www.energyabsorption.com
Revision B December 2013
www.highwayguardrail.com
13
All rights in copyright reserved
Assembly Procedure
1. Check shipping list against actual parts to make sure all items were received. Review
drawing package and familiarize yourself with the assembly and part numbers. Read the
entire Manual before proceeding.
2. Park truck on a level surface (use bubble level). The truck should be as close to the final
driving weight as possible. If ballast must be added to achieve the 5000 kg [11,025 lbs.]
minimum weight, add it at this time. The ballast must be properly anchored to the truck to
keep it in place during an impact. Ideally an adequately sized truck that requires no ballast
should be used.
3. Before assembling the Alpha TMA, the truck must first be equipped with a rigid underride
frame attached to the rear of the truck frame. Refer to Underride Assembly drawing for
minimum requirements. An existing underride frame must be capable of withstanding an
impact load of 200 kN [45,000 lbs.] along the lower member.
Parts and materials are supplied with the TMA for assembling an underride that meets the
requirements specified (see Underride Assembly drawing) if the truck is not equipped with
an underride, or if the existing underride cannot withstand the 200 kN [45,000 lbs.] load.
Warning:
All welding shall be performed by a welder certified to AWS D14.3-82
or AWS D1.1 and in accordance to Underride Assembly drawing.
Caution:
The truck frame is high carbon steel. To avoid cracking, do not weld
or apply excessive heat to the bottom flange, forward of rearmost leaf spring
hangers.
4. After attaching the truck underride (or making sure the existing one can withstand the
200 kN [45,000 lbs.] load), check for interference problems as described below.
A. Place a “mark” on the rear of the truck frame 890 ±5 mm [35” ±1/4”] off the ground. Then
measure horizontally between this mark and the cross member that ties into the
outboard spring leaf hangers (this cross member should never be cut). There should be
a minimum distance of 75 mm [3”]. If this minimum distance is not available, then an
extension may need to be welded to the end of the truck frame. Consult Energy
Absorption Systems Customer Service Department for input (see page 3).
