U.S. Department 

of Transportation 

Federal Highway 

Administration 

June 19, 2020 

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE 

Washington, D.C. 20590 

In Reply Refer To: 

HSST-1/B-232B 

Greg Neece 

Trinity Highway Products, LLC 

2525 North Stemmons Freeway 

Dallas, Texas 75207 

Dear Mr. Neece: 

On May 4, 2012, the Federal Highway Administration’s Office of Safety issued eligibility letter 

B-232 for the CASS S3 on 4H:1V Slopes. 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-232. The modification for 

B-232 consists of adding the phrase “30 foot-wide median on backslope 11feet from bottom of 

median and 26 feet from slope break point” 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-232 will in no way affect the eligibility for the 

associated device as was determined on May 4, 2012. This FHWA letter of eligibility is 

assigned FHWA control number B-232B and is valid until a subsequent letter is issued by 

FHWA that expressly references this device. This letter will supersede the original B-232 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: 

• CASS S3 on 4H:1V Slopes, 30 foot-wide median on backslope 11feet from bottom of 

median and 26 feet from slope break point 

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: CASS S3 on 4H:1V Slopes, 30 foot-wide median on backslope 11feet 

from bottom of median and 26 feet from slope break point 

Type of system: Longitudinal Barrier 

Test Level: MASH Test Level 3 (TL3) 

Testing conducted by: Texas Transportation Institute 

Date of request: July 14, 2011 

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 
3 

and evaluation criteria ofAASHTO's MASH. 

Issuance ofthis 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 ofyour 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 crash 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 ofthe system. 

Standard Provisions 

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

control number B-232B 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 FHWA to use, 

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

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

determination ofvalidity, 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 FHWA eligibility letter determination is made based solely 

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

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

information related to crash testing. 

Sincerely, 

Michael S. Griffith 

Director, Office of Safety Technologies 

Office of Safety 

Enclosures 
 TRINITY HIGHWAY PRODUCTS, LLC

July 14, 2011 

Mr. Nicholas Artimovich, II 

Highway Engineer, Office of Safety Design 

Federal Highway Administration HSSD 

1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room E-71-322 

Washington, DC 20590 

Tel: 202-366-133 t 

Fax: 202-366-2249 

e-mail: nick.artimovich@tl1wa.dot.gov 

Re: Request for FHW A Acceptance of CASS S3 MASH on 4H: t V Slopes per MASH Test Level 3. 

Dear Mr. Artimovich: 

Attached for your review are the test reports and videos of successful full-scale crash tests recently 

conducted by the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) on Trinity's Cable Safety System (CASS S3 

MASH) installed in a 9. lm (30 foot Oinch) wide depressed median with 4H: IV side slopes on 3.2m (10 

foot 6 inch) post spacing. Trinity Highway Products, LLC is seeking FHW A acceptance of CASS S3 

MASH for use on the National Highway System (NHS). 

CASS S3 MASH is a tensioned, four-cable barrier system that was tested with standard (nonprestretched) cables. The top two cables are positioned within a wave-shaped slot in the web of S75x8 

(S3x5.7#) structural I-beam posts. The bottom two cables are supported on flanges of the I-beam post by 

8mm (5/16 inch) hook bolts having the open end down, with the lowest cable located on the median-side 

flange and the next lowest cable located on the traffic-side flange. 

The proprietary S75x8 (S3x5.7#) posts were installed in steel tube sleeves set in 305mm (12 inch) 

diameter x 762mm (30 inch) deep concrete footings. The cables within the wave-shaped slot are 

separated by a plastic spacer. A stainless steel strap is mounted on the outside of the post above the top 

cable. 

The 19mm (3/4 inch) diameter standard (non-prestretched) cables were set at heights of 450mm, 755mm, 

960 and 1070mm (17.75, 29.75, 37.875, and 42.125 inches) above the ground surface, measured to the 

center of each cable. Tension of the cables was set at 17.4 to 17.7 kN (3,914 to 3,985 pounds force) for 

the tests. 

The 195m (640 foot) test installations were anchored by TTI Breakaway Cable Anchor Terminals, 

accepted by FHWA on August 29, 2002 (CC-76) and April 23, 2007 (B-157). 

2525 North Stemmons Freeway * Dallas, Texas 75207 USA 

Tel: +1-214-589-8140 * Fax: +1-214-589-8423 * www.highwayguardrail.com 
Page 2 

According to MASH, two crash tests are recommended to evaluate longitudinal barriers to TL-3. In the 

safety performance evaluation of CASS S3 MASH, and as per your March 15, 20 IO e-mail concurrence, 

two full-scale crash tests were conducted. Trinity feels that safety performance verification of the 

proposed CASS S3 MASH can be concluded, as summarized below. 

MASH Test Designation 3-10: An 1 lO0C (2425 lb) passenger car impacting the critical impact point 

(CIP) of the length of need (LON) of the barrier at a nominal impact speed and angle of 100 km/h (62 

mi/h) and 25 degrees, respectively. This test investigates the barrier's ability to successfully contain and 

redirect a small passenger vehicle. CASS S3 MASH was installed on the backslope of the 9.lm (30 foot 

0 inch) wide depressed median median with 4H: IV side slopes at 3.35m ( 11 feet 0 inch) from the median 

bottom. 

Summary of results: CASS S3 MASH on the 4H: 1 V backs lope contained and redirected the 1100C 

vehicle. The vehicle did not penetrate or underride the barrier. Both wheels on the left side overrode the 

lower cable of the installation. Maximum dynamic deflection of the cable barrier was 2.29 meters (7.5 

feet). Although the cables separated from some of the posts, there were no detached elements, fragments 

or other debris to penetrate or show potential for penetrating the occupant compartment or to present 

undue hazard to others in the area. 

Maximum occupant compartment deformation was 25mm ( 1.0 inch) in the driver's side instrument panel 

area. The 11OOC vehicle remained upright during and after the collision event. Maximum roll was 22 

degrees, and maximum pitch was 16 degrees. Occupant risk factors were within the limits specified for 

MASH test 3-10. The 110OC vehicle remained within the cable system. CASS S3 MASH performed 

acceptably according to the evaluation criteria of MASH test 3-10. 

MASH Test Designation 3-11: A 2270P (5000 lb) pickup truck impacting the critical impact point (CIP) 

of the length of need (LON) of the barrier at a nominal impact speed and angle of 100 km/h ( 62 mi/h) and 

25 degrees, respectively. This is a strength test for test levels 1 through 3 to verify a barrier's 

performance for impacts involving light trucks and SUVs for all test levels. CASS S3 MASH was 

installed on the foreslope of a 9. lm (30 foot 0 inch) wide depressed median with 4H: 1 V side slopes at 

1.22m (4 foot 0 inch) from the break point. 

Summary of results: CASS S3 MASH on the 4H: IV foreslope contained and redirected the 2270P 

vehicle. The vehicle did not penetrate or underride. Only the left rear wheel overrode the two lower 

cables of the installation. Maximum dynamic deflection of the cable barrier was 2.9 meters (9.6 feet). · 

Although the cables separated from some of the posts, there were no detached elements, fragments or 

other debris to penetrate or show potential for penetrating the occupant compartment or to present undue 

hazard to others in the area. 

Maximum occupant compartment deformation was 25mm (0.25 inch) in the left lower kickpanel area. 

The 2270P vehicle remained upright during and after the collision event. Maximum roll was -4 degrees, 

and maximum pitch was 18 degrees. Occupant risk factors were within the limits specified for MASH 

test 3-11. The vehicle remained within the installation and did not exit the barrier, thus remaining within 

the exit box. CASS S3 MASH performed acceptably according to the evaluation criteria of MASH test 3-

11. 

2525 North Stemmons Freeway • Dallas, Texas 75207 USA 

Tel: +1-214-589-8140 • Fax: +1-214-589-8423 • www.highwayguardrail.com 
Page3 

Trinity respectfully requests FHW A acceptance of the CASS S3 MASH cable barrier for use on the 

National Highway System (NHS) as a MASH Test Level 3 compliant roadside or median barrier on the 

designated 4H: 1 V or flatter slopes when such use is acceptable to the contracting agency. 

Although testing was conducted with standard (non-prestretched) cables, Trinity also requests FHW A 

acceptance of CASS S3 MASH with prestretched cables. 

Thank you for your consideration. Should you have questions, we will be pleased to furnish or secure 

answers promptly. 

Sincerely, 

Brian Smith 

Trinity Highway Products, LLC.

Enclosures: 4 

2525 North Stemmons Freeway • Dallas, Texas 75207 USA 

Tel: +1-214-589-8140 • Fax: +1-214-589-8423 • www.highwayguardrail.com 
-0.196 s 0.000 s 0.196 s 0.491 s 

..., .., ........ YN1' 

I

I •1, ---IMPACT 

OIRl?C110N It JD JI 

General lnfonnation 

Test Agency ............................. Texas Transportation Institute 

Test Standard Test No............ MASH 3-10 

TTI Test No ............................. 400001-TCR41 

Date ......................................... 2010-06-02 

Test Article 

Type......................................... Cable Barrier 

Name ....................................... Trinity CASS on 4H:1V Backslope 

Installation Length ................... 640 ft 

Material or Key Elements ........ 4 wire ropes supported by slotted 

S3x5.7 support posts 

Soll Type and Condition ........... MASH Standard Soil, dry 

Test Vehicle 

Type/Designation ..................... 1100C 

Make and Model .. ........ .. . . . . .. . . .. 2004 Kia Rio 

Curb......................................... 2394 lb 

Test Inertial... ........................... 2406 lb 

Dummy.................................... 176 lb 

Gross Static ............................. 2582 lb 

DITCH 

Impact Conditions 

Speed entering ditch .............. 61.5 milh 

Angle entering ditch .............. 26.1 degrees 

Speed at wire rope ................ 46.2 mi/h 

Angle at wire rope ................. 26.1 degrees 

Location/Orientation .............. Midspan 27-28 

Exit Conditions 

Speed .................................... Not obtainable 

Angle ..................................... Not obtainable 

Occupant Risk Values 

Impact Velocity 

Longitudinal ........................ 17.4 ft/s 

Lateral ................................ 0.3 ft/s 

Ridedown Accelerations 

Longitudinal ........................-5.0 G 

Lateral ................................ 3.7 G 

THIV ......................................19.1 km/h 

PHD .......................................5.0G 

ASl ......................................... 0.72 

Max. 0.050-s Average 

Longitudinal ........................ -6.8 G 

Lateral ................................ 1.4 G 

Vertical ............................... -4.6 G 

Post-Impact Trajectory 

Stopping Distance ....................... 66.6 ft downstream 

Vehicle Stability 

Maximum Yaw Angle ................... 22 degrees 

Maximum Pitch Angle .................. 16 degrees 

Maximum Roll Angle .................... 22 degrees 

Vehicle Snagging ......................... No 

Vehicle Pocketing ........................ No 

Test Article Deflections 

Dynamic ....................................... 7.5 ft 

Permanent ................................... 2.4 ft 

Working Width ............................. 8. 1 ft 

Vehlcle Damage 

VDS ............................................. 11LFQ4 

CDC ............................................. 11FLEW4 

Max. Exterior Deformation ........... 8.0 inches 

OCDI ............................................ LF0000000 

Max. Occupant Compartment 

Deformation ........................... 1.0 inch 

Figure 5.7. Summary ofresults for MASH test 3-10 on the Trinity CASS on 4H:1V backslope. 
OF.TAU.II