Development and validation of finite element models and analysis of critical parameters of high-tension cable barrier systems

This project focuses on the development, validation, and sensitivity analysis of finite element models of high-tension cable barrier systems. The literature review details the available cable barrier systems, performance reviews of high-tension systems, and the previous development of a low-tension cable barrier system. An overview of the finite element models created for this project based on a weaved high-tension cable barrier system and a parallel high-tension cable barrier system is provided. This is followed by the comparison of the created models with five previously conducted crash tests for verification and validation purposes. The effects of anchor spacing, number of cables, and tension on each system are then analyzed. For both systems, the peak deflection increases as the anchor spacing is increased until an upper asymptote for the deflection is reached. Reducing the initial cable tension also results in a greater peak deflection. Increasing the number of pretension cables also results in a greater peak deflection. The performance of the weaved and parallel systems with variation in the aforementioned variables is also compared. In all cases the weaved system provided a lower peak deflection. Finally, a recommendation for future areas of study is put forth.