Racetrack SAFER barrier on temporary concrete barriers

John D. Reid, Robert W. Bielenberg, Ronald K. Faller, Karla A. Lechtenberg, Dean L. Sicking

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Previously, the Steel and Foam Energy Reduction (SAFER) barrier system was successfully developed and crash tested for use in high-speed racetrack applications for the purpose of reducing the severity of racecar crashes into permanent, rigid, concrete containment walls. The SAFER barrier has been implemented at all high-speed oval race tracks that host events from NASCAR's top three race series and IRL's top series. However, there are a number of racetrack facilities in the United States that use temporary concrete barriers as a portion of the track layout during races. These barriers are typically used on race tracks to shield openings or protect portions of the infield. Some of these temporary barrier installations are in areas where current safety guidance would recommend treatment with the SAFER barrier. Thus, a system was successfully designed, tested, and evaluated for a system targeted towards the most pressing need in the US motorsports industry, a system for spanning openings between rigid concrete parapets on the inner walls of various race tracks.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)343-355
Number of pages13
JournalInternational Journal of Crashworthiness
Volume18
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2013

Keywords

  • SAFER barrier
  • racetrack safety
  • temporary concrete barriers

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Transportation
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

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