Crash cushions of waste materials

This report documents and presents the results of a study aimed at developing practical designs for crash cushions (impact attenuators) employing waste materials. Three scrap-tire systems and the use of a fiberized aluminum product were investigated. Full-scale crash tests, supported variously by static and pendulum testing and computer simulation, produced designs for two scrap-tire systems that can meet Federal Highway Administration performance criteria, and which should serve adequately under certain limiting conditions. One scrap-tire system, and the fiberized aluminum product, were not subjected to full-scale tests, and practical designs are not provided.