U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
202-366-4000


Skip to content
Facebook iconYouTube iconTwitter iconFlickr iconLinkedInInstagram

Safety

FHWA Home / Safety / Roadway Departure / Safety Eligibility Letter

Safety Eligibility Letter CC-115E

Download Version
PDF [1.39 MB]

DOT logo
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration

1200 New Jersey Ave. S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20590

May 1, 2013

In Reply Refer To: HSST/CC-115E

Mr. Brian Smith
Trinity Highway Products, LLC
2525 North Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, Texas  75207

Dear Mr. Smith:

This correspondence supersedes existing eligibility letter HSST/CC-115B dated December 21, 2012 and is in response to your request for furthered consideration of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to review additional information of the as-described roadside safety system for eligibility for reimbursement under the Federal-aid highway program.

Name of system: Trinity TL2 SOFT-STOP Terminal
Type of system: W-Beam Guardrail Terminal
Test Level: MASH Test Level 2 (TL-2)
Testing conducted by: Original testing by Texas Transportation Institute
Task Force 13 Designator: SEW22B
Date of request: January 23, 2013
Date to final package April 12, 2013

Decision:
The following device is eligible, with details provided in the form which is attached as an integral part of this letter.

Based on a review of previous crash tests submitted by the manufacturer certifying the device described herein meets the crash test and evaluation criteria of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH), the device is eligible for reimbursement under the Federal-aid highway program. Eligibility for reimbursement under the Federal-aid highway program does not establish approval or endorsement by the FHWA for any particular purpose or use.

The FHWA, the Department of Transportation, and the United States Government do not endorse products or services and the issuance of a reimbursement eligibility letter is not an endorsement of any product or service.

Requirements
Roadside safety devices should meet the guidelines contained in the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware.  The FHWA memorandum "Identifying Acceptable Highway Safety Features" of July 25, 1997, and the FHWA/AASHTO MASH Implementation Plan provide further guidance on roadside hardware design.

Description
The device and supporting documentation are described in the attached form.

Summary and Standard Provisions
Therefore, the system described and detailed in the attached form is eligible for reimbursement and may be installed under the range of conditions tested.

Please note the following standard provisions that apply to FHWA eligibility letters:

Findings
Therefore, the system described and detailed in the enclosed letter is eligible for reimbursement and should be installed under the range of conditions tested, when such use is acceptable to a highway agency.

Please note the following standard provisions that apply to FHWA eligibility letters:

 

Sincerely yours,

/* Signature of Michael S. Griffith */
Michael S. Griffith
Director, Office of Safety Technologies
Office of Safety

Enclosures

Return to top

Request for Federal Aid Reimbursement Eligibility
Of Highway Safety Hardware

Submitter Date of Request: April 12, 2013
Name: Don Gripne
Company: TRINITY HIGHWAY PRODUCTS, LLC
Address: 2525 STEMMONS FREEWAY, DALLAS, TX 75207
To: Michael S. Griffith, Director
FHWA, Office of Safety Technologies

I request the following devices be considered eligible for reimbursement under the Federal-aid highway program.

System Type Device Name/Variant Testing Criterion Test Level
'CC': Crash Cushions, Attenuators, & Trinity TL-2 SOFTSTOP Terminal AASHTOMASH TL2

By submitting this request for review and evaluation by the Federal Highway Administration, I certify that the product(s) was (were) tested in conformity with the AASHTO Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware and that the test of evaluation results meet the appropriate evaluation criteria in the MASH.

Identification of the individual or organization responsible for the product: /s/ Don Jay Gripne

Contact Name: BRIAN SMITH
Company Name: TRINITY HIGHWAY PRODUCTS, LLC
Address 1: 2525 STEMMONS FREEWAY
Address 2:  
City/State/Zip DALLAS, TX 75207
Country: USA

Return to top

Request for Federal Aid Reimbursement Eligibility
Of Highway Safety Hardware

Submitter Date of Request: April 12, 2013
Name: Don Gripne
Company: TRINITY HIGHWAY PRODUCTS, LLC
Address: 2525 STEMMONS FREEWAY, DALLAS, TX 75207
To: Michael S. Griffith, Director
FHWA, Office of Safety Technologies

I request the following devices be considered eligible for reimbursement under the Federal-aid highway program.

System Type Device Name/Variant Testing Criterion Test Level
'CC': Crash Cushions, Attenuators, & Trinity TL-2 SOFTSTOP Terminal AASHTO MASH TL2

By submitting this request for review and evaluation by the Federal Highway Administration, I certify that the product(s) was (were) tested in conformity with the AASHTO Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware and that the test I evaluation results meet the appropriate evaluation criteria in the MASH.

Identification of the individual or organization responsible for the product:

Contact Name: BRIAN SMITH
Company Name: TRINITY HIGHWAY PRODUCTS, LLC
Address 1: 2525 STEMMONS FREEWAY
Address 2:  
City/State/Zip DALLAS, TX 75207
Country: USA

Return to top

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Modification to Existing Hardware Non-Significant – Effect is positive or Inconsequential

The original crash test of the Trinity Soft Stop (TTI Crash Report 2009) as per Eligibility Letter CC-115 dated December 19, 2011 specified steel post and w-beam guardrail using 12-inch wood block out. The crash test was conducted by Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) entitled NCHRP 350 Crash Testing and Evaluation of the Vertical Squisher' dated February 2009 (TTI Crash Report 2009). Eligibility Letter CC-11 SA dated September 7, 2012 was issued to include 8-inch wood block out for all posts within the Trinity Soft Stop Terminal system. This modification also includes an offset 2-foot from tangent of the 12-inch or 8-inch Trinity Soft Stop Terminal system using a flare rate of 25:1.

The length required to dissipate the energy of the 2270P test vehicle is calculated to be 21.1 feet (6.4 m) for MASH Tl-2. The calculated test results is on file with this request. The effective length of the requested TL-2 Soft Stop Terminal is 25'-91/2".

This request is to accept the as-tested article as per CC-115 and CC-115A for the following:

  1. A MASH TL-2 Soft Stop Terminal with a length of 25'-9 1/2".
  2. 12 inch or 8 inch wood/composite block outs.
  3. An offset 1-foot from tangent, flare rate of 25:1.
  4. For attachment to 8-inch/12-inch block out systems or no blackout W-beam guardrail systems.

This modification is considered Non-significant, Effect is Positive or Inconsequential.

Return to top

CRASH TESTING

A brief description of each crash test and its result:

Required Test Number Narrative Description Evaluation Results
2-30 (1100C) As per TTI Crash Report 2009, an 1100C (2425 lb) passenger car impacting the terminal end-on at a nominal impact speed and angle of 62 mi/h and 0 degree, respectively, with the quarter point of the vehicle aligned with the center line of the nose of the terminal. This test is primarily intended to evaluate occupant risk and vehicle trajectory criteria. The SOFT-STOP slowed and redirected the 1100C vehicle. No occupant compartment deformation occurred. The 1100C vehicle remained upright during and after the collision event. Maximum roll was 25 degrees, and maximum pitch was 7 degrees. Occupant risk factors were within the limits specified for MASH test 3-30. The vehicle subsequently came to rest 27 feet downstream of impact and 34 feet toward traffic lanes. The SOFT-STOP performed acceptably according to the evaluation criteria of MASH test 3-30. WAIVER REQUES
2-31 (2270P)

As per TTI Crash Report 2009, A 2270P (5000 lb) pickup truck impacting the terminal end-on at a nominal impact speed and angle of 62 mi/h and 0 degree, respectively, with the center line of the vehicle aligned with the center line of the nose of the terminal. This test is primarily intended to evaluate occupant risk and vehicle trajectory criteria. The SOFT-STOP brought the 2270P vehicle to a controlled stop. No occupant compartment deformation occurred. The 2270P vehicle remained upright during and after the collision event. Maximum roll was 4 degrees, and maximum pitch was -3 degrees. Occupant risk factors were within the limits specified for MASH test 3-31. The 2270P vehicle came to rest within the installation. The SOFT-STOP performed acceptably according to the evaluation criteria of MASH test 3-31.

WAIVER REQUES
2-32 (1100C) As per TTI Crash Report 2009, an 1100C (2425 lb) passenger car impacting the terminal end-on at a nominal impact speed and angle of 62 mph and 5/15 degrees, respectively, with the center line of the vehicle aligned with the center line of the nose of the terminal. This test is primarily intended to evaluate occupant risk and vehicle trajectory criteria. The SOFT -STOP slowed and stopped the 1100C vehicle. No occupant compartment deformation occurred. The 1100CC vehicle remained upright during and WAIVER REQUES after the collision event. Maximum roll was 28 degrees, and maximum pitch was -26 degrees. Occupant risk factors were within the limits specified for MASH test 3-32. The vehicle subsequently came to rest with the front of the vehicle adjacent to post 4 of the terminal, with most of the vehicle toward the field side. The SOFT-STOP performed acceptably according to the evaluation criteria of MASH test 3-32. WAIVER REQUES
2-33 (2270P) As per TTI Crash Report 2009, the 2000P vehicle, traveling at an impact
speed of 62.7 mi/h, impacted the nose of the Vertical Squisher end-on at
an impact angle of 16.3 degrees. At 0.044 s after impact, the head of the
terminal began to move along the rail, and at 0.093 s, the 2000P vehicle began to redirect toward the field side. The front right tire contacted the terminal at 0.207 s. The vehicle began to travel parallel with the guardrail at 0.285 s, at a speed of 48.2 mi/h (77.6 km/h). At 0.372 s, the 2000P vehicle overrode the terminal and lost contact with the guardrail and was traveling at an exit speed and angle of 51.7 mi/h (83.2 km/h) and 1.8 degrees, respectively. After completely exiting the installation, the 2000P vehicle partially traversed a steep mound of soil and came to rest on its right side 242ft downstream and 30ft toward the field side.
WAIVER REQUES
2-34 (1100C) As per TTI Crash Report 2009, an 1100C (2425 lb) passenger car impacting the terminal at a nominal impact speed and angle of 62 mi/h and 15 degrees, respectively, with the comer of the vehicle bumper aligned with the critical impact point (CIP) of the length of need (LON) of the terminal. This test is primarily intended to evaluate occupant risk and vehicle trajectory criteria. The SOFT-STOP contained and redirected the 1100C vehicle. The vehicle did not penetrate or override the installation. Maximum dynamic deflection was 1.96 feet and the head fed through 6.2 feet of w-beam rail element. Maximum occupant compartment deformation was 1.0 inch inward in the area of the instrument panel on the left side. The 1100C vehicle remained upright during and after the collision event. Maximum roll was 10 degrees, and maximum pitch was -4 degrees. Occupant risk factors were within the limits specified for MASH test 3-34. The vehicle subsequently came to rest 1 5 feet toward traffic lanes in front of post 8. The SOFT-STOP performed acceptably according to the evaluation criteria of MASH test 3-34. WAIVER REQUES
2-35 (2270P) As per TTI Crash Report 2009, a 2270P (5000 lb) pickup truck impacting the terminal at a nominal impact speed and angle of 62 mi/h and 25 degrees, respectively, with the comer of the vehicle bumper aligned with the beginning of the LON of the terminal. This test is primarily intended to evaluate structural adequacy and vehicle trajectory criteria. The SOFTSTOP contained and redirected the 2270P. The vehicle did not under ride or override the installation. Although the w-beam rail anchorage released late in the impact event, the vehicle did not penetrate the installation. While the vehicle was in contact with the w-beam, the maximum dynamic deflection was 10.4 feet However, the upstream anchor released and as the vehicle lost contact with the w-beam, the w-beam continued to deflect, reaching a maximum displacement of 11.6 feet. The kickpanel of the left side was deformed inward 0.4 inch. The 2270P vehicle remained upright during and after the collision event. Maximum roll was -30 degrees, and maximum pitch was -12 degrees. Occupant risk factors were within the preferred limits specified for MASH test 3-31. The 2270P vehicle exited within the exit box. The SOFT-STOP performed acceptably according to the evaluation criteria of MASH test 3-35.
2-36 (2270P)

As per TTI Crash Report 2009, a 2270P (5000 lb) pickup truck impacting the terminal at a nominal impact speed and angle of 62 mi/h and 25 degrees, respectively, with the comer of the vehicle bumper aligned with the CIP with respect to the transition to the stiff barrier or backup structure. As a w-beam guardrail terminal, the SOFT-STOP will never be attached directly to a backup structure, and the transition to a stiff barrier is basically at Post 3. Therefore, Trinity feels that Test 3-36 is irrelevant and was therefore not conducted.
Eligibility Letter CC-115 indicated that MASH test 3-36 may be waived because the SOFT-STOP will not be connected to any stiffer device than W-beam guardrail.

WAIVER REQUES
2-37 (2270P) As per TTI Crash Report 2009, a 2270P (5000 lb) pickup truck impacting the terminal at a nominal impact speed and angle of 62 mi/h and 25 degrees, respectively, mid-point between the nose and the end of the terminal in the reverse direction. This test is intended to evaluate the performance of a terminal for a "reverse" hit. However, researchers at TTlbelieve that the reverse direction impact would be more critical for the 1100C (2425 lb) passenger car than for the 2270P pickup. Therefore, an 1100C (2425 lb) passenger car was used in Test 3-37.
Eligibility Letter CC-115 indicated that the substitution of the 1100C
vehicle to evaluate the reverse direction impact was appropriate.
WAIVER REQUES
2-38 (1500A) As perm Crash Report 2009, a 1500A (3307 lb) passenger car impacting the terminal end-on at a nominal impact speed and angle of 62 mi/h and 0 degree, respectively, with the center line of the vehicle aligned with the center line of the nose of the terminal. This test is primarily intended to evaluate the performance of the staged attenuator/terminal when impacted by a mid-size vehicle. The SOFT-STOP is not a staged device. Therefore Test 3-38 was not conducted. However, as per Appendix G of MASH, calculations based on Test 3-31 have been performed to predict the occupant risk values for the 1500A (3307 lb) vehicle. The results of these calculations (shown on the enclosed document) predict that in
crash testing with the 1500A (3307 lb) vehicle, the SOFT-STOP Terminal, would perform acceptably according to the Test Level 3 (TL-3) evaluation criteria set out in the MASH guidelines for terminals.
Eligibility Letter CC-115 indicates that test 3-38 is not necessary because the SOFT-STOP is not a staged device and that manufacturers calculations predict crash worthy performance with the 1500A vehicle.
 
2-40 (1100CP) Does not apply to non-gating/energy absorbing devices.  
2-42 (1100C) Does not apply to non-gating/energy absorbing devices.  
2-43 (2270P) Does not apply to non-gating/energy absorbing devices.  

Full Scale Crash Testing was done in compliance with MASH by the following accredited crash test laboratory (cite the laboratory's accreditation status as noted in the crash test reports.):

Laboratory Name: Texas Transportation Institute
Laboratory Contact: Dean Alberson
Address: 3135 TAMU, College Station, TX. 77843-3135
Country: USA
Accreditation Certificate
Number and Date:
Mechanical 2821.01, Current date April 30, 2013

ATTACHMENTS

Attach to this form:

  1. 1) A copy of the Test Data Summary Sheet for each test conducted in support of this request.
  2. 2) A drawing or drawings of the device(s) that conform to the Task Force-13 Drawing Specifications [Hardware Guide Drawing Standards]. For proprietary products, a single isometric line drawing is usually acceptable to illustrate the product, with detailed specifications, intended use, and contact information provided on the reverse. Additional drawings (not in TF-13 format) showing details that are key to understanding the performance of the device should also be submitted to facilitate our review.

FHWA Official Business Only:

Eligibility Letter AASHTO TF13 Key Words
Number Date Designator
CC-115E April 22,2013 SEW22B Tl2, non-gating/energy absorbing terminal, tensioned w-beam guardrail terminal, steel yielding terminal posts, deflector terminal head
 
Inputs and Initial Condition Value Units Description Outputs
M2306.06 2306.06 kg6 Test vehicle mass Time@ Max Ridedown Acceleration 0.60246 s
Vo2306.06 98.3309 km/hr Test impact velocity Ridedown Acceleration -10.6 g
27.31 m/s Time of Occupant Impact 0.2046 s
T2270p 2 s Time for acceleration data acquisition Occupant Impact Velocity 5.9 m/s
Msedan 2270 kg Mass of Sedan
Vosedan 70 km/hr Initial Velocity of Sedan Max Deflection 6.4 m
19.4 m/s 2 1.1 ft
Time Step 2306.06 0.0001 s  
G 9.81 m/s^2 Gravational Constant
-KEo2306.06 -860,232 J Initial Kinetic Energy 2306.06
-KEo2270 -429,128 J Initial Kinetic Energy 2270
OIV Travel Distance 0.60 m  
Data Pile Location T:\20 12-20 13\ Trinity_ Soft_ Stop_ Analysis_ TL2\Data\ASCII\400001 ptsq7b001.FIL

Line Chart: Dodge TL-3 and Kia TL-2 Line

Inputs and Initial Condition Value Units Description Outputs
M2306.06 2306.06 kg6 Test vehicle mass Time@ Max Ridedown Acceleration 0.2710 s
Vo2306.06 98.3309 km/hr Test impact velocity Ridedown Acceleration -11.7 g
27.31 m/s Time of Occupant Impact 0.1406 s
T2270p 2 s Time for acceleration data acquisition Occupant Impact Velocity 8.0 m/s
Msedan 1100 kg Mass of Sedan
Vosedan 70 km/hr Initial Velocity of Sedan Max Deflection 3.2 m
19.4 m/s 10.5 ft
Time Step 2306.06 0.0001 s  
G 9.81 m/s^2 Gravational Constant
-KEo2306.06 -860,232 J Initial Kinetic Energy 2306.06
-KEo1100 -207,948 J Initial Kinetic Energy 2270
OIV Travel Distance 0.60 m  
Data Pile Location T:\2012-2013\Trinity_Soft_Stop_Analysis_ TL2\Data\ASCII\400001ptsq7b001.FIL
Page last modified on January 17, 2013
Safe Roads for a Safer Future - Investment in roadway safety saves lives
Federal Highway Administration | 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE | Washington, DC 20590 | 202-366-4000