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A Self-Learning Manual - Institution of Engineers Mauritius

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A <strong>Self</strong>-<strong>Learning</strong> <strong>Manual</strong><br />

Mastering Different Fields <strong>of</strong> Civil Engineering Works (VC-Q&A Method) Vincent T. H. CHU<br />

moment is the product <strong>of</strong> bus weight and 0.5 times the width <strong>of</strong> bus.<br />

In fact, owing to the elastic deformation <strong>of</strong> both the parapet and bus, it is<br />

expected that the impact force, and hence the overturning moment may not<br />

be larger than the restoring moment for 1.1m high vehicular parapet.<br />

Computer simulations have to be conducted to verify if a double-decked<br />

bus traveling at a certain speed would roll over the parapet when impacted<br />

at a certain angle.<br />

8. Should vehicular parapets be designed to be strong? (VP1)<br />

Parapets are designed to satisfy different containment levels. The<br />

containment level represents the magnitude <strong>of</strong> impact that the parapet is<br />

supposed to uphold.<br />

A parapet designed as low containment level can hardly withstand the<br />

impact by large vehicles which may even damage the parapet. On the<br />

other hand a parapet designed as high containment level can effectively<br />

contain safety large vehicle. However, when it is collided by light vehicles, it<br />

is expected that it would cause considerable damage to the light vehicles<br />

and its passengers on board. Therefore, strong parapets may not<br />

necessarily mean a good parapet.<br />

9. Is local vehicle parapet strong enough to contain vehicles? (VP1)<br />

The majority <strong>of</strong> local parapets are 1.1m high and they are designed to<br />

resist impact from a 1.5ton car moving at a speed <strong>of</strong> 113km/hr. In some<br />

locations such as in the vicinity <strong>of</strong> railway lines, barriers with 1.5m high are<br />

provided to contain a vehicle with 24ton at a speed <strong>of</strong> 50km/hr.<br />

The impact situation for vehicles varies from event to event and they are<br />

dependent on the speed, size and angle <strong>of</strong> incidence <strong>of</strong> the impacting<br />

vehicle. Though full-scale crash test is the simplest way to prove their<br />

performance, computer simulation has been used extensively owing to its<br />

lower in cost. Based on the results <strong>of</strong> computer simulation and crash tests,<br />

it is established that the said parapets comply with international standard<br />

for safe usage.<br />

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