Design optimisation of roadside safety roller barriers

Safety roller barrier (SRB) is an innovative road safety device that utilises foam rollers to absorb and convert shock energy into rotational energy, showcasing its remarkable ability to minimise the risk and severity of casualties in road accidents. In this study, a simulation-based optimisation approach was employed to obtain the optimal design for the SRB. Quasi-static and dynamic mechanical properties of the construction materials were experimentally obtained. SRB finite element (FE) models were then created based on installed systems in multiple Australian cities. The model was validated using full-scale TL4 crash tests according to the specifications outlined in the Manual for Assessment of Safety Hardware (MASH). Subsequently, a parametric study was conducted to explore the influence of design parameters such as post spacing, rail height, and roller number. Finally, a parallel Bayesian optimisation algorithm was applied to re-design the SRB system with enhanced performance and reduced cost. This optimisation process yielded several sets of optimal parameters, paving the way for a more effective and economically viable SRB design.