The Test...
The Federal Outdoor Impact Laboratory (FOIL) Tested the PFI 200-1 Coupler* on
April 30, 1987 at 20 mph, and again on May 01, 1987 at 60 mph. The couplers were
mounted under a 523 lb. aluminum pole measuring 53'-2" in height. A
reusable bogie weighing 1850 lbs. was crashed into the installation at 20.7 mph
and 61.2 mph. The reported change in velocity for these tests were 11.2 ft/sec
and 8.8 ft/sec. Calculated changes in velocity of a theoretical occupant were
12.4 ft/sec and 10.3 ft/sec respectively. (The 1998 AASHTO specification
requires a maximum velocity change for an 1800 lb. vehicle of 16 ft/sec.)
Of importance is the absence of any projection on the foundation - only anchor
bolts remained. The stub height requirement of 4" is easily met.
The Result...
Fatigue: Cyclic test loads of +6.5 Kips to +12
Kips and -2.7 Kips to +7.5 Kips for 2 million cycles had no adverse affect on
the PFI 200-1 coupler*, Subsequent destructive tensile test average 30,000 lbs.
(29,420 min. for 5 tests).
One test was carried to a 4 million cycles (-2.7
Kips to +7.5 Kips) without failure and tensile tested, breaking at 30,570 lbs.
Clearly the PFI 200-1 coupler* was superior to the PFI 100-1 design per the
requirements of the 1998 AASHTO specifications.
Stress Corrosion: Similarly,
both couplers were subjected to a stress corrosion test for 1000 hrs in
accordance with ASTM B117-85 specifications. No evidence of stress corrosion,
pitting or general corrosive degradation was observed.
These above tests
substantiate a long life expectancy while providing maximum safety virtually
maintenance-free.
*
