Crash Simulation of Steel-Wood Hybrid Road Safety Barrier with Perforated Post Design: Car Test Evaluation

Research area in Road furniture has become important due to the rising incidence of road accidents and fatalities. Enhancing road attributes such as crash barriers, crash cushions, crash poles, and emergency communication systems can significantly reduce these fatalities. Among these, crash barriers promise particular attention as they serve as immediate safety mechanisms. When a vehicle loses control, crash barriers can effectively mitigate the severity of accidents by restraining the vehicle and preventing more severe outcomes. This paper focuses on the performance of a novel steel-wood hybrid crash barrier with perforated post parallel to vehicles direction, designed to enhance road safety in hilly areas. Utilizing finite element analysis (FEA) in LS-DYNA software, renowned for simulating structural deformation under loading, we evaluated the structural response and crashworthiness of the hybrid barrier under various impact scenarios. Our simulations assessed the barrier's effectiveness in dissipating kinetic energy and reducing vehicle deceleration during collisions, considering material properties, geometry, and impact conditions. The results provide valuable insights into the mechanical behavior and performance characteristics of the steel-wood hybrid crash barrier, informing the optimization of design parameters and the development of advanced safety features for transportation infrastructure. By combining steel and wood, this hybrid barrier aims to reduce the required working width while maintaining high safety standards, particularly in challenging terrains, thereby contributing to safer roads for all users.