1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE. 

Washington, DC 20590 March 25, 2008 

In Reply Refer To: HSSD/B-173 

Owen S. Denman, P.E. 

President and CEO 

Barrier Systems, Inc. 

180 River Road 

Rio Vista, California 94571 

Dear Mr. Denman: 

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

acceptance of a roadside safety system for use on the National Highway System (NHS). 

 Name of system: ArmorGuardTM Barrier (AGB) 

 Type of system: Steel Safety Barriers, also Moveable Barriers 

 Test Level: Test Level 3 

 Testing conducted by: Safe Technologies, Inc. 

 Date of request: December 19, 2007 

 Date of follow-up: Test summary PDFs requested and rec’d 3/20/08 

You requested that we find this system acceptable for use on the NHS under the provisions of 

National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 350 “Recommended 

Procedures for the Safety Performance Evaluation of Highway Features.” 

Requirements

Roadside safety devices/systems should meet the guidelines contained in the NCHRP Report 

350, "Recommended Procedures for the Safety Performance Evaluation of Highway Features". 

FHWA Memorandum “Action: Identifying Acceptable Highway Safety Features” of July 25, 

1997, provides further guidance on crash testing requirements of longitudinal barriers. 

Description 

ArmorGuardTM Barrier (AGB) is the new name of a steel safety-shaped barrier system tested and

accepted as the SafeGuard Gate System in FHWA Acceptance Letter B-87 dated July 6, 2001, 

and as the SafeGuard Link system in B-108 dated November 4, 2002. 

The AGB sections are constructed of metal and are assembled in 8.5 meter (28 foot) increments. 

The sections are hinged at both ends and can be unpinned, jacked up on wheels and moved in 

any direction. One end can be unpinned and swung open or both ends of a section can be 

released to remove the whole section. 

 

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A drawing of a typical ArmorGuardTM Barrier Section is shown in Appendix “D”. The length of 

each AGB including the hinge assembly is 8.5 m (28 feet) and the effective overall height is 847 

mm (33.3 inches). The effective width of the upright portion of the base is 727 mm (28.6 inches) 

and the effective width of the “T” top section is 513 mm (20 inches). The mass of an 8.5 meter 

AGB section is approximately 1350 kg (2,975 lbs.). The hinge assemblies at each end of the 

gate are protected from impacts by removable aluminum or steel covers that are held in place by 

removable pins. The section hinges are connected to each other with a 28.6 mm (1.125 inches) 

diameter ASTM C1018 steel connecting pin. 

Currently Accepted For these uses: New Testing, proposed approval for use:

Attached to 6 m (20 foot) portable 

concrete barrier (B-108, 11/04/2002) 

Test 1 Attached to 3m (10 foot) portable 

concrete barrier (Test WGB03) 

(Figure 1, enclosed) 

Single sections used between permanent 

median barrier (B-87, 07/06/2001) 

Test 2 Multiple sections used between 

permanent median barrier (Test WGB04) 

(Figure 6, enclosed) 

8 meter panels consisting of two 4 meter 

panels spliced together 

Test 3 Solid 8 meter panel sections 

(Figure 11, enclosed) 

As shown in the table above, the purpose of test WGB03 is to have the AGB approved for use in 

combination with 3 meter (10 foot) or longer portable concrete barrier sections attached at the 

ends. The condition that is currently approved is with 6 meter (20 foot) sections of portable 

concrete barrier attached at the ends. The concrete barrier segments are not pinned along their 

length but free to move except at the end. 

The second test, WGB04, was conducted using multiple sections of AGB installed between a 

permanent median barrier. The condition that is currently approved was tested with a single 

AGB barrier section installed between permanent median barrier. 

The third test was run to validate the performance of solid 8 meter panel sections. 

Previous designs consist of two 4 meter panels spliced together. 

These tests also validate the design and performance of an alternate universal transition that was 

not previously tested. 

Request for Acceptance

You specifically requested the following for the ArmorGuard Link and Gate systems: 

1) The system name changes from SafeGuard Link to ArmorGuard Link and SafeGuard Gate 

to ArmorGuard gate. 

2) The application of multiple ArmorGuard Link segments connected directly to or between 

permanent barriers. 

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3) The application of multiple ArmorGuard Link segments connected to or between any 

crashworthy temporary concrete barrier arrays with minimum barrier lengths of 3 meters. 

4) The use of the alternative transition assembly as tested for ArmorGuard Link or Gate 

systems. 

5) The use of the redesigned bulkheads and full length 8 meter panels into the ArmorGuard 

Link and Gate systems. 

Crash Testing

Test Designation Impact Conditions Impact 

Point

NCHRP 

350 Test 

No.

Safe 

Technologies 

Test No.

Vehicle 

Nominal 

Speed 

(km/h) 

Nominal 

Angle 

(deg) 

Test 

Level 

3 3-21 WGB03 2000P 100 25 CIP 

3 3-21 WGB04 2000P 100 25 CIP 

3 3-21 AG8M1 2000P 100 25 CIP 

Crash test data summary sheets for these three tests are enclosed for reference. In each test the 

vehicle was redirected without noticeable snagging and did not experience appreciable pitch or 

roll.

Findings

The system described in requests 1 through 5 above and detailed in the enclosed drawings and 

crash testing is acceptable for use on the NHS under the range of conditions tested, when 

proposed by a State. 

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

• This acceptance is limited to the crashworthiness characteristics of the systems and does not 

cover their structural features, nor conformity with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control 

Devices. 

• Any changes that may adversely influence the crashworthiness of the system will require a 

new acceptance letter. 

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

performance reveals unacceptable safety problems, or that the system being marketed is 

significantly different from the version that was crash tested, we reserve the right to modify 

or revoke our acceptance. 

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

 installation requirements to ensure proper performance. 

• You will be expected to certify to potential users that the hardware furnished has essentially 

the same chemistry, mechanical properties and geometry as that submitted for acceptance, 

and that it will meet the crashworthiness requirements of the FHWA and the NCHRP Report 

350. 

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

B-173 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. 

• ArmorGuard barriers are patented products and considered proprietary. If proprietary 

devices/systems are specified by a highway agency for use on Federal-aid projects, except 

exempt, non-NHS projects, they: (a) must be supplied through competitive bidding with 

equally suitable unpatented items; (b) the highway agency must certify that they are essential 

for synchronization with the existing highway facilities or that no equally suitable alternative 

exists; or (c) they must be used for research or for a distinctive type of construction on 

relatively short sections of road for experimental purposes. Our regulations concerning 

proprietary products are contained in Title 23, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 635.411. 

• This acceptance letter shall not be construed as authorization or consent by the FHWA to 

use, manufacture, or sell any patented system for which the applicant is not the patent 

holder. The acceptance letter is limited to the crashworthiness characteristics of the 

candidate system, and the FHWA is neither prepared nor required to become involved in 

issues concerning patent law. Patent issues, if any, are to be resolved by the applicant. 

 Sincerely yours, 

 David A. Nicol, P.E. 

 Director, Office of Safety Design 

 Office of Safety 

2 Enclosures 

FHWA:HSSD:NArtimovich:dp:x61331:03/25/08 

S:/Directory Folder/Artimovich/B173 ArmorGurard Final.doc 

cc: Reader-HSA, HSSD(Chron File, NArtimovich, MMcDonough) 

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ArmorGuardTM Barrier 

Barrier Systems, Inc.

STI Project:  BSI-AGB Page 15 of 68 

 Page 15 of 68

STI Project:

 BSI-AGB

ArmorGuardTM Barrier

Barrier Systems, Inc.

Figure 1. Summary of Results

t=0.000 sec t=.100 sec t=.200 sec t=.300 sec t=.400 sec t=.800 sec

General Information Exit Conditions

 Test Agency................................................ SAFE TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Speed (km/h)................................................52.6

 Test Designation.......................................... NCHRP Report 350 3-21 Angle (deg)...................................................20 Test No...................................................... STI Test #WGB03 Occupant Risk Values Date.......................................................... 3/2/2007 Impact velocity (m/s)

Test Article x-direction ................................. 4.4

 Type.......................................................... ArmorGuardTM Barrier (formerly SafeGuard®) y-direction ................................. -5

 Ridedown Acceleration (g's)

Installation Length....................................... Total Barrier Length : 62 meters (204') x-direction ................................. -7.8

 Size and/or dimension and material Individual AGB Length: 8.5 meters (28') y-direction ................................ 9.1 of key elements Height: 847mm (33.3") THIV (km/hr) ............................................. 22.4

Width (base) 727mm (28.6") PHD (g's) ............................................. 9.2

 ASI ..................................................... 1.1

Test Vehicle Test Article Deflection (mm)

 Type.........................................................Production Model Dynamic ........................................... 2667

 Designation................................................2000P Permanent ........................................ 2667 Model....................................................... 1990 Chevrolet 3/4 ton pickup Vehicle Damage Mass (kg) Exterior Curb..................................................... 1818 VDS......................................................FLQ-4

 Test Inertial........................................... 1983 CDC......................................................11FLEE4 Dummy(s)............................................. n/a Interior Gross Static.......................................... 1983 OCDI...................................................LF0010000

Impact Conditions Post-Impact Vehicular beharior (deg - gyro @ c.g)

 Speed (km/h).............................................100.2 Maximum Roll Angle (before capture) .......... -11.4

 Angle (deg)............................................... 25 Maximum Pitch angle (before capture) ......... -11.8 Impact Severity (kJ)....................................137.1 Maximum Yaw Angle (before capture) ........ 50.7

Typical 8.5 meter ArmorGuardTM Barrier

6 - 3m (10') PCB

Total Permant and Dymamic Deflection: 2.7m (106")

25

6 - 3m (10') PCB

62 meters

3 - 8.5m (28') AGB

Impact Speed:100.2 km/hr

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ArmorGuardTM Barrier 

Barrier Systems, Inc.

STI Project:  BSI-AGB Page 23 of 68 

 Page 30 of 68

STI Project:

 BSI-AGB

ArmorGuardTM Barrier

Barrier Systems, Inc.

Figure 6. Summary of Results

t=0.000 sec t=.100 sec t=.200 sec t=.300 sec t=.400 sec t=.500 sec

General Information Exit Conditions

 Test Agency................................................ SAFE TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Speed (km/h)................................................67.5

 Test Designation.......................................... NCHRP Report 350 3-21 Angle (deg)...................................................7 Test No...................................................... STI Test #WGB04 Occupant Risk Values Date.......................................................... 3/12/2007 Impact velocity (m/s)

Test Article x-direction ................................. 4.7

 Type.......................................................... ArmorGuardTM barrier (formerly SafeGuard®) y-direction ................................. -4.4

 Ridedown Acceleration (g's)

Installation Length....................................... Total Barrier Length : 58.5 meters (192') x-direction ................................. -6.3

 Size and/or dimension and material Individual AGB Length: 8.5 meters (28') y-direction ................................ 11.6

 of key elements Height: 847mm (33.3") THIV (km/hr) ............................................. 21.3

Width (base) 727mm (28.6") PHD (g's) ............................................. 11.6

 ASI ..................................................... 1

Test Vehicle Test Article Deflection (mm)

 Type.........................................................Production Model Dynamic ........................................... 1200 (49")

 Designation................................................2000P Permanent ........................................ 900 (35")

 Model....................................................... 1990 Chevrolet 3/4 ton pickup Vehicle Damage Mass (kg) Exterior Curb..................................................... 1825.5 VDS......................................................LFQ-3

 Test Inertial........................................... 1961 CDC......................................................11FLEE3 Dummy(s)............................................. n/a Interior Gross Static.......................................... 1961 OCDI...................................................LF0010000

Impact Conditions Post-Impact Vehicular behavior (deg - gyro @ c.g)

 Speed (km/h).............................................103.4 Maximum Roll Angle (before capture) .......... 9.8

 Angle (deg)............................................... 25 Maximum Pitch angle (before capture) ......... 8.7

 Impact Severity (kJ)....................................144 Maximum Yaw Angle (before capture) ........ 36.8

Typical 8.5 Meter ArmorGuardTM Barrier

Exit Speed: 67.5 km/hrExit Angle 7 deg

Permanent Barrier

1 - 6m (20')

Total Permant and Dymamic Deflection: 1.2m (49")

Permanent Barrier

1 - 6m (20')

Impact Speed:103.4 km/hr

25

46 meters

4 - 8.5m (28') AGB

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ArmorGuardTM Barrier 

Barrier Systems, Inc.

STI Project:  BSI-AGB Page 30 of 68 

 Page 30 of 68

STI Project:

 BSI-AGB

ArmorGuardTM Barrier

Barrier Systems, Inc.

Figure 11. Summary of Results

t=0.000 sec t=.100 sec t=.200 sec t=.300 sec t=.400 sec t=.500 sec

General Information Exit Conditions

 Test Agency................................................ SAFE TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Speed (km/h)................................................66.6

 Test Designation.......................................... NCHRP Report 350 3-21 Angle (deg)...................................................14 Test No...................................................... STI Test #AG8M1 Occupant Risk Values Date.......................................................... 5/8/2007 Impact velocity (m/s)

Test Article x-direction ................................. 5

 Type.......................................................... ArmorGuardTM barrier (formerly SafeGuard®) y-direction ................................. -5.3

 Ridedown Acceleration (g's)

Installation Length....................................... Total Barrier Length : 20.5 meters (67') x-direction ................................. -7.1

 Size and/or dimension and material Individual AGB Length: 8.5 meters (28') y-direction ................................ 10.1 of key elements Height: 847mm (33.3") THIV (km/hr) ............................................. 24.4

Width (base) 727mm (28.6") PHD (g's) ............................................. 11.7

 ASI ..................................................... 1

Test Vehicle Test Article Deflection (mm)

 Type.........................................................Production Model Dynamic ........................................... 711 (28")

 Designation................................................2000P Permanent ........................................ 483 (19") Model....................................................... 1990 Chevrolet 3/4 ton pickup Vehicle Damage Mass (kg) Exterior Curb..................................................... 1780 VDS......................................................LFQ-4

 Test Inertial........................................... 2001 CDC......................................................11FLEE4 Dummy(s)............................................. n/a Interior Gross Static.......................................... 2001 OCDI...................................................LF0002000

Impact Conditions Post-Impact Vehicular behavior (deg - gyro @ c.g)

 Speed (km/h).............................................101.6 Maximum Roll Angle (before capture) .......... -6.9

 Angle (deg)............................................... 25 Maximum Pitch angle (before capture) ......... -4.2 Impact Severity (kJ)....................................142 Maximum Yaw Angle (at separation) ........ 14

Total Permant Deflection = 483mm (19")Total Dynamic Deflection = 711mm (28")

Exit Speed: 66.6 km/hr Exit Angle 14 deg

Permanent Barrier

1 - 6m (20')

Permanent Barrier

1 - 6m (20')

Impact Speed: 101.6 km/hr

25 deg

20.5 meters

1 - 8.5m (28') AGB

Typical 8.5 Meter ArmorGuardTM Barrier

Archived – 

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APPR

TITLE

without the express written 

C 2007 Barrier Sytems Inc.

approval of Barrier Systems Inc. REV. CHANGES DATE BY REQ'D NEXT ASSY. ITEM

SC

DRAW

The information heron isproprietary to Barrier Systems Inc. shall not be disclosed, duplicated or used otherwise 

P/N: B050221

BULK HEAD

ARMORGUARD TRANSITION

REFERENCE CONCRETE BARRIER

COMPONENTS P/N: B050132

SIDE PANEL WELDMETN, TOP,

AROMORGUARD P/N: B061168

TRANSITION HOUSING WELDMENT

ARMORGUARD P/N: B061160

ARMORGUARARMORGUARSIDE PANEL, 

ARMORGUAR P/N: B020609

SIDE PANEL, 

HINGE ASSEMBLY,

SHEAR PLATE, P/N: B07060

B050132

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C 2006 Barrier Sytems Inc.

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3970

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1651915999

52'-6"

55'-10"

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C 2006 Barrier Sytems Inc.

approval of Barrier Systems Inc. REV. CHANGES DATE BY REQ'D NEXT ASSY. ITEM

SC

DRAW

The information heron isproprietary to Barrier Systems Inc. shall not be disclosed, duplicated or used otherwise 

Archived – 

For 

Research 

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Historical 

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