Validation of a computer simulation of the impact performance of a wire rope safety fence

Abstract

A computer simulation has been developed at The University of Sheffield that predicts the impact performance of roadway wire rope safety fences. Effective use of this simulation for design, or other purposes, requires it to be validated by showing that the predicted vehicle motion and fence response closely represent that of the real system. Two distinct validation studies are described in the current paper. The first compares the major results of eight impact tests undertaken at the UK Motor Industry Research Association and a further four impact tests undertaken at the Swedish Road and Transport Research Institute with the simulation predictions. The close prediction of the test results validates the use of the simulation as a design tool for a range of fence designs and impact conditions. The second validation study compares, in detail, the test results and simulation prediction for a single test. This suggests that, if required, results may be improved further by considering suspension effects in the vehicle model, and by a better understanding of frictional effects at the rope-post and the rope-vehicle contacts.