Present highway design concepts for multilane facilities have resulted in the placement of large signs near the edge of the traffic lane. Collisions with the supports of these signs have resulted in a number of fatalities. The Texas Transportation Institute, at Texas A&M University, has explored methods of sign support construction that will limit impact forces to tolerable limits. The concept chosen as the most feasible is the "break-away" post. In this concept the post disengages from its foundation at impact and is knocked out of the vehicle path. Two mechanical features are employed to achieve this action: a base plate that is capable of restrained movement and a "plastic hinge," or weakened moment section, in the upper portion of the p...
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