Evaluation of the ET2000 guardrail end treatment.

PDFTech ReportKTC-04-1/SPR107(4)-98-2FGuardrailsMonitoringTraffic accidentsPerformanceEvaluationTraffic safetyData collectionCollisionsKentuckyUniversity of Kentucky Transportation CenterAgent, Kenneth R.University of Kentucky Transportation CenterKentucky. Transportation CabinetUS Transportation CollectionThe objectives of this study were to monitor and report the performance of the ET2000 guardrail end treatment design in traffic crashes. The involved vehicle was inspected when available.Data for a total of 135 collisions involving the ET2000 were identified. Proper or improper performance of end treatments in the collisions were judged, when a police report was available, based on whether it performed as designed.Field performance of the ET2000, as documented in traffic crashes, shows that, considering all the impacts, this end treatment has performed properly. In some instances the end treatment bent, rather than being pushed straight back, during the collision. This could typically be related to the angle at which impact occurred.Results warrant continued use of this end treatment. However, its cost would not justify a widespread use on all types of highways