ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Traffic sign bridges are structures meant to carry traffic signals. They are often built as single-span structures, based on reinforced concrete foundations and are arranged directly next to the roadways. Because of their exposed location, traffic sign bridges represent a risk in regard to a vehicle crash.
In the framework of a research project, impact events of recent years on German motorways are evaluated by a qualitative and quantitative risk analysis according to DIN EN 1991-1-7. For the qualitative risk analysis, a hazard matrix is developed taking into account different factors. Expectation values are developed and overall risk factors are determined. For the quantitative risk analysis, failure probabilities and sequences are evaluated and the risk of a vehicle impact on traffic sign failure is computed.
By the use of dynamic transient computation methods, different crash scenarios are simulated on a reference traffic sign bridge, showing until which limits the reference structure can withstand the impact. Finally, the importance of constructive measures is discussed with regard to the previous mentioned risk of a vehicle impact.
