U.S.Deportment 

of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE 

Washington, D.C. 20590 

Federal Highway 

Administration May 6. 20 16 

In Repl y Refer To: 

HSST-l/B-259 

Mr. David Whitesel 

California Department ofTransportation 

5900 Folsom Blvd., MS-5 

Sacramento, CA 958 19-46 12 

Dea r Mr. Whitesel: 

This letter is in response to your January 27, 2015 request for the Federa l 1 lighway 

Administration (FHW/\) to review a roadside safety device, hard·ware or system for eligibility 

for reimbursement under the Federal-aid highway program. This Fl-lWA letter of eligibility is 

assigned FHWJ\. control number B-259 and is valid until a subsequent letter is issued by FHWA 

that expressly references this device. 

Decision 

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

integra l part of this letter: 

• Type 732SW Bridge Rail 

Scope of this Letter 

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

test and evaluation criteria contained in the American Association ofState Highway and 

Tran sportation Officials' Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH). However, the 

FHWA, the Department ofTranspo11ation, and the United States Government do not regulate the 

manufactltl'c of roadside sal'ety devices. Eligibility for reimbursement under the Federal-aid 

highway program does not establish approval, certification or endorsement ofthe 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 vehicle crash involving the device will result in any particular 

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

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

tested. 

This finding of eligibility is limited to the crashwo11hiness of the system and does not cover other 

structural features, nor confom1ity with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. 
2 

Eligibility for Reimbursement 

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

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

and evaluation criteria ofthe American Association ofState Highway and Transportation 

Officials' Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH). Therefore, the device is eligible for 

reimbursement under the Federal-aid highway program if installed under the range oftested 

conditions. 

Name ofsystem: Type 732SW Bridge Rail 


Type ofsystem: Longitudinal Barrier 


Test Level: MASH Test Level 2 


Testing conducted by: Roadside Safety Research Group, CalTrans 


Date ofrequest: January 27, 2015 


Date of completed package: April 6, 2016 


Full Description of the Eligible Device 

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

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

form. 

Notice 

If a manufacturer makes any modification to any oftheir roadside safety hardware that has an 

existing eligibility letter from FHWA, the manufacturer must notify FHWA 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 MASH. 
3 

1ssuance of this letter does not convey property rights of any sort or any exclusive pri vi lcge. 

This lellcr is based on lhe premise that information and reports submilled by you are accurate 

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

in the in formation submitted in support or your request for this letter, (2) the quali fieation testing 

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

system is significantly different from the version thm was crash tested. or (5) any other 

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

complete information about the crashworthiness of the system. 

StnncJard Provisions 

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

control number B-259 shall not be reproduced except in full. This letter and the test 

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

documentation may be reviewed upon request. 

• 	 This leller shall not be construed as authorizution or consent by the Fl IWA to use, 

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

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

proprietary systems are speci lied by a highway agency fo r use on Federal-aid projects: 

(a) they must be suppli ed through competitive bidding with equally suitable unpatentcd 

items: (b) the highway agency must certify tlrnt they arc essential for synchroninltion 

with the existing highway facilities or that no equally suit able alternative exists: or (c) 

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

sections of road fo r experimental purposes. Our regulations concerning proprietary 

products arc contained in Tille 23, Code or Federal Regulations. Section 635.4 11 . 

Sincerely yours. 

Michael S. Griffith 

Director, Office of Safety Technologies 

Ofliee of Safety 

Enclosures 
Version 9.1 (11/15) 

Page 1 of 3 

Request for Federal Aid Reimbursement Eligibility 

ofHighway Safety Hardware 

Date of Request: January 27, 2015 New Resubmission 

Name: David Whitesel 

a.. 

GI

,; 

E 

.a 

::I 

V) 

Company: 

Address: 

Country: 

California Department ofTransportation 

5900 Folsom Blvd., MS-5 

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. 

System Type Submission Type Device Name Variant Testing Criterion Test 

Level 

'B': Barriers (Roadside, 

Median, Bridge Railings) 

Physical Crash Testing 

Engineering Analysis Type 732SW Bridge Rail 

AASHTOMASH TL2 

By submitting this request for review and evaluation by the Federal Highway Administration, 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: David Whitesel Same as 6XEPLWWHUa

Company Name: California Department ofTransportation Same as Submitter 

Address: 5900 Folsom Blvd., MS-5 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. 

This is a non-proprietary bridge rail designed by the California Department ofTransportation (Caltrans) 

Structures Barrier Specialists. The testing lab, the Caltrans Roadside Safety Research Group (RSRG), is part ofthe 

same parent organization as the designer. However, no person in the RSRG benefits in any way financially if the 

products does or does not meet MASH requirements and/or is eligible for Federal-Aid Reimbursement. 
Version 9.1 (11/15) 

Page 2 of 3 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 


r. New Hardware or (' Modification to I 

• Significant Modification Existing Hardware 

This is a MASH TL-2 bridge rail with ADA-compliant pedestrian sidewalk. 

CRASH TESTING 

A brief description of each crash test and its result: 

Required Test 

Number 

Narrative 

Description Evaluation Results 

Test 11 OMASH2C14-01 was conducted on 3/12/2014. The 

vehicle impacted the sidewalk at 24.3° and 71.1 km/h. It was 

2-10 (1 lOOC) smoothly redirected and exited the vertical face at 10.6°. PASS 

Occupant Impact Velocities and Ridedown Accelerations were 

below MASH preferred limits. 

Test 130MASH3P13-01 was conducted on 5/14/2013. The 

vehicle impacted the sidewalk at 24.8° and 100.9 km/h. It was 

smoothly redirected and exited the vertical face at 9°. 

Occupant Impact Velocities and Ridedown Accelerations were 

below MASH preferred limits. Test 3-11 was run rather than 

3-11 (2270P) 2-11 to ensure the bridge rail was strong enough to redirect a PASS 

pickup exceeding the posted speed without suffering major 

damage. Given that Test 3-11 requires a higher impact 

velocity, it is likely the Occupant Impact Velocities and 

Ridedown Accelerations were higher than they would have 

been in Test 2-11. 

2-20 (1100() Transition test that is optional. Test not conducted. Non-Critical, not conducted 

2-21 (2270P) Transition test. Test not conducted. Non-Critical, not conducted 

Full Scale Crash Testing was done in compliance wlth MASH by the following accredited crash test 

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

Laboratory Name: Roadside Safety Research Group, Callrans 

Laboratory Signature: David Whitesel 0tg11an,. s;gntd b)' o,.;,d Wh'r~ 

ON cn~O.vld WhrttWl o-(.ahf~ Otp.artl'l'IHll ol Trll'\~O'\ 

ou~Wn,Rne.11rcl'l~P.f'fNll-<llvid_wh•ltH.,odotc.119~.c--US 

~fl': 1016.040S 1404.S9~700' 

Address: 5900 Folsom Blvd., MS-5 Same as Submitter 181 

Country: USA Same as Submitter 181 

Accreditation Certificate 

Number and Dates of current 

Accreditation period : 

3046.01, valid until November 30, 2016 

Submit Form -:I 
Version 9.1 (11/15) 

Page 3 of 3 

AITACHMENTS 

Attach to this form: 


I) Additional disclosures of related financial interest ns indicated above. 


2) A copy of the f"u ll tcst report. video. and a Test Data Summary Sheet for each test conduc1cd in 


support of this request. 

3) A drawing or drawings of the dcvicc(s) that conform to the Task Force-13 Drawing Specifications 

lHnrd\\ are Guide Dra\\ jng Swndard l for proprictnry prod ucts, a s ingle isometric line drawing is 

usually acceptable to i llustratc the product, with cleiailed spcci fications, intended use. and contact 

infomtation provided on the reverse. Additional drawings (not in TF- 13 fo rmal) showing details that 

arc relevant to underswnding the dimensions and performance of the device should also be submincd 

to facilitate our review. 

FHWA Official Business Only: 

Eligibility Letter AASHTO TF13 

Number Date Designator Key Words 
3. CRASH TEST RESULTS <CONTINUED) 

t= 0.0 sec t =0.1 sec t =0.2 sec t = 0.3 sec t = 0.4 sec 

t = 0.5 sec t = 0.6 sec t =0.7 sec t = 0.8 sec t =0.9 sec 

Test Barrier 

Type: Type 732 SW bridge rail 

Length: 80 ft (24.23 m). Handrail posts spaced at 9.125 n(2. 78 m). 

Test Date: May 14, 2013 

Test Vehicle: 

Model: 2006 Dodge RAM 1500 Crew Cab 

Inertial Mass: 5062 lb (2296 kg) with ballast 

Test Dummy: 

Type: None used 

Weight/ Position: NIA 

Impact/ Exit Conditions: 

Impact' I Exit Vclocity2: 62.7 mph ( 100.9 km/h)/ 51 mph (82.0 km/h) 

Impact I Exit Angle: 24.8° /9° 

Impact Severity: I I 7,000 ft-lb ( 158.6 kJ) 

Test Data: 

Occ. Impact Velocity (Long I Lat): I7. 71 Ills (5.4 mis)/ 27.9 Ills (8.5 mis) 

Ridcdo\m Acceleration (Long I Lat): 9.2 g / -8. I g 

ASI 2.06 

Exterior: VDS(61/CDCC7> FR-5, RD-4/0 I RFEK9, 0 I RDEK9 

Interior: Occupant Compartment Deformation°1 : Maximum 2. I" (54 mm) at floor pan 

Max. Roll/Pitch/Yaw Angles: 27.9° /4.9° /-20.6° 

Barrier Damage: 

Handrail dynamic deflection of I inch (25 mm). Minor scraping ofsteel handrail. superficial 

concrete scraping. and no permanent lateral dellcction of handrail. 

1 Impact angle and speed were determined when the \'Chicle impacted the sidewalk. 

: Exit speed and angle were determined when the vehicle exited the vertical face. 

17 
1= 0.75 sec t= 0.90 sec I"" I.OS sec r- 1.20 sec l = 1.35 s .,, .. 

I r~---

. . ..... r..., ~ 

r1 i-­ ~-· 

r--.,.,...~~..,....,..~........,..~.--.---( 

, , 

"-~=-"T'/ 

J. CRASll TEST Rl \SUl.TS <CONTINUEDl 

f est Barrier 

T~pe Typ.: 732S\\' bridge rail 

Length: 80 n(24.23 Ill). llnndrail f>O'>ts spaced 1119. 125 fl (2.711 Ill). 

[t4"t .... 

Test Dute: Mm ch 12. 2014 

TC~l Vehicle: 

Model: 2006 Kia Rio 

lncnml Mass; 2474lb ( l122 kg) 

Gross static Mnss. 2646 lb ( 1200 kg) 

Tcsl Dumm y: 

Typ.:. 11ybriu 111 so·~ °'­

Weight I Position 165 kg (75 kg) I Front Passenger 


Im pact/ E.dt Condition~: 

lmpact1 I Exi t Vclocit/: <l·l. I mph (71.0 km/h) I 35.2 mph (5(1.6 km/h) 

Impact I fa it Angle: 24.3° / I 0.6° 

lmpac1 Sc,erity: 26.300 fl-lh (35.6 kJ) 

Test Darn: 

Occ. lmpnct Velocity (Long / 1.m): 11.2 fl/s (3.4 111/s) / 19.4 IVs (5.9 mis) 

Ridcdo\\l1 Acceleration (Lon!! I Lal)': -3 9 g / -8.3 g 

ASI - I 54 

E.xtcnor: VDS'''

1

/CDC1

"

1 FR-2. 13R-3/0 I RFEK9. 0 I R11F.K5 

Interior: Occupnnl Companmcnt Dcfhnnntionm : r-111.x . 0.6 in ( 15 mm) at floor pnn ncur door 

Max. Roll/Pitch/Ynw Angle:;: 11.0° 1-12 0° t -33.9° 

ll:lrrirr D11 n1111?c: 

No dcllcction m steel handr.iil. minor superficial concrete sp:ilhng. 

1 lrnp~c t nni;le nm! speed were dctcm11ncd \\hen the vehicle imp:1ctcd the si "·"~ 

i ~it speed amJ unglc " ere determined \\hen the "eh1clc c"ted the \CMlcnl focc 1 llicrc were some: issues wrth Inter.ii channel d31.1 ncqu1s111on. See Appendix 10 f11r deuuls 

32 
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"/' \ ,, . 014. ,./ '-r . ····· ······ ELEVATION •' GENE.RAL NOTES 

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P-11--------------l--------------------------------1~~ \Ol(U •• -•Y,"' "··; ,._, ICFJ :. ~u H l ,~,;;,;~ \CA&.t 

... . ·_ 'II) r ,_ IJ~·:s-~.:~:.;.., ., •. ,.,.. Ina·• uu r~lt..aifntJI 

TYPICAL SECTION f:'~··=~~a:fftf 

lrO \('l( 

h'ATI Ofl CONCRETE BARRIER TYPE 732 SW CALIFORNIA DETAILS NO, 1 

~==~:--- •·• ... ••·• I 

Figure 9· I - Caltrans Type 732SW Bridge Rail Dciail No. I 


APPENDIX <CONTINUED! 

80