Hassan Raza, P.E.December 13, 2019

2019 Transportation Engineering & Safety Conference

Today’s presentation

• MASH Background

• PA MASH Implementation Status

- What’s Completed

- Ongoing/Needs to be done

• New Policies and Program Initiatives

Total & Lane Departure Fatalities in PA

1208 1195 1200 11881137

1190

714638

693637 613 600

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

2018 Lane Departure Fatalities: 50.4% of totalROR: 40%

Overturned: 17%; Trees: 17%; Poles: 9%; Guiderail/ET: 9%; barriers: 1%; embankment: 7%; Others:40%

US 36,750VMT 1.14

Countermeasures

• Need multiple strategies (e.g., 4E) to improve safety– Engineering; Enforcement; Education; Emergency medical services– Maybe autonomous vehicles– Maybe legislation, Marketing, technology

• Keep Vehicles on the road and in lane (pavement markings, high friction surfaces, roadside delineation, rumble strips, etc.)

• Provide safe clear zone (free of obstruction, flat slopes > 6%, etc.)

• Provide crashworthy devices (MASH)

4

Why MASH?

5000 lb4400 lb

2420 lb1800 lb

Because of the recognition that vehicle fleet on our highways has changed and include larger heavier vehicles

MASH Test levels, Criteria & Key ChangesTEST LEVEL

Test VEHICLE Type – (weight Lb.) SPEED mph

ANGLE OF IMPACT

1 PASSENGER CAR – (1809 to 2,420) ←PICKUP TRUCK – (4409 to 5,000) ←

3131

25 (20) ←25

2 PASSENGER CAR – (2,420) PICKUP TRUCK – (5,000)

4444

2525

3 PASSENGER CAR – 2420PICKUP TRUCK – 5000

6262

25 25

4 PASSENGER CAR – (2,420) PICKUP TRUCK – (5,000) SINGLE UNIT TRUCK – (17636 to 22,000) ←

626256 (50)←

252515

5 PASSENGER CAR – (2,420) PICKUP TRUCK – (5,000) TRACTOR VAN TRAILER – (79,300)

626250

252515

6 PASSENGER CAR – (2,420) PICKUP TRUCK – (5,000) TRACTOR TANK TRAILER – (79,300)

626250

252515

Dec. 31,2017

Jun. 30,2018

Dec. 31,2018

Dec. 31,2019

W-Beam &

Cast-in-Place

Concrete Barriers

W-BeamTangent

Terminals

CrashCushions

Bridge Rails, Transitions, All Other Longitudinal Barriers Including PortableBarriers Installed Permanently All Other Terminals, Sign Supports & Other Breakaway Hardware. Cable Barriers & Their Terminals. W-Beam Flared Terminals

REPORT 350SUNSET

MASHSUNRISE

MASH 2016 Implementation Milestones

AASHTO 10/9/2019 Resolution:

AASHTO/FHWA new guidelines 11/29/2019

After December 31, 2019, states will use MASH 2016-compliant devices on NHS projects for new permanent installations and full replacements. However, states may specify MASH 2009-compliant or NCHRP 350-compliant devices when:

a) a MASH 2016-compliant device does not exist to address the situation; or b) a MASH 2016-compliant device exists but does not meet the state’s needs given project or regional conditions; or c) the state is awaiting completion of MASH-2016 testing for a specific device, in which case the State must document the plan for testing the device that will be used on future projects in lieu of the specified NCHRP 350 device; or d) the device is a temporary work zone device that has been in use prior to December 31, 2019, and is still within its normal service life.

8

How Crash worthiness is Determined by Testing Facilities

Bogie Testing Vehicle

Finite Element Analysis Simulation Crash Testing

Engineering Analysis

PennDOT Process - How to determine MASH compliance?

• FHWA eligibility letter [Requires full suite of crash testing]

• An ISO 17025 testing laboratory determination based on full site or critical crash tests

• PennDOT due diligence approach☐ Professional opinion by a testing laboratory (engineering

analysis, simulation and/or past research, crash tests☐ In-house/consultant engineering analysis/evaluation ☐ NCHRP Reports ☐ Pooled fund studies ☐ Certified by other State☐ In-service performance evaluation

PennDOT Current

Compliance with MASH Implementation Schedule

11

MASH Compliance – W-Beam/CIP 12/31/2017

• Type 31-S Strong Post Guide RailCrash Tested and met requirement in2017 (Height changed from 27 ¾” to 31”; Mid-span splice instead of splices at post; 4’ deflection)

• Weak-Post Guide rail…Crash tested and met requirement in 2017 (no change from NCHRP 350; spacing: 12’ 6”; 9’ deflection)

• Cast-in-Place Barriers…Performed in-house engineering analysis and met requirement in 2017

MASH Compliance – W-Beam Terminals 6/30/2018

• Type I Terminal (BIB with double rail) was crash tested by TTI for MASH

• Type I Terminal (BIB with single rail) was determined MASH compliant based on engineering opinion by TTI

13

MASH tested Double rail BIB Terminal

Single rail BIB Terminal

MASH Compliance – W-Beam Terminals 6/30/2018

• Currently Bulletin 15 includes three MASH 2016 Type II TL-3 Tangent terminals which include:

– Road Systems MSKT – Trinity SoftStop – Lindsay MAX-Tension

We currently have oneType II flared MFLEATTerminal.

There are no Type III Terminalsin Bulletin 15. Trinity has one but Not marketing

MASH TYPE IV, V, VI Crash Cushions 12/31/2018

• At this time we have the following MASH 2016 terminal for each category in Bulletin 15:

1 – IV (gating system where two-way traffic is present)3 - V (non-gating crash cushion where two-way traffic is present)2 - VI (gating non-directive where two-way

traffic is present)

Link for MASH Compliant Terminals http://www.dot.state.pa.us/public/pdf/BOCM_MTD_LAB/PUBLICATIONS/PUB_35/ImpactAttenuatingDevices/TerminalCrashCushionIndex.pdf

New Website –see link on Bulletin 15

16

Non-Crashworthy End Terminals for Guide Rail

Currently 2 types of non-crashworthy guide rail end terminals are included in our standards. These include:

• Turndowns [divided roads: trailing ends; non-divided roads: posted speed <45mph, ADT<2000, not a high crash location]

• Terminal section single (TSS)Driveways and intersections, for local/minor collector with ADT<2000. May also beconsidered for access points with proper flare and grading.

17

PennDOT Initiatives to Meet MASH Compliance in

Remaining Areas

18

Concrete Barriers

• Compliance for CIP Barriers: 12/31/2017Compliance for precast barriers: 12/31/2019

• Currently we use 32” and 50” F-shape barriers with slotted plate connection (barely passed NCHRP 350 test in freestanding condition). Contractors are allowed to use either precast or cast-in-place (CIP) barriers

• Considering heavy traffic and MASH requirements we discussed various options and decided on using 42” F-shape at TL-4 as our standard barrier going forward. [FHWA requires TL-3]

• We will keep the F-shape 32” barrier for sight distance and 50” for glare screen where needed. Both 42” and 50” barriers will be at TL-4 level whereas 32” will remain at TL-3

Precast Concrete Barrier

• Precast F-shape barrier was redesigned for MASH compliance and included:– Pin & loop connection – 2” embedment– Nearly 3 times more reinforcement than our current barrier (due to increased

impact forces under MASH)

• 50” barrier was crash tested for MASH at TL-4– Box Truck and Pickup tests were successful but small car test failed.

• A CT (CT H-19-037) was issued in June in anticipation of successful testing but it is on hold for now.

• We looked at the following options to improve the barrier performance:

- Increase the embedment from 2” to 4”- Use a longer test section [12’ to 20’]- Use an X-bolt connection

TL-4 Cast-in-Place Barriers – RC-57M

TTI designed 32” TL-3 and 42”, 50” TL-4 barriers for PennDOT and provided the engineering opinion for MASH compliance. A test was not needed as CIP barrier had been tested previously

TTI also crash tested a 42” single slope cast-in-place barrier at TL-4 in July 2018 and it passed. Test section was 30’ in length had 1" Asphalt Embedment, and X-bolt connections.

We issued a CT (CT H-19-062) in June to update our standards for TL-4 CIP barriers. Drawings have been updated but not yet issued.

21

Type 31-S Guide Rail Over Underground Structures

• MASH crash test was successfully conducted with 6 posts. We will update drawings to graphically show 6 posts.

• No change in design. Distance between posts also remains 6’ 3”

22

High Tension Cable Barriers

• Currently there are no 2016 MASH tested TL-4cable barriers either for flat ground or slopes.

● Continue to use 350 until a MASH product is on Bulletin 15

• DM-2 is being revised with additional guidance on posts, spacing, deflection, cable splices, lateral placements, end anchor placement, placement on horizontal and vertical curves

• DM-2 will be updated again when MASH cable rails become available.

Proposed Guide Rail with Extra Long Posts

24

RC StandardDesirable

Allowed

>1 to 2’

6’ post6’ post

0’ to 1’

Allowed

7’ post

Curb/Guide Rail Combination

25

MASH complaint for TL-2 (44mph or less)

3 ft deflection

Need to add to RC-51M

MASH Crash test with 6” offset & 6” curb

PA Bridge Barriers

Bridge Barriers

• PA Bridge Barrier was crash tested and passed MASH TL-5. [24”

concrete barrier with 1st rail 37” and 2nd rail 50” above grade]

• Type 10M Barrier was crash tested and passed at TL-4 [17”

concrete barrier with 1st rail 27 3/4” and 2nd rail 39” above grade]

• PA 45” F-shape barrier is MASH TL-5 per TTI professional opinion

• Structure mounted Guiderail (31”) crash test failed for pick-up. Re-

evaluating design w/ TTI. Primarily used for culvert/small bridges • Standards are expected to be issued by…

Transitions Due by 12/31/2019

• When a softer barrier precedes a stiffer barrier, a gradual stiffening must occur to prevent pocketing. We also need transitioning between different height and types of barriers

• We are currently working on various roadway barrier transitions as well as transitions between roadway barrier and bridge barriers.

• Pooled Fund Groups and other States are conducting several of these tests. For example, Connecticut DOT is testing weak w-beam to strong W-beam transition. We will update our standards as information becomes available.

28

Type 2-WType 2-WC

Type 2-WCC

Type 31-S, 31-SC & 31-SCC

Roadway to Bridge Transitions – Thrie Beam Transition

• We developed and obtained TTI engineering opinion on thrie beam transition between W-Beam and PA bridge, M10 bridge and structure mounted GR. These were based on Nebraska MASH crash tests. We anticipate issuing new standards in Summer 2020.

• We are also working on transitions between various F shape barriers and bridge barriers. We anticipate issuing new standards in Spring 2020.

29

Delineation

30

CT H-19-100 was recently issued to update TC-8604 and Pub 404. It includes delineation for end treatments.

Delineation of Guide rail• Guide rail –separate pay item• Concrete barrier -separate pay item• Terminals -incidental• Temp barrier -incidental• Cable barrier –incidental

Type D delineator on the GR web at the post will not be permitted. However, these could be installed on the slotted hole at mid span splice

Work Zone Devices

31

Work Zone Devices

• FHWA memorandum (7/25/1997) identified four categories of work zone devices that were to be evaluated against NCHRP 350 criteria. These categories are Notclearly defined in MASH Agreement but currently considered to remain the same under MASH.

Category 1 – Small lightweight devices such as cones, tubular markers, flexible delineator posts, and plastic drums) [Could be manufacturer-certified-no attach]Category 2 – Maybe considered hazardous if hit and include barricades, portable sign supports, intrusion alarms, drums with sign panels attached, and drums with warning lights attached, and devices <90 lbs.Category 3 – Expected to cause harmful reaction such as longitudinal barriers, fixed sign supports, crash cushions. Truck/trailer mounted attenuators, devices greater than 90 lbs.Category 4 – Included portable or trailer mounted devices such as flashing arrow panels, temporary traffic signals, area lighting supports, and portable changeable message signs. 32

Work Zone DevicesTemporary concrete barriers• Temporary barriers manufactured after 12/31/2019 must comply with 2016

MASH. Barriers manufactured/used before that date, and successfully crash tested to NCHRP 350 or MASH 2009, may continue to be used throughout their normal service lives*

• In addition to service life, we are in process of establishing the following sunset dates for each category:

Type I - 5 yearsType 2 – 5 years Type 3 – 7 yearsType 4 – 7 years

• Identification such as a stamp, sticker, or decal will be required to identify when a WZ device was manufactured

Short Radius Barrier at Driveways, Intersections, and

Near Bridge Ends with Restricted Rights of Way

TX TL-3 Design

35

x

36

Other Initiatives

Other Initiatives

• CT H-19-023 was issued in April on new policy and special provisions for Guide rail “Installation, replacement, Repair, and maintenance” for on demand contracts. Pub 23 and standard special provisions are being finalized.

• CT H-19-022 was issued in April 2019 that included: 1) Policy on traffic barrier updates as part of projects, 2) Design and Construction Checklists and 3) Documentation of non-standard design and installation. This CT is on hold at this time

• Upgrading of Guiderail and End treatments on Interstate and other routes.

37

Draft Policy & SP for Installation, Repair, and Maintenance

Draft Policy for Repair, Replacement, and Maintenance• Major objective: Improve the timeliness of repair, replacement,

and maintenance of guiderail and end treatments and enhance consistency

• Replace guide rail or Cable barrier in kind if it is a spot damage, damage involves short section such as <than 200’ or less than 40% of a short section, and it meets acceptable standards. Otherwise replace with current standards. Applies to both guiderail and terminals.

• Each District to have one point of contact for on demand contracts.

• Establishes 4 categories of damage: emergency, high, medium, low

Draft Policy for Repair, Replacement, and Maintenance• Establishes repair time for each category. Establishes liquidated

damages for failure to complete on time, based on amounts paid by commonwealth as a result of law suites.

• Establishes guidelines for improved safety inspection process.

• Improved asset management/inventory processes to improve maintenance and keep it in good state of repair

GeosnapGuide Rail Inventory Application. A written Policy for construction staff is still being developed

Draft Policy - Proposed Training Requirements• Recognizing that safety devices will perform effectively only if these are

designed, installed and maintained properly, we are considering training requirements for Installers and Department Inspectors.

• Training will cover both 1) generic devices and 2) proprietary productsManufacturers will be required to provide training on their proprietary products.

• Department will provide training on generic products. Installers can participate in training provided by the Department or obtain training from ATSSA.

• Draft special provisions will require that a foreman or crew chief will provide a training certificate before installing any device at each location

• We have been coordinating with ATSSA and manufacturers

41

Proposed Policy - Training Requirement

Successful completion of training/test for both generic and proprietary devices will be required for installer and Dept. Inspectors

Training on generic guiderail installation (by PennDOT Consultant)- 12/17-18 Dist. 3- 1/22-23/2020 Dist 9- 1/28-29/2020 Dist 5- 2/20-21/2020 Dist 10- 3/16-17/2020 Dist 8

Training on proprietary Traffic Barriers and End Treatments (by Manufacturers)- 3/23-27/2020 Dist 3- 11/2-6/2020 Harrisburg

42

Documentation for Non-Standard Condition & Checklists

Policy on Guide Rail & End Treatment Upgrading

44

TMTW Meeting

Questions?

45