Full scale test results of the RIMOB Crash Cushion

In 1981 and 1982 SWOV has carried out final tests with the RIMOB crash cushion. In those years there were no test conditions for crash cushion available. In accordance with some of the experiences carried out in the United States, chosen is for relevant tests: central impacts, frontal off set impacts and side impacts. In this report the `old' tests and results are redescribed similar to standard CEN/TC 226/WG1. Owing to differences between RIMOB and CEN test conditions the given results are not directly comparable. On the other hand there is much agreement. The RIMOB is developed for passenger car with is a mass of approximately 900 kg. An integrated buffer segment provides for well function to vehicles with a higher mass. Collisions with vehicles with a lower mass give higher values for the Acceleration Severity Index (ASI-criterium) as described in this report. After the tests the RIMOB is applied in practice. After seven years about 170 impact attenuators have been installed on the medians and shoulders of motorways in the Netherlands. At that time an evaluation study has been carried out (Schoon, 1990). Analyzed are 38 accidents registered by police. From the accident figures it was concluded that the RIMOB functions effectively. Even though collision speeds have been found of over 100 km/h no fatal accident was registered. Of the 38 collisions six resulted in injuries, of which one or two were taken to hospital and four or five only were slight injuries