USA Banner
  U.S. flag
              An official website of the United States government Here's how you knowOfficial US Government Icon
              **Official websites use .gov**A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
            Secure Site Icon
              **Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
                  A **lock** ( A locked padlock ) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 
 U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation
 Search DOT
            Search
                    About FHWAFHWA Organization
                Headquarters Offices
                Field Offices
                Strategic Plan
                Business Opportunities
                Staff Directories
                Careers
                Highway History
                Contact UsProgramsAcquisition Management
                Civil Rights
                Federal Lands Highway
                Infrastructure
                Innovative Program Delivery
                Operations
                Planning, Environment, and Realty
                Policy
                Research, Development, and Technology
                Safety
                Browse by TopicsResourcesCore Highway Topics
                Federal Aid Essentials
                Automation
                Complete Streets
                Laws and Regulations
                Policy & Guidance Center
                Section 508
                Publications and Statistics
                Professional Development
                National Highway Institute
                Resource Center
                Accessibility Resource Library
                FHWA Research LibraryNewsroomPress Releases
                Speeches & Testimony
                Photos
                Videos
                Media ContactsMenu FHWA Highway Safety Programs Home
                        Safety
                        Roadway Departure Safety
                        Reduce Crash Severity
                        Hardware Eligibility Letters


            
            In This Section
        Roadway Departure Safety
                Strategic Approach
                                Strategic Plan
                Crash Emphasis Brochures
                Focused Approach
                Noteworthy Practices
                Partner Resources
                Keep Vehicles on the Road
                                Pavement Friction
                Horizontal Curve Safety
                Rumble Strips and Rumble Stripes
                Nighttime Visibility
                Provide for a Safe Recovery
                                SafetyEdge
                Clear Zones
                Reduce Crash Severity
                                Overview
                Hardware Eligibility Letters
                Focus on Reducing Rural Roadway Departures (FoRRRwD)
                                Overview
                All Public Roads
                Proven Countermeasures
                Systemic Approach
                Safety Action Plans
                FoRRRwD Resources
                
                Safety Eligibility Letter B-69A
  
  **Hardware Type:**
            Longitudinal Barriers and Bridge Rails
                          **Code:**
            B-69A
                          **Date:**
            07/04/2004
                          **Testing Criteria:**
            NCHRP 350
                          **Manufacturer:**
            Barrier Systems, Incorporated
                          **Device Description:**
            Curved RTS-QMB application
                          **View PDF:**
            b69a.pdf (1.68 MB)
    
    
Skip to contentSkip to contentUnited States Department of Transportation - Federal Highway AdministrationSeptember 7, 2004
Refer to: HSA-10/B-69A

Owen S. Denman, P.E.
President
Barrier Systems, Incorporated
180 River Road
Rio Vista, California  94571-1208

Dear Mr. Denman:

In June 2000, the Federal Highway Administration accepted your Reactive Tension System (RTS) using either steel-clad or concrete Quickchange Moveable Barrier (QMB) segments as a longitudinal traffic barrier at NCHRP Report 350 test level 3 (TL-3).  This acceptance was based on tests conducted on straight sections of barrier.

With your August 23, 2004 letter, you submitted a test report prepared by Safe Technologies, Inc. entitled "Barrier Systems, Inc., Concrete Reactive Tension System - Quickchange Moveable Barrier, STI Project QBOR1" which described the impact of a pickup truck at a nominal impact speed of 100 km/h and at a 25-degree angle into a concrete RTS-QMB system installed on a 
30-m (100-foot) radius, such as might be found on a freeway off ramp from a major highway.  In this test, the barrier was anchored at its upstream end and deflected 67.3 cm (26.5 inches).  Your recommended anchorage design and a summary of the test results are enclosed.

Based on the information you provided, I concur that the RTS-QMB, with either steel or concrete segments, meets the evaluation criteria for a TL-3 barrier when installed as tested along a radius as short as 30 m (100 feet) and may be used on the National Highway System.  To be fully effective along its entire length, the installation must be anchored at both ends as you recommend, the approach end must be adequately shielded, and the barrier must be able to move freely up to its design deflection without butting up against a curb or similar obstruction.

Sincerely yours,

(Original Signed By Hari Kalla)
 :John R. Baxter, P.E.Director, Office of Safety Design 
Office of Safety

Enclosure

Safety Home | FHWA Home 
| Feedback
United States Department of Transportation - **Federal Highway Administration** U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

**Federal Highway Administration**

1200 NEW JERSEY AVENUE, SE

WASHINGTON, DC 20590

202-366-4000Subscribe to email updates
                    About
  

        
              About FHWA
                Careers
                Org Chart
                Staff Directories
                Work with UsPrograms
  

        
              Acquisition Management
                Civil Rights
                Federal Lands Highway
                Infrastructure
                Innovative Program Delivery
                Operations
                Planning, Environment, and Realty
                Policy
                Research, Development, and Technology
                SafetyPolicies, Rights, Legal
  

        
              About DOT
                Accessibility
                Budget and Performance
                Civil Rights
                FOIA
                Information Quality
                No FEAR Act
                Office of Inspector General
                Privacy Policy
                USA.gov
                Web Policies and Notices
                Web StandardsNews & Events
  

        
              Newsroom
                Press Releases
                Speeches & Testimony
                Media Contacts
                Connect with Us