Head-on and angular impact-based investigation of mechanical behavior of guardrail post types with finite element analysis

The geometric sections of guardrail systems that provide roadside safety are important in terms of their safety and structural performance. Guardrail systems generally consist of posts and beam. One of the critical components that affect the performance of steel guardrail systems is the post. Many different types of posts are used in practice. In this sense, the mechanical performance of the most commonly used S-C-I-Z-rectangular-circular post types in this study was investigated and compared on the basis of their failure performances. For this, the finite element (FE) model of the pendulum system, which was previously validated with empirical data, was used. In the FE analysis, the mechanical performance of posts embedded in soil and fixed on top of the ground was investigated by the pendulum system in head-on and angular impact situations. As a result of the FE analyses; the mechanical performances were different for head-on and angular impact situations. However, since circular and rectangular posts show the best performance in case of angular impact, and considering in terms of guardrail systems, angular impact situations are a matter of concern, it has been understood that the use of closed-section posts as circular and rectangular in guardrail systems will provide safety and economic advantages.