June 19, 2020

 

 

 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE 

 Washington, D.C. 20590 

In Reply Refer To: 

Matt Harriman HSST-1/B-245A 

Hill & Smith Ltd, 

Springvale Business & Ind. Park,Bilston, 

West Midlands, UK, WV14 0QL 

Dear Mr. Harriman: 

On December 17, 2013, the Federal Highway Administration’s Office of Safety issued eligibility 

letter B-245 for the Brifen Wire Rope Safety Fence O-Post, MASH. The Office of Safety has 

recently made updates to its eligibility letter website to be more consistent with the 2nd Edition of 

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’(AASHTO) Manual for 

Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) and the additional test matrices for cable barriers therein. 

These updates have necessitated the modification of certain eligibility letters including B-245. 

The modification for B-245 consists of adding the phrase “Level Terrain” after the original 

description of the device to indicate the as-tested conditions for the device. Additionally, the 

language of this letter has been updated to be consistent with current Office of Safety policy for 

the issuance of eligibility letters. 

Please note that this modification to letter B-245 will in no way affect the eligibility for the 

associated device as was determined on December 17, 2013. This FHWA letter of eligibility is 

assigned FHWA control number B-245A and is valid until a subsequent letter is issued by 

FHWA that expressly references this device. This letter will supersede the original B-245 letter 

in full. 

Decision 

The following device is eligible within the length-of-need, with details provided in the form 

which is attached as an integral part of this letter: 

• Brifen Wire Rope Safety Fence O-Post, MASH, Level Terrain

Scope of this Letter 

To be found eligible for Federal-aid funding, new roadside safety devices should meet the crash 

test and evaluation criteria contained in the American Association of State Highway and 

Transportation Officials’(AASHTO) Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH). 

However, the FHWA, the Department of Transportation, and the United States Government do 

not regulate the manufacture of roadside safety devices. Eligibility for reimbursement under the 

Federal-aid highway program does not establish approval, certification or endorsement of the 

device for any particular purpose or use. 
2

This letter is not a determination by the FHWA, the Department of Transportation, or the United 

States Government that a vehicle crash involving the device will result in any particular 

outcome, nor is it a guarantee of the in-service performance of this device. Proper 

manufacturing, installation, and maintenance are required in order for this device to function as 

tested. 

This finding of eligibility is limited to the crashworthiness of the system and does not cover other 

structural features, nor conformity with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. 

Eligibility for Reimbursement 

Based solely on a review of crash test results and certifications submitted by the manufacturer, 

and the crash test laboratory, FHWA agrees that the device described herein meets the crash test 

and evaluation criteria of the AASHTO’s MASH. Therefore, the device is eligible for 

reimbursement under the Federal-aid highway program if installed under the range of tested 

conditions. 

Name of system: Brifen Wire Rope Safety Fence, O-Post, MASH, Level Terrain

Type of system: Longitudinal Barrier 

Test Level: MASH Test Level 3 (TL3) 

Testing conducted by: Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) 

Date of request: October 6, 2013 

 

FHWA concurs with the recommendation of the accredited crash testing laboratory on the 

attached form 

Full Description of the Eligible Device 

The device and supporting documentation, including reports of the crash tests or other testing 

done, videos of any crash testing, and/or drawings of the device, are described in the attached 

form. 

Notice 

This eligibility letter is issued for the subject device as tested. Modifications made to the device 

are not covered by this letter. Any modifications to this device should be submitted to the user 

(i.e., state DOT) as per their requirements. 

You are expected to supply potential users with sufficient information on design, installation and 

maintenance requirements to ensure proper performance. 

You are expected to certify to potential users that the hardware furnished has the same chemistry, 

mechanical properties, and geometry as that submitted for review, and that it will meet the test 

and evaluation criteria of AASHTO’s MASH.
3 

Issuance of this letter does not convey property rights of any sort or any exclusive privilege. This 

letter is based on the premise that information and reports submitted by you are accurate and 

correct. We reserve the right to modify or revoke this letter if: (1) there are any inaccuracies in 

the information submitted in support of your request for this letter, (2) the qualification testing 

was flawed, (3) in-service performance or other information reveals safety problems, (4) the 

system is significantly different from the version that was erash tested, or (5) any other 

information indicates that the letter was issued in error or otherwise does not reflect full and 

complete information about the crashworthiness of the system. 

Standard Provisions 

, To prevent misunderstanding by others, this letter of eligibility designated as FHW A 

control number B-245A shall not be reproduced except in full. This letter and the test 

documentation upon which it is based are public information. All such letters and 

documentation may be reviewed upon request. 

• This letter shall not be construed as authorization or consent by the FHW A to use, 

mcinufacture, or sell any patented system for which the applicant is not the patent holder. 

• This FHW A eligibility letter is not an expression of any Agency view, position, or 

determination of validity, scope, or ownership of any intellectual property rights to a 

specific device or design. Further, this letter does not impute any distribution or licensing 

rights to the requester. This FHW A eligibility letter determination is made based solely 

on the crash-testing information submitted by the requester. The FHW A reserves the 

right to review and revoke an earlier eligibility determination after receipt of subsequent 

information related to crash testing. 

Enclosures 

Sincerely, 

Michael S. Griffith 

Director, Office of Safety Technologies 

Office of Safety 
Version 7.0 (3/13) 

Page 1 of 3 

Request for Federal Aid Reilnbursement Eligibility 

Of Highway Safety Hardware 

Date of Request: October 6, 2013 I  New  Resubmissio

Name: Man Harriman !Signature: .///rf:-1--· .. ~ company: HIii and Smith Ltd. - Address: Bllston, Wolverhampton West Midlands, WVl 4 OQL 

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Ill 

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:, 

II) Country: UK 

To: Michael S. Griffith, Of rector 

FHWA, Office of Safety Technologies 

I request the following devices be considered eligible for reimbursement under the Federal•ald 

highway program. 

System Type Submission Type Device Name/ Variant Testing Criterion Test 

Level 

'B': Barriers (Roadside, (e' Physical Crash Testing Brifen Wire Rope Safety AASHTOMASH TL3 

Median, Bridge Ralllngs) (' FEA & V&V Analysis Fence 

By submitting this request for revil?W 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 evaluation results meet the appropriate evaluation criteria in the MASH. 

Identification of the lndlvldual or organization responsible for the product: 

Contact Name: Matt Harriman Same as Submitter [gl 

Company Name: HIii and Smith Ltd. Same as Submitter 181 

Address: Bilston, Wolverhamplon West Midlands, Wvl 4 OQL Same as Submitter 181 

Country: UK Same as Submitter [gl 

PRODUCT DESCRJPTION 

New Hardware 
Version 7.0 (3/13) 

Page 1 of 3 

Request for Federal Aid Reimbursement Eligibility 

Of Highway Safety Hardware 

Date of Request : October 6, 2013  New  Resubmissio

Name: Matt Harriman Signature: 

... Company: Hill and Smith Ltd. 

·

41 

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e

::, 

V'I 

Address: Bilston, Wolverhampton West Midlands, WVl 4 OQL 

Count ry: UK 

To: 

Michael S. Griffith, Director 

FHWA, Office of Safety Technologies 

I request the following d evices be considered eligible for reimbursement under the Federal-aid 

highway program. 

System Type Submission Type Device Name/ Variant Testing Criterion 

Test 

Level 

'B': Barriers (Roadside,  Physical Crash Testing Brifen Wire Rope Safety AASHTOMASH TL3

Median, Bridge Railings)  FEA & V&V Analysis Fence

By submitting this request for review and evaluation by the Federal Highway Administration, I certify 

that t he product(s) was (were) tested in conformity with the AASHTO Manual for Assessing Safety 

Hardware and that the evaluation results meet the appropriate evaluation criteria in the MASH. 

Identification of the individual or organization responsible for the product: 

Contact Name: Matt Harriman Same as Submitter 

Company Name: Hill and Smith Ltd. Same as Submitter 

Address: Bilston, Wolverhampton West Midlands, WV14 OQL Same as Submitter 

Country: UK Same as Submitter 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 

New Hardware 
Version 7.0 (3/13) 

Page 2 of 3 

The Brifen MASH TL-3 WRSF is a high tension cable barrier that consists four (4) separate wire ropes 

(cables) interwoven between a-shaped steel posts. The ropes are held at the design height by notches/dimples 

with a rope retention device (plastic) in the side of the O-shaped steel posts. The total length of the WRSF used 

in the test was approximately 183 m (600 ft), and it was anchored at each end using Brifen's WRGT-RD terminals. 

The WRGT-RD terminal was previously accepted to NCHRP 350 Test Level Three (TL-3) by the FHWA (letter 

HAS-1 0/CC-86A dated August 10, 2005). 

Each of the four wire ropes are 0.75 in (19 mm) in diameter, pre-stretched galvanized steel 3 x 7 construction, 

with a minimum breaking strength of 39,000 lbs (173.5 kN) and have a modulus of elasticity after pre-stressing 

of 11 ,805,00 psi (8,300 kg/mm2). Nominal rope heights (center of rope) are: top 35 in (890 mm), upper middle 

28 in (710 mm), lower middle 21 in (530 mm) and bottom 14 in (355 mm). The posts in the test section are 

round HSS2.875x0. 132 and are inserted in steel sockets. The post embedment into the steel socket is 12 in (305 

mm). The steel sockets were placed in 12 in (305 mm) diameter concrete footers through the concrete 

pavement. The first four posts were spaced at 6.5 ft (2.0 m) as part of the WRGT-RD anchor, and the length of 

need line posts were spaced at a minimum distance of 7 ft (2. 1 m) and a maximum distance of 21 ft (6.4 m), 

depending on the test. 

Rigging screws were purposely arranged so they would be located in the area where vehicle-barrier contact 

occurs to demonstrate that their location does not affect barrier performance. 

We request the following for eligibility: 

I. Brifen MASH TL-3 Cable Barrier, 4-cable system, for use with O-Post spacing of 7 ft. (2.1 m) through 21 ft. (6.4 

m). 

All systems can utilize pre-stretched or non pre-stretched cables (ropes), socketed posts in concrete footings, 

driven posts, surface mounted posts, post cast directly into concrete and driven post sockets. (The sockets are 

manufactured from either plastic or steel). 

CRASH TESTING 

A brief description of each crash test and its result: 

Required Test 

Number 

Narrative 

Description Evaluation Results 

Test 1: 

3-10 (11 00C) SwRI Test No. BUSA-OP-03 /Test Date May 23, 2012@ 7' post 

spacing (Impact between posts) 

PASS 

Test 2: 

3-1 1 (2270P) 

SwRI Test No. BUSA-OP-1/Test Date May 22, 2012 - @ 7' post 

spacing 

(Impact on post - establish minimum deflection) 

Test 3: PASS 

SwRI Test No: BUSA-OP-2/Test Date May 22, 2012 - @21' post 

spacing 

(Impact on post - establish maximum deflection) 

3-20 (11 00C) 

3-21 (2270P) 

Full Scale Crash Testing w as done in compliance with MASH by the following accredited crash test 

laboratory (cite the laboratory's accreditation st atus as noted in the crash test reports.): 
Laboratory Name: Southwest Research Institute 

Laboratory Contact: Karol Hricisak / Jenny Ferren 

Address: 6220 Culebra Road, San Antonio, Texas, 78228 

Country: USA 

Accreditation Certificate 

Number and Date: A2Ia Certificate Number: 1110.02. March 31, 2014 

ATTACHMENTS 

Attach to this form: 

Version 7 .0 (3/13) 

Page 3 of 3 

Same as Submitter 

Same as Submitter 

Same as Submitter 

1) A copy of the full test report, video, and a Test Data Summary Sheet for each test conducted in 

support of this request. 

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 

Number Date Designator Key Words 

8-245 November 19, 2013 Longitudinal Barrier, Wire Rope, Interwoven, 

OShaped Steel Posts, NCHRP 350 Test Level Three 

SPECIFICAT 01 

Rope heights shall be ± 1" to ground 1·ne. Post shall be :rLl." from vertical plumb. 0 ost cops shall be useo ·f spec ified. Re'lectors shall be sooced according to agency 

specifications. Re'lectors con be placed on the post cop or oost. 0-excluder shall 

be used. Socket con be steel or plastic. Socket shall be ±2' o f vertical plumb. 

Reinforcing ring will be used according to foundation size ond type . 

INTENDED USE 

Th·s 0-Post systems mus, be anchored us·ng Brifen Attachment to Guardrail, Bri'en 

Attachment to Bridge Pier Brocket, Brif en WRGT -FL, WRGT or WRGT -RD 00chor. 

shall be placed on o smooth surface, without humps, drop-offs, holes, etc, that 

wou ld interfere with the stobi ity of lhe errant vehicle . Grooing, fill and compaction 

may oe required to assure that ropes ore insto led at the des·gn he·ght. 

COMPONENTS PER POST 

QTY DESCRIPTION 

4 Plastic Retainer 

Plastic Post Cop (if required) 

Prismatic Re'lector (if required) 

Plastic Excluder 

Steel or Plastic Socket 

Reinforcing Ring (per foundation size one ty:Je) 

BRI * INC. 

12501 N. Santa Fe Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73114 Phone: 405-751-8062 Fax: 405-751-8338 

ROUND STEEL POST CABLE MEDIAN BARRIER 

0 -POST 

MASH 

SHEET NO. DATE: 

2 OF 2 10/21/2013