Task Force 13 (TF13) provides this online resource as a comprehensive content management system for diverse categories of roadside hardware. This tool offers open access for viewing, searching, and browsing. The information contained herein is solely for educational purposes. The Task Force 13 Guide to Standardized Roadside Hardware, including all its contents, does not establish or represent a formal standard, specification, or legally binding regulation.
An index of available hardware categories is easily accessible, allowing users to explore a comprehensive list of Systems/Components. Users can also refine their search based on specific criteria. Contact details for individuals and organizations who have contributed materials are available in the Contacts/Manufacturers section. Some documents require specific third-party software for viewing. PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader, and DWG/DGN files can be opened using various CAD file viewers.
Crash Testing Standards for Highway Barriers
Roadside safety hardware systems have been classified, crash tested, and assessed according to the AASHTO Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) since 2011. MASH categorizes hardware into six test levels based on a matrix of crash tests. These tests involve different vehicle types impacting bridge railings at various speeds and angles.
From 1993 to 2011, roadside hardware was primarily tested and evaluated using NCHRP Report 350 guidelines, which aligns with MASH’s six test levels. Generally, this Guide includes systems tested and evaluated under MASH or NCHRP Report 350. Crash test data does not guarantee satisfactory performance beyond the specifics of official crash-test reports and serves informational purposes only.
Understanding Units of Measurement in Roadside Hardware Specifications
Drawings use both inches and millimeters, with millimeters in brackets. For example, 30 inches (762 millimeters) is shown as 30 [762]. This dual unit system ensures clarity and accessibility for all users.
