Evaluation of the ET2000 Guardrail End Treatment

The objectives of this study were to monitor and report the performance of the ET2000 guardrail end treatment design in traffic accidents. Data for a total of 34 collisions involving the ET2000 were identified. In most cases, an accident report was obtained and the damaged guardrail was inspected. The involved vehicle was inspected when available. Proper or improper performance of end treatments in the collisions were judged based on whether it performed as designed. Field performance of the ET2000, as documented in traffic accidents, shows that, considering all the impacts, this end treatment has performed properly. In several instances the end treatment bent, rather than being pushed straight back, during the collision. This could typically be related to the angle at which impact occurred. Results warrant continued use of this end treatment. However, its cost would not justify a widespread use on all types of highways