Skip to main content

A further crash test has been performed on SMA’s End Terminal

The latest crash test for the end terminal T4, made by SMA – Safety Modular Absorber - has been carried out to the EN 1317-7 standard. It was done in addition to the complete set of crash tests performed according to part 7 of the EN 1317. The test TT 6.3.110 had already been executed on the critical impact point selected by the CSI TestLab. SMA Road Safety said it shows “the excellence of the SMA end terminal to absorb the impacts coming from the opposite traffic direction”. The critical impact point is at
July 5, 2016 Read time: 3 mins
The latest crash test for the end terminal T4, made by SMA – Safety Modular Absorber - has been carried out to the EN 1317-7 standard

It was done in addition to the complete set of crash tests performed according to part 7 of the EN 1317. The test TT 6.3.110 had already been executed on the critical impact point selected by the CSI TestLab. SMA Road Safety said it shows “the excellence of the SMA end terminal to absorb the impacts coming from the opposite traffic direction”. The critical impact point is at the back-stop of the end terminal. However, it was considered essential to have another crash test to demonstrate that the snagging problem has been avoided, although the structure of the device remains firm.

A further crash test was performed at 110kph with an impact angle of 15° on the barrier N2W2 and 5m before the back-stop of the end terminal.

SMA is part of Industry AMS – Automation Manufacturing Services – which recently exhibited at Intertraffic in Amsterdam. Many of the company’s crash barrier products use a collapsible, energy-absorbing honeycomb. A variation of this is used in a new moveable barrier end for temporary concrete barriers used to separate live lanes from work zones. The portable version is mounted on a very heavy cast iron base enabling it to be positioned at the end of the temporary lane dividers without needing to be fixed to the ground. A more permanent version can be used at the end of Jersey barriers and the standard (non-portable) design has been approved to the American standard for stopping a 2.2 tonne pick-up.

Another related innovation is a pole-mounted camera system called Geronimo that sits at the back of the crash cushion and records 10 seconds of video in an endless loop. If the crash cushion is impacted, the recording then stops and the video clip is automatically sent back to the control centre along with an alert that an impact has occurred. The new City Crash Cushion is tested to 50km/h and sits on a 1m x 1m footprint. Where required, an aluminium cover containing attenuation can be specifed to help protect motorcyclists in the event of an impact upon the cushion.

Related Content

  • Crash cushion design
    February 13, 2012
    There are key differences in crash cushion design and quality for the United States and European markets. Developments in barrier technologies have followed the varying demands of specific markets, resulting in manufacturers offering different solutions for US and European needs.
  • Modular crash cushions available
    June 28, 2013
    Italian specialist INDUSTRY AMS has developed a range of modular redirective crash cushions. The firm’s Safety Modular Absorber (SMA) models are available in different specifications to suit varying applications. The company claims that its novel SMA crash cushions are the most compact absorbers available on the market and these units meet the European safety requirements of the EN 1317-3 standard.
  • New barriers are helping improve road safety
    June 30, 2014
    A series of new guardrail technologies and barrier developments are now coming to market - Mike Woof writes. An array of technical developments is helping improve highway safety for road users. New barrier and guardrail technologies can offer greater conspicuity so as to alert drivers, along with better restraint capabilities. Gregory Industries offers a wide range of steel and cable barrier types and has now developed an attachment system for international use. This fixes the guardrail to the post and in t
  • A titan of a barrier gate from SMA
    February 4, 2022
    The Titanus barrier gate from SMA Road Safety is ideal for areas characterised by a reduced length opening section.