sections and increase shear transfer between adjacent sections.

Abstract: A guardrail run with a rail is arranged along and substantially parallel to a roadway. The rail is made of consecutively arranged round timber sections with abutting end sections. Each round timber section includes a metal band disposed in a vertical groove extending along the bottom side. The timber sections are releasably attached to posts anchored alongside the roadway. A locking plate having a U-shape configuration with two legs connected by a web overlaps with the ends of the metal bands of two adjacent timber sections. The ends of the metal bands are received between the two legs of the locking plate, thereby coupling the metal bands with one another.

Abstract: A highway crash cushion includes a single, central, rigid, guide tail that guides the crash cushion in axial collapse. Diaphragm assemblies are each provided with recessed legs, and a central guide that slides along the rail while locking against the rail in a lateral collision. The diaphragm assemblies support fender panels that include four longitudinally extending ridges, a central slot, and a tapered trailing edge that reduces vehicle snagging. Energy absorbing elements are disposed between the diaphragm assemblies, and each includes an indicator that clearly indicates when the element has been compressed and possibly damaged.