Validation of a Single Unit Truck model for roadside hardware impact

The objective of this research is to validate the Finite Element (FE) model of a Ford F800 Single Unit Truck (SUT). The FE model of the SUT was developed at the FHWA/NHTSA National Crash Analysis Centre (NCAC) at the George Washington University (GWU). In this study, the characteristics of the SUT model were investigated and several modifications were incorporated in the model to accurately simulate its interaction with roadside safety hardware. A full-scale crash test of the Ford F800 SUT impacting an F-shape Portable Concrete Barrier (PCB) was conducted at The Federal HighWay Administration's (FHWA) Federal Outdoor Impact Laboratory (FOIL) and used in the validation. The response of any vehicle impacting a PCB is primarily governed by the mass and suspension characteristics of the vehicle. Detailed methods for modelling the truck's suspension components are discussed.