Lindsay Transportation Solutions Sales and Services, Inc
(888) 800-3691 [U.S. toll free] or +1 (707) 374-6800
Lindsay Transportation Solutions Sales and Services, Inc
(888) 800-3691 [U.S. toll free] or +1 (707) 374-6800
4
Page 4
U n i v e r s a l T A U - I I
®
C r a s h C u s h i o n
I N T R O D U C T I O N
PREFACE
The Barrier Systems, Inc. (BSI), Universal TAU-II
crash cushion system incorporates the newest
roadside safety materials and engineering processes.
As with any roadside safety device, the Universal
TAU-II system must be installed properly to insure
proper performance. Thoroughly review and fully
understand the installation instructions and product
limitations before starting the installation. Do not start
the installation without the proper plans and tools
required for installation.
If you need additional information, or have
questions about the Universal TAU-II Crash
Cushion, please call the BSI Customer Service
Department at (888) 800-3691 (U.S. toll free) or
(707) 374-6800.
INTRODUCTION
The TAU-II system has been tested to meet the
rigorous requirements of NCHRP Report 350, Test
Levels 2 and 3. The systems will be provided in
lengths and capacities for both low speed and high
speed applications.
The TAU-II system is redirective and non-gating, and
is ideally suited for narrow hazards such as the ends
of rigid barriers, tollbooths, utility poles and more.
Ease of installation, numerous transition options, low
maintenance requirements, and reusability of system
components make the TAU-II system ideal for
treating many roadside hazards.
Redirective, non-gating crash cushions are highway
safety devices whose primary function is to improve
the safety for occupants of errant vehicles that impact
the end of rigid or semi-rigid barriers or fixed roadside
hazards by absorbing the kinetic energy of impact or
by allowing controlled redirection of the vehicle.
These devices are designed to safely decelerate an
errant vehicle to a safe stop or redirect an errant
vehicle away from roadside or median hazards.
These types of systems are typically applied to
locations where head-on and angled impacts are
likely to occur and it is desirable to have the majority
of post impact trajectories on the impact side of the
system.
SYSTEM OVERVIEW
The Universal TAU-II system is designed and
constructed to provide acceptable structural
adequacy, minimal occupant risk and safe vehicle
trajectory as set forth in NCHRP 350 for redirective,
non-gating crash cushions. Refer to Figure 1 to
familiarize yourself with the basic parts and part
names of the system.
The Universal TAU-II system is designed to shield the
ends of median barriers and other fixed objects likely
to be struck head-on, by absorbing and dissipating
the kinetic energy of impacting vehicles. Universal
TAU-II systems utilize disposable Energy Absorbing
Cartridges (EACs) to absorb the kinetic energy of the
impacting vehicle. The EACs are separated by
diaphragms and held in place with a framework of
thrie-beam corrugated steel rail panels that
“telescope” rearward during head-on impacts. As the
vehicle compresses the cushion, it exerts a force on
the first bay containing an EAC. The diaphragms
distribute the impact forces uniformly to all the
remaining cartridges in each bay until the vehicle
eventually stops. The depth of penetration is
dependent upon both the original impact speed and
the mass of the impacting vehicle. Only the Energy
Absorbing Cartridges are expended after most head-
on impacts.
When hit at an angle along the side, the system is
restrained laterally by guidance cables that run the
length of the system and attach to the bottoms of the
diaphragms and terminate at the anchors at each end
of the system. The front and rear cable anchors are
attached to the foundation as described in Appendix
A Foundation Requirements.
BEFORE TAU-II INSTALLATION
Placement and use of the TAU-II system should be
accomplished in accordance with the guidelines and
recommendations set forth in the “AASHTO Roadside
Design Guide,” FHWA memoranda and other state
and local standards.
Depending on the application and circumstances at
the job site, installation and assembly of a Test Level
3 system should take a two-person crew less than 3
hours.
The TAU-II is a highly engineered safety device made
up of a relatively small amount of parts. Before
