Mechanical & Materials Engineering, Department of
First Advisor
Cody S. Stolle
Date of this Version
5-2024
Citation
A thesis presented to the faculty of the Graduate College at the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Master of Science
Major: Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics
Under the supervision of Professor Cody S. Stolle
Lincoln, Nebraska, May 2024
Abstract
In a post-9/11 world, hostile actors are using vehicles as weapons to inflict civilian casualties. Pedestrians, vulnerable road users, military personnel, and police may be targeted using a vehicle as a weapon. The United States Department of Defense (DoD) also utilizes Entry Control Facilities (ECFs) which are carefully designed transportation corridors to manage how threat vehicles are able to access military facilities. In 2004, DoD started to upgrade all ECFs using both passive and active barriers. Many anti-ram vehicle barriers were evaluated according to the criteria established in ASTM F2656, but to date few options are available which are (1) adaptable to different lengths; (2) non-proprietary; and (3) reduced overall cost compared to proprietary counterparts. The objective of this research study is to design, evaluate, simulate, and full-scale crash test a threat mitigation barrier which provides dual functionality: safely capture errant vehicles involved in unintentional collisions, and prevent threats from gaining unauthorized access to military bases. The work includes generating engineering designs, performing computer simulations, performing data analysis and reporting, and performing material characterization in the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility (MwRSF) Small Structures Laboratory. At the MwRSF Outdoor Test Site, the conducting of component and full-scale crash testing of roadside features and evaluation of device combinations according to MASH criteria occurred. The research was structured around four pivotal components: a literature review, dynamic post-soil interaction simulations, dynamic anchor pullout simulations, and dynamic component testing. An optimal configuration of component dimensions, strengths, and material properties for a novel non-proprietary anti-ram barrier system was developed and proposed. This system is required to effectively restrain a truck under ASTM M50 impact conditions, adhering to either P2 or P3 deflection limits. This study augmented the understanding of the dynamic interactions between reinforced concrete anchors and soil, particularly focusing on the resistive forces and energy absorption characteristics. This enhanced understanding was intended to facilitate the engineering of the mentioned barrier system to meet ASTM M50 P2/P3 specifications.
Advisor: Cody S. Stolle
Included in
Applied Mechanics Commons, Energy Systems Commons, Materials Science and Engineering Commons, Military Vehicles Commons, Terrorism Studies Commons, Transportation Commons, Transportation Engineering Commons
Comments
Copyright 2024, Weston Kelley. Use by permission