What is EN ISO 18023-3:2019?

Introduction

EN ISO 18023-3:2019, also known as "Road traffic safety barriers - Part 3: Performance classes, impact test acceptance criteria and test methods" is an international standard that provides guidelines and specifications for safety barriers used on roads. These safety barriers are designed to prevent the occurrence of accidents and reduce the severity of injuries in case of collisions.

Performance Classes

The standard defines different performance classes for road traffic safety barriers, based on their ability to absorb the impact energy of a collision. These performance classes are determined by conducting impact tests on the barriers and evaluating their structural integrity and performance during the test.

There are several factors considered when determining the performance class of a safety barrier, including its size, shape, material composition, and installation method. For example, a safety barrier made from strong and flexible materials that can effectively redirect the impacting vehicle is likely to have a higher performance class.

Impact Test Acceptance Criteria

In order to meet the requirements of EN ISO 18023-3:2019, safety barriers must undergo impact testing to assess their performance under simulated collision conditions. The standard specifies acceptance criteria that must be met by the barriers during these tests.

The impact test acceptance criteria include parameters such as the maximum dynamic deflection of the barrier, the deformation it experiences upon impact, and the deceleration forces exerted on the impacting vehicle. These criteria ensure that the barrier effectively absorbs the impact energy, minimizes the risk of penetration by the vehicle, and reduces the deceleration experienced by the occupants.

Test Methods

The standard provides detailed test methods for evaluating the performance of road traffic safety barriers. These test methods are standardized procedures that must be followed during the impact testing process.

Some of the commonly used test methods include the pendulum test, where a swinging pendulum is used to simulate a vehicle impacting the barrier, and the truck-mounted attenuator test, where a specially designed vehicle is used to assess the barrier's performance under different impact conditions.

By following the specified test methods, manufacturers and testing laboratories can ensure consistency and reliability in evaluating the performance of safety barriers, enabling accurate comparison between different products.

Conclusion

EN ISO 18023-3:2019 plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of road users by providing guidelines for the design, testing, and evaluation of road traffic safety barriers. It helps in standardizing the performance of these barriers and allows for better decision-making when selecting appropriate safety solutions for different road conditions and traffic scenarios.

Compliance with this international standard ensures that safety barriers are capable of effectively protecting both vehicle occupants and pedestrians, reducing the severity of accidents and enhancing overall road safety.