U.S. Depor tment 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE 

of Transportation Washington, D.C. 20590 

Federal Highway 

Administration March 29, 20 16 

In Reply Refer To: 

HSST/CC-35M 

Mr. Bret Eckert P.E. 

Engineering Applications Manager 

Trinity Highway Products 

3617 Cincinnati Avenue 

Rocklin, CA 95677 

Dear Mr. Eckert: 

This letter is in response to your August 1, 2014 request for the f ederal Highway Administration 

(FHWA) to review a roadside safety device, hardware, or system for eligibility for 

reimbursement under the Federal-aid highway program. This FHWA letter of eligibility is 

assigned FHWA control number CC-35M and is valid until a subsequent letter is issued by 

fHWA that expressly references this device. 

Decision 

The fo llowing devices are eligible, with details provided in the form which is attached as an 

integral part of this letter: 

• QuadGuard® System, Family Product Lines, Modification 

Scope of this Letter 

To be found eligibl e for f:'ederal-aid funding, modified roadside safety devices should meet the 

crash test and evaluation cri teria contained in the National Cooperative Highway Research 

Program (NCHRP) Report 350. However, the FHWA, the Department ofTransportation, and the 

United States Government do not regulate the manufacture ofroadside safety devices. Eligibility 

for reimbursement under the Federal-aid highway program does not establish approval, 

ce11ification or endorsement of the device for any particular purpose or use. 

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

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

outcome, nor is it a guarantee ofthe in-service performance ofthis device. Proper 

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

tested. 

This finding of e ligibility is limited to the crash worthiness ofthe system and does not cover other 

structural features, nor confonnit.y with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. 
2 

Eligibility for Reimbursement 

FHW A previously issued an eligibility letter for the roadside safety system described in your 

pending request. Your pending request now identifies a modification to that roadside safety 

system. 

The original roadside safety device information is: 

Name ofsystem: QuadGuard® 


Type of system: Crash Cushion 


Date oforiginal request: February 20, 1996 


Date oforiginal FHWA eligibility letter: June 21, 1996 


FHW A Control number: CC-35 


The pending modification(s) consists ofthe following changes: 

1. The QuadGuard® CZ plate length was reduced from 136 5/8" to 134 5/811 by removing 2" 

from the back end beyond the tension strut backup to allow concrete barriers to be placed closer 

to the backup. The Quad Guard® system itself and the number of and location ofthe anchors is 

unchanged. 

2. Holes used for QuadGuard® Elite attachment features were added to all QuadGuard® family 

diaphragms to allow diaphragm interchangeability between all QuadGuard® family product 

lines. The QuadGuard® Elite diaphragms incorporate holes for attachment of QuadGuard® 

Elite specific features and were as-tested and accepted for use. This modification added the holes 

to the other QuadGuard® family diaphragms to provide the interchangeability. 

3. The cartridge centering brackets used in the QuadGuard® family diaphragms that use 

cartridge box type energy absorbers and QuadGuard® Elite system restoration limiting chain 

brackets were modified to become one universal bracket that satisfies both functions. The 

bracket in the QuadGuard® family diaphragms maintains cartridge box centering within the 

diaphragm until system crush begins and captures the cartridge and is not an energy absorbing 

element ofthe system. In the QuadGuard® Elite diaphragm systems, the chains and brackets are 

not part ofthe energy absorbing element ofthe system but are used to limit diaphragm 

movement during system self-restoration following an impact. The modified bracket 

incorporates the physical size and weld length requirement from both diaphragm types into a 

singular bracket to provide interchangeability between all QuadGuard® family diaphragms. 

FHW A concurs with the recommendation ofthe accredited crash testing laboratory as stated 

within the attached form. 

Full Description of the Eligible Device 

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

done, videos ofany crash testing, and/or drawings ofthe device, are described in the attached 

form. 
3 

Notice 

Ifa manufacturer makes any modification to any of their roadside safety hardware that has an 

existing eligibility letter from FHWA, the manufacturer must notify FHW A of such modification 

with a request for continued eligibility for reimbursement. The notice of all modifications to a 

device must be accompanied by: 

o 	 Significant modifications - For these modifications, crash test results must be 

submitted with accompanying documentation and videos. 

o 	 Non-signification modifications - For these modifications, a statement from the 

crash test laboratory on the potential effect ofthe modification on the ability of 

the device to meet the relevant crash test criteria. 

FHW A's determination of continued eligibility for the modified hardware will be based 

on whether the modified hardware will continue to meet the relevant crash test criteria. 

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 ofthe NCHRP Report 350. 

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: (I) 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 FHW A 

control number CC-35M 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, 

manufacture, or sell any patented system for which the applicant is not the patent holder. 
4 

• 	 If the subject device is a patented product it may be considered to be proprietary. If 

proprietary systems are specified by a highway agency for use on Federal-aid projects: 

(a) they must be supplied through competitive bidding with equally suitable unpatcntcd 

items; (b) the highway agency must certi fy that they are essentia l for synchronization 

with the existing highway facilities or that no equa lly suitable alternative exists; or (c) 

they must be used for research or for a distinctive type o f construction on relatively short 

sections of road for experimental purposes. Our regulations concerning proprietary 

products are contained in Title 23. Code off ederal Regulations. Sectio n 635.411 . 

Sincere ly yours, 

Michael S. Griffith 

Director, Onicc or Sale ty Technologies 

Office of Safety 

Enclosures 
Version 9.1 (11/15) 

Page 1 of 5 

Request for Federal Aid Reimbursement Eligibility 

of Highway Safety Hardware 

Date of Request: March 24, 2016 I ('New r. Resubmission 

.. 

QI 

~ 

E 

.a 

:I 

U) 

Name: 

Company: 

Bret R. Eckert, P.E. 

Trinity Highway Products, LLC 

Address: 

Country: 

3617 Cincinnati Ave, Rocklin, CA 95765 

USA 

To: 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. 

11-1-lj 

System Type Submission Type Device Name I Variant Testing Criterion Test 

Level 

'CC': Crash Cushions, 

Attenuators, & Terminals 

('Physical Crash Testing 

(iii' Engineering Analysis 

QuadGuard" 

NCHRP Report 350 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 NCHRP Report 350 (Report 350) and that 

the evaluation results meet the appropriate evaluation criteria in the Report 350. 

Identification of the individual or organization responsible for the product: 

Contact Name: Bret R. Eckert, P.E. Same as Submitter 181 

Company Name: Trinity Highway Products, LLC Same as Submitter 181 

Address: 3617 Cincinnati Ave, Rocklin, CA 95765 Same as Submitter 181 

Country: USA Same as Submitter 181 

Enter below all disclosures of financial interests as required by the FHWA 'Federal-Aid Reimbursement 

Eligibility Process for Safety Hardware Devices' document. 

The QuadGuard" technology is the commercial embodiment of intellectual property that is protected by patents 

that are owned by Trinity Highway Products, LLC (THP). THP does not pay royalties for sales of the QuadGuard" 

system. The QuadGuard• system was designed and developed by engineers at Energy Absorption Systems Inc. 

(EAS). The patent holders of record for the QuadGuard" system are Michael H. Oberth and John V. Machado, 

were employed by EAS. The associated United States Patent Office patent numbers (5,733,062, RE41,988 and 

5,797,592) are assigned to Energy Absorption Systems, Inc./ Trinity Industries, Inc. 

EAS sponsored certain crash tests ofthe QuadGuard• system; such tests were conducted by E-Tech Testing 

Services, an Independent, wholly-owned subsidiary ofTHP. E-Tech Testing Services is an International Standards 

Organization ("ISO") 17025 accredited laboratory with American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) 

Mechanical Testing certificate 989.01. Full-scale crash testing on the QuadGuard• system was performed in 

accordance with testing criteria, as set forth by the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (•NCHRP") 

In the NCHRP Report 350 (1993). 
Version 9.1 (11/15) 

Page 2 of 5 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 

New Hardware or Modification to IN SI lfi t • . • on- n 1can (" Significant Mod1ficat1on (i' Existing Hardware g 

Original submission date December 23, 2015. The QuadGuard• Crash cushion was originally accepted on June 

21, 1996 with FHWA eligibility letter HNG 14/CC-35 as a NCHRP 350TL-3 crash cushion. It was subsequently 

accepted for temporary use in work zones on August 5, 1996 with FHWA eligibility letter HNG 14/CC-35A as a 

NCHRP 350 TL-3 crash cushion. Additionally FHWA eligibility letters HNG 14/CC-358, HNG 14/CC-35C, HNG 14/ 

CC-3SF, HNG 14/CC-35G and HNG 14/CC-3SH apply to the QuadGuard• and QuadGuard• family of Crash 

Cushions. The QuadGuard• fs a NCH RP 350 TL-1, TL-2 and TL-3 redirective, nongating crash cushion. It consists 

of crushable energy absorbing cartridges surrounded by a framework of steel Quad-Beam panels. The 

QuadGuard111 is designed to shield fixed objects up to 10'-6" wide. 

This request for continued eligibility is to notify the FHWA of necessary revisions that have occurred since May 

18, 2015. All revisions have been justified through engineering analysis and judgement and have since been 

determined to be non-significant and will have no bearing on the as-tested performance of the system. These 

revisions Include the following: 

1. The QuadGuard• CZ plate length was reduced from 136 5/8" to 134 5/8" by removing 2• from the back end 

beyond the tension strut backup to allow concrete barriers to be placed closer to the backup. The QuadGuard0 

system Itself and the number ofand location of the anchors Is unchanged. (4086) 

2. Holes used for QuadGuardCD Elite attachment features were added to all QuadGuard• family diaphragms to 

allow diaphragm Interchangeability between all QuadGuard'" family product lines. The QuadGuard• Elite 

diaphragms incorporate holes for attachment of QuadGuard" Elite specific features and were as-tested and 

accepted for use. This modification added the holes to the other QuadGuard• family diaphragms to provide the 

Interchangeability. (4016) 

3. The cartridge centering brackets used In the QuadGuard111 family diaphragms that use cartridge box type 

energy absorbers and QuadGuard• Elite system restoration llmltlng chain brackets were modified to become 

one universal bracket that satisfies both functions. The bracket in the QuadGuard0 family diaphragms 

maintains cartridge box centering within the diaphragm until system crush begins and captures the cartridge 

and Is not an energy absorbing element of the system. In the QuadGuard• Elite diaphragm systems, the chains 

and brackets are not part ofthe energy absorbing element of the system but are used to limit diaphragm 

movement during system self-restoration following an Impact. The modified bracket Incorporates the physical 

size and weld length requirement from both diaphragm types into a singular bracket to provide 

Interchangeability between all QuadGuard" family diaphragms. (4122) 

CRASH TESTING 

A brief description of each crash test and Its result: 
Version 9.1 (11/15) 

Page 3 of 5 

Required Test 

Number 

Narrative 

Description Evaluation Results 

3-30 (820C) 

The QuadGuard" system original Test 3-30 was conducted 

and documented in Laboratory Test No. 01-7620-007. Date of 

test was May 3, 1996 and recorded In the Crash Test Report for 

the QuadGuard" system dated May 1996. The non-significant 

modifications described in the Product Description will have 

no bearing on the as-tested performance of the system. 

PASS 

S3-30 (700C Not Applicable. Test S3-30 Is an optional test and not 

required for system eligibility. 

3-31 (2000P) 

The QuadGuard0 system original Test 3-31 was conducted 

and documented in Laboratory Test No. 01-7620-006. Date of 

test was May 1, 1996 and recorded In the Crash Test Report for 

the QuadGuard" system dated May 1996. The non-significant 

modifications described in the Product Description will have 

no bearing on the as-tested performance of the system. 

PASS 

3-32 (820C) 

The QuadGuard" system original Test 3-32 was conducted 

and documented in Laboratory Test No. 01-7620-008. Date of 

test was May 7, 1996 and recorded in the Crash Test Report for 

the QuadGuard0 system dated May 1996. The non-significant 

modifications described in the Product Description will have 

no bearing on the as-tested performance of the system. 

PASS 

S3-32 (700C) Not Applicable. Test S3-32 is an optional test and not 

required for system eligibility. 

3-33 (2000P) 

The QuadGuard" system original Test 3-33 was conducted 

and documented In Laboratory Test No. 01-7620-005. Date of 

test was April 26, 1996 and recorded In the Crash Test Report 

for the QuadGuard" system dated May 1996.The nonsignificant modifications described in the Product Description 

will have no bearing on the as-tested performance of the 

system. 

PASS 

3-34 (820() 

Not Applicable. Test 3-34 is a test for Gating systems. The 

QuadGuard0 system is a Non-Gating system therefore Test 

3-34 ls not applicable. 

S3-34 (700C) Not Applicable. Test S3-34 ls an optional test for Gating 

systems not required for system eligibility. 

3-35 (2000P) 

Not Applicable. Test 3-35 is a test for Gating systems. The 

QuadGuard• system is a Non-Gating system therefore Test 

3-35 Is not applicable. 

3-36 (820C) 

The QuadGuard• system original Test 3-36 was conducted 

and documented In Laboratory Test No. 01-7620-004. Date of 

test was November 28, 1995 and recorded in the Crash Test 

Report for the QuadGuard0 system dated May 1996. The nonsignificant modifications described In the Product Description 

will have no bearing on the as-tested performance ofthe 

system. 

PASS 

S3-36 (700C) Not Applicable. Test S3-36 Is an optional test not required for 

system eligibility. 

3-37 (2000P) 

The QuadGuard• system original Test 3-37 was conducted 

and documented in Laboratory Test No. 01-7620-002. Date of 

test was November 17, 1995 and recorded In the Crash Test 

Report for the QuadGuard• system dated May 1996. The nonsignificant modifications described In the Product Description 

will have no bearing on the as-tested performance of the 

system. 

PASS 
Version 9.1 (11/15) 

Page 4 of 5 

Required Test 

Number 

Narrative 

Description Evaluation Results 

3-38 (2000P) 

The QuadGuard• system original Test 3-38 was conducted 

and documented in Laboratory Test No. 01-7620-003. Date of 

test was November 21, 1995 and recorded in the Crash Test 

Report for the QuadGuard• system dated May 1996. The nonsignificant modifications described in the Product Description 

will have no bearing on the as-tested performance ofthe 

system. 

PASS 

3-39 (2000P) 

The QuadGuard• system original Test 3-39 was conducted 

and documented In Laboratory Test No. 01-7620-001. Date of 

test was November 7, 1995 and recorded In the Crash Test 

Report for the QuadGuard• system dated May 1996. The nonsignificant modifications described in the Product Description 

will have no bearing on the as-tested performance of the 

system. 

PASS 

3-40 (2000P) 

Not Applicable. Test 3-40 is a test for Nonredirective Crash 

Cushions. The QuadGuard• system is aRedirective system 

therefore Test 3-40 is not applicable. 

53-40 (700C) 

Not Applicable. Test S3-40 is an optional test for 

Nonredirective Crash Cushions. The QuadGuard0 system is a 

Redirective system therefore Test 53-40 Is not applicable. 

3-41 (2000P) 

Not Applicable. Test 3-41 is a test for Nonredirective Crash 

Cushions. The QuadGuard• system is aRedirective system 

therefore Test 3-41 is not applicable. 

3-42 (820() 

Not Applicable. Test 3-42 is a test for Nonredirective Crash 

Cushions. The QuadGuard• system Is a Redlrective system 

therefore Test 3-42 is not applicable. 

53-42 (700C) 

Not Applicable. Test S3-42 ls an optional test for 

Nonredirective Crash Cushions. The QuadGuard0 system is a 

Redlrective system therefore Test 53-42 is not applicable. 

3-43 (2000P) 

Not Applicable. Test 3-43 is a test for Nonredirective Crash 

Cushions. The QuadGuard0 system is aRedirective system 

therefore Test 3-43 is not applicable. 

3-44 (2000P) 

Not Applicable. Test 3-44 is a test for Nonredirective Crash 

Cushions. The QuadGuard• system Is a Redirective system 

therefore Test 3-44 ls not applicable. 

Full Scale Crash Testing was done in compliance with NCH RP Report 350 by the following accredited 

crash test Laboratory. By signature below, the Laboratory agrees in support of this submission that all 

crltlcal and relevant crash tests for the device listed above were conducted. (cite the laboratory's 

accreditation status as noted in the crash test reports.): 

Testing Laboratory's signature concurs that these modifications are considered Non-Significant. 

Laboratory Name: E-Tech Testing Services, Inc. 

Laboratory Signature: Paul Kruse Digitally signed by Paul Kruse 

Date: 2016.03.24 14:15:38 -07'00' 

Address: 36178 Cincinnati Ave, Rocklin, CA 95765 Same as Submitter D 

Country: USA Same as Submitter ~ 

Accreditation Certificate 

Number and Dates of current 

Accreditation period : 

A2LA Certificate# 989.01, November 24, 2015 thru November 30, 2017 
Version 9.1 (11/15) 

Page 5 of 5 

C>9 u 'y •lg""'by 

Submitter Signature*: Bret Eckert P.E. .:' C:~=:'..,,M>.. O.i.- ?:1 160) .24 IS..14-21 01tX1 

Submit Form 

ATTACHMENTS 

Attach to this form: 


l) Additional disclosures of related financial interest as indicated above. 


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


support of this request. 

3) 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 

in formation provided on the reverse. Additional drawings (not in TF-13 format) showing details that 

are relevant to understanding the dimensions and perfomiance of the device should also be submitted 

to facilitate our review. 

FHWA Official Business Only: 

Eligi bility Letter AASHTO TF13 

Number Date Designator Key Words 
STANDARD CZ PLATE 

OVERALL LENGTH 136 5/8" 

ALTERNATE MODIFIED CZ PLATE 

QUADGUARD® 

MODIFIED CZ PLATE 

TRINITY 

Jf 1 r.. ti WA'\' 
QUADGUARD® 

MODIFIED DIAPHRAGM WITH 

ELITE FEATURE MOUNTING HOLES 
QUADGUARD DIAPHRAGM WITH EXISTING CARTRIDGE CENTERING BRACKETS 

CARTRIDGE 

CENTERING 

BRACKETS 

QUADGUARD ELITE DIAPHRAGM WITH EXISTING BAY CHAIN BRACKETS 

CHAIN BRACKETS 

QUADGUARD UNIVERSAL DIAPHRAGM WITH MODIFIED 

CARTRIDGE CENTERING/BAY CHAIN BRACKETS 

MODIFIED CARTRIDGE 

CENTERING BRACKETS 

MODIFIED CARTRIDGE 

CENTERING BRACKETS 

QUADGUARD® 

UNIVERSAL DIAPHRAGM BRACKETS 

CARTRIDGE 

CENTERING 

BRACKETS 

CHAIN BRACKETS