1200 New Jersey Ave., SE 

Washington, D.C. 20590 

June 5, 2013 

In Reply Refer To: 

HSST/B-241 

Mr. Michael Elle 

Office of Project Management and Technical Support 

Minnesota Department of Transportation 

395 John Ireland Blvd, MS 696 

St. Paul MN-55155-180 

Dear Mr. Elle: 

This letter is in response to your request for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to 

review a roadside safety system for eligibility for reimbursement under the Federal-aid highway 

program. 

Name of system: 31-inch high W-Beam Guardrail on a Low-Fill Box Culvert 

Type of system: Bridge Rail 

Test Level: MASH Test Level 3 

Testing conducted by: Texas Transportation Institute 

Task Force 13 Designator: SBW09c 

Date of request: November 14, 2012 

Date initially acknowledged: November 14, 2012 

Date of completed package: May 14, 2013 

Decision: 

The following device is eligible, with details provided in the form which is attached as an 

integral part of this letter: 

●31-inch high W-Beam Guardrail on a Low-Fill Box Culvert 

Based on a review of crash test results 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 

FHWA: HSST: WLongstreet: sf.x60087: WLongstreet: 5/31/13: Updated 6/4/13 

File: h://directory folder/HSST/ B241_MnDOT wbeam post barrier for lowfill box 

culverts.docx 

cc: HSST Will Longstreet 
 

 

 

 

2 

endorsement of any product or service. 

Requirements 

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

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

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

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: 

•	 This letter provides a AASHTO/ARTBA/AGC Task Force 13 designator that should be 

used for the purpose of the creation of a new and/or the update of existing Task Force 13 

drawing for posting on the on-line ‘Guide to Standardized Highway Barrier Hardware’ 

currently referenced in AASHTO Roadside Design Guide. 

•	 This finding of eligibility does not cover other structural features of the systems, nor 

conformity with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. 

•	 Any changes that may influence system conformance with MASH will require a new 

reimbursement eligibility letter. 

•	 Should the FHWA discover that the qualification testing was flawed, that in-service 

performance reveals safety problems, or that the system is significantly different from the 

version that was crash tested, we reserve the right to modify or revoke this letter. 

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

installation 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 the MASH. 

•	 To prevent misunderstanding by others, this letter of eligibility is designated as number 

B-241 and 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 at our office upon request. 
3 

• 	 This letter shall not be construed as authorization or consent by the f- HWA to use. 

manufacture. or sell any patentc<l system for which the appli cant is not the patent holder. 

The Fl IWA docs not become involved in issues concerning patent In\\'. Patent issues. ii" 

any. arc to be resolved by the appli cant. 

Sincerely yours. 

Michael S. Gri!foh 

Director. Onicc orSal'cty Technologies 

Office of Salc ty 

Enclosures 
Version 6.0 (6/12) 

Page 1 of 3 

Request for Federal Aid Reimbursement Eligibility 

OfHighway Safety Hardware 

Date of Request: 

Name: 

.. Company: 

~ Aaaress: e 

.Q 

~ Country:

To: 

November 14, 2012 IONew @Resubmission 

Mlchael J. Elle P.E. VlluP._ J ~- FPfld 

Minnesota Department ofTransportation 

395 John Ireland Blvd, MS 696 St. Paul, MN SS 155-1800 

U.S. 

Michael S. Griffith, Director 

FHWA, Ortlce ofSafetyTechnologles 

I request the following devices 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, Media @Physical Crash Testing 

()FEA & V&V Analysis 

31-lnch high W-Beam 

Guardrail on a LowFiii Box Culvert 

AASHTOMASH n3 

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 evaluation results meet the appropriate evaluation criteria In the MASH. 

Identification of the Individual or organization responsible for the product: 

Contact Name: Dave Olson, Chair Same as Submitter D 

Company Name: Roadside Safety Research Program, Pooled Fund Study No. TPF-5(' Same as Submitter D 

Address: Washington State Department ofTransportatlon, Transportation ESame as Submitter D 

Country: U.S. Same as Submitter D 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 


New Hardware 

For this project, a new W-beam guardrall system with posts spaced on 6'-3° on center with a new post 

anchorage design utilizing adhesive anchors was developed and full-scale crash tested with respect to MASH 

spedflcatlons. 

The design tested for this project consists ofa W6x9 guardrail post anchored to the top of a simulated box 

culvert with approxlmately9-lnches ofsoil on top of the box culvert. The W-beam rail splices were located 

between the posts.The height of the W-beam guardrail lnstallatlon was 31 Inches. 

CRASH TESTING 

A brief description of each crash test and Its result: 
Version 6.0 (6/12) 

Page 1 of 3 

Request for Federal Aid Reimbursement Eligibility 

Of Highway Safety Hardware 

Date of Request: November 14, 2012 jrNew (i' Resubmission 

.. 

QI 

t: 

e 

~ 

~ 

"' 

Name: 

Company: 

Address: 

Country: 

To: 

Michael J. Elle P.E. 

Minnesota Department ofTransportation 

395 John Ireland Blvd, MS 696 St. Paul, MN 55155-1800 

U.S. 

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. 

fHeiPl 

System Type Submission Type Device Name I Variant Testing Criterion Test 

Level 

'B': Barriers (Roadside, Media (i' Physical Crash Testing 

(' FEA & V&V Analysis 

31-inch high W-Beam 

Guardrail on a LowFill Box Culvert 

AASHTOMASH TL3 

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 evaluation results meet the appropriate evaluation criteria in the MASH. 

Identification of the individual or organization responsible for the product: 

Contact Name: Dave Olson, Chair Same as Submitter D 

Company Name: Roadside Safety Research Program, Pooled Fund Study No. TPF-5(" Same as Submitter D 

Address: Washington State Department of Transportation, Transportation ESame as Submitter D 

Country: U.S. Same as Submitter D 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 


New Hardware 

For this project, a new W-beam guardrail system with posts spaced on 6'-3" on center with a new post 

anchorage design utilizing adhesive anchors was developed and full-scale crash tested with respect to MASH 

specifications. 

The design tested for this project consists of a W6x9 guardrail post anchored to the top of a simulated box 

culvert with approximately 9-inches of soil on top ofthe box culvert. The W-beam rail splices were located 

between the posts. The height of the W-beam guardrail installation was 31 inches. 

CRASH TESTING 

A brief description of each crash test and its result: 
Version 6.0 (6/12) 

Page 2 of 3 

Required Test Narrative Evaluation 

Number Description Results 

(Revised/added 11/14/ 201 2) Test 3-10 was not performed due to review 

of previous crash testing on 31-inch high guardrail that was successful 

with respect to MASH performance Criteria. 

Midwest Roadside Safety Facility performed MASH Test 3-10 on a NonBlocked MGS Guardrail System (31 -inches high) in June 2011 (Research 

Report MGSNB-2 and dated 2011 ). 

Midwest also performed MASH Test 3-10 on a Blocked MGS Guardrail 

3-1 0 ( 11 OOC) System (3 1-inches high with 12-inch Blocks) in 2006 (research Report 

2214MG-3 dated October 2006). WAIVER REQU ES 

The results of these crash tests were successful with respect to MASH 3-10 

Specifications (PASS). 

The use of8-inch blocks as used for our box culvert guardrail crash test 

installation would improve the performance of the MASH small car. 

Based on previous successful testing, MASH Test 3-10 was not performed 

on this test installation." 

The guardrail system contained and redirected the vehicle w ithout 

penetrating, underriding, or overriding the installation. The occupant risk 

values recorded for this test were acceptable with respect to MASH 

criteria. Based on the review ofall available test data, the W-beam 

Guardrail on Low-Fill Box Culvert met the required criteria forTL-3 

according to the specifications for MASH. 

3- 11 (2270P) The W6x9 post and anchorage details developed under this project PASS 

demonstrated satisfactory performance. No damage to the deck or 

failure of the adhesive anchors was observed in the full-scale crash 

testing. The W6x9 post and anchorage details tested for this project can 

be used in lieu of the conventional through-bolt design, provided 

sufficient anchorage depth as tested for this project is provided. 

3-20 ( 11OOC) 

3-21 (2270P) 

Full Scale Crash Testing was done in compliance w ith MASH by the following accredited crash t est 

laboratory (cite the laboratory's accreditation status as noted in the crash test reports.): 

Laboratory Name: 

Laboratory Contact : 

Address: 

Country: 

Accredi ta t i on Certificate 

Number and Date: 

Texas Transportation Institute 

William Williams, P.E. 

Texas Transportation Institute 

3135 TAMUS 

Texas A&M University System 

College Station, Texas 77843-3135 

U.S. 

Certificate No.: 2821.01 

Expiration Date: 4/30/ 2013 

Same as Submitter 0 

Same as Submitter 0 

Same as Submitter 0 

ATTACHMENTS 

Attach to this form : 

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 t he device(s) t hat conform to t he Task Force-13 Drawing Specifications 

[Hardware Guide Drawing Standards]. For proprietary products, a single isometric line drawing is 
Version 6.0 (6/12) 

Page 3 of 3 

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 Onlv: 

Eligibility Letter AASHTOTF13 

Number Date Designator Key Words 

8241 May30,2013 SBW09c W-beam guardrail, Low-Fill Box Culvert, W6x9 

guardrail post, 31 inches high 
Gtntral lnfomwlon 

Test Agency Te><as Transportauon ns~tute (Til) 

Impact Conditions 

Speed 62 9 milh 

Posl·lmp•ct Troj ectory 

Stoppong Outance 123 II dcwnsueam Test Stanclanl Test No MASH Test 3-1 1 Angle 26 1 degrees 37 ft tNC!S fie!d side 

n1Test No 405160-23-2 Locaaon/Onentatoon 5 51\upsuoam Vohlclo Stability 

Dato November 11, 201 t of 1110 post 12 Maximum Yaw Angle . 37 degrees 

Test Artlclo Impact Seventy 128 1 kJp­tt Maximum P•tch Angle .......... 11 degrees 

Typo Long.tud1na1 Barner Exll Conditions Maximum Roll Angle ... .. ........ 9 degrees 

Nomo W-Beom GuardraJI on Low-Fill Box Culvert Speed 32 2 ml/h VohlcJo Snagging .. . ..... No 

1ns1011011 on Length 105 11 Anglo ....... 10 9 degroos VohicJo Pocketing ...................... No 

Mo1or1 ol or Key Elomonts .. 12 gage W-boam guardrail system on Occupant Risk V•luoa Tosi Artlclo Ooll octl ons 

'Ml•9 stool posts anchorod to simulated Impact Velocity Dynamic . .. .... .................... 3.8 ft 

concrete box culvor1 Lcng1tud1nat . ... ...16 4 IVs Pormonont .. ................................ Terminal delachOd 

Soll Typo •n<I Condition ...... Concroto box culvert, dry Lateral ...................... . ...14 4 IVS Working Wdth ............................ 4.1 ft 

Toat Vohlclo Rideaown Accelerouons Vohlclo Oomogo 

Typo/Ooslgnollon . 2270P Longitudinal . .5 3 G VOS ........ • .................. 01RFQ4 

Mako and MOdol 2003 Dodgo Rom 1500 Lateral 6 4 G CDC ....... . . .. ...................... 01FREl/V3 

Culb 

Test lnorool 

49001b 

5005 ID 

THIV .. 

PHO ...... 

22 1 km/h 

670 Max Exterior Dotonnation ... .. ... 14 o inches OCOI .... .............................. RFOOOOOOO 

Dummy No dummy ASI ....... osa Max Occupant Compartment 

Gross Stalk: 5005lb Max. O 050-s Average Oolonnatlon .... N I 

Long. tud nal -470 

Lateral ..i 3G 

Veri.cal 200 

Figure 5. 7. Summary of results for .\!ASH 1es1 3-11 on 1hc W-lkam Guardrail on Ltm -Fill Box Cuh·en. 
R\VM02a \ 

r - 75"[ 1905 ] 1 .. ) - r- - 0 - 0 - 0 1----- z_,

. . . ) J . ( \ 

ELE-V.ATION 'VIEW 

PDBOlb . FBB

J 

FBI303 

FBBOI 

,,.,,,-- px).; 0 0 

• 

f 88 

'---­

11rLTr ANCI 10Rs / 

(See Note* next sheet) / 

CROSS-SECTION 

201 2 

TYPE A GRADE I CRUSHED 


LIMESTONE ROAD BASE ­

COMPACTED TO 95% OF 


STANDARD PROCTOR DENSITY 


W-Beam Guardrail on Box Culvert 


....-. Transportation 

Texas sxxoo 

Institute SHE~rNO. DATE

The Texas A&M Unlve~ty S'fitem I of2 06105120 12 
TNTENDED USE 

This guardrail system is intended for use over a concrete culvert. This drawing and specification 

address only the bridge railing and not the design or detailing of the concrete and rebar components 

of the culvert, but this system is not to be used ifconcrete strength of the box culvert is less than 

5000 psi (3-t.5 MPa). 

COMPONENTS 

Uni t Length = I 05' [32mJ 

# PART NUMBER QTY. AR TBA 

I Box Culvert Post 17 PXXOO 

2 12' 6" W-Beam, 4- space 12 gauge 9 RWM02a 

3 B lockout, 8-inch W-beam Routered 17 PDBO !b 

4 Bolt, Button-head 10 in ch 17 FBB03 

5 Nut, Recessed Guardrail 89 f BB 

6 Bolt, Button-head 1-1/4" 72 FBBOI 

7 H ilti Anchor * 68 

* Hilti HAS-E 07/8 Anchor (cut off to 8- 112" [2151 long) with washer and nut. 

Installed with Hilti RE500 epoxy according to label directions with minimum 6" 

[ 150] embedment. 

REFERENCES 

MASH Test 3-11 of the W-beam Guardrail on low-fill Culvert, Roadside Safety Research 

Program. Pool Fu nd Study No. TPF-5 ( 119) Test No. 405160-23 (I and 2), November, 2011. 

2012 

W-Beam Guardrail on Box Culvert 


The Texas A&M University S}tstem 

sxxoo 


SI IEET NO. DATE 

2 of2 06/05/20 12