Abstract
The appropriateness of test conditions specified in NCHRP Report 350 was assessed. The assessment focused on the basic Test Level 3 and addressed two areas of interest: the effects of higher speed limit on impact speed and the appropriateness of 25° for the impact angle. The following conclusions and recommendations were drawn on the basis of the results of the analysis: (a) the current test impact speed of 100 km/h (62.2 mph) should be maintained, (b) the current impact angle of 25° for Test 11 of length-of-need sections of permanent longitudinal barriers should be maintained, (c) the test impact angle should be reduced from 25° to 20° for Test 11 of length-of-need sections of temporary longitudinal barriers, and (d) the test impact angle should be reduced from 25° to 20° for Test 21 of barrier transition sections. However, the selection of impact conditions is more a policy decision than a technical issue to be resolved in the update of NCHRP Report 350 guidelines.
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