Introduction to MASH 2016

The Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) 2016 represents a significant advancement in roadway safety testing protocols. Released by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) in spring 2016, MASH serves as the successor to the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 350. MASH establishes comprehensive guidelines for crash testing highway safety features and provides standardized evaluation criteria for assessing test results.

MASH 2016 is particularly important for Truck Mounted Attenuators (TMAs), which are critical safety devices used to protect work zones and construction crews on highways. The updated standards reflect modern vehicle characteristics and real-world crash scenarios, ensuring that safety equipment can effectively protect both workers and motorists.

Key Differences Between MASH 2016 and NCHRP Report 350

Updated Test Vehicles

One of the most substantial changes in MASH 2016 involves the test vehicles used in crash evaluations:

• The small car designation changed from 820C (816.5 kg) to 1100C (1,097.7 kg)
• The pickup truck designation changed from 2000P (1,995.8 kg) to 2270P (2,268 kg)

These weight increases reflect the evolution of consumer vehicles over time, with modern passenger vehicles being significantly heavier than when the original testing protocols were established.

Mandatory Testing Requirements

MASH 2016 converted previously optional tests into mandatory requirements:

• Test 52: Off-center impact with a pickup truck
• Test 53: 10-degree angled impact with a pickup truck

By mandating these tests, MASH ensures that attenuators can handle realistic crash scenarios where drivers attempt to avoid collision, resulting in off-center or angled impacts. These real-world scenarios are now integral to the certification process.

Testing Speeds and Levels

Similar to NCHRP 350, MASH maintains different test levels with varying impact speeds:

• Test Level 2: Impact speeds of approximately 43.5 mph (70 km/h)
• Test Level 3: Impact speeds of approximately 62 mph (100 km/h)

Evaluation Criteria

MASH 2016 maintains rigorous evaluation criteria for all tests:

1. The test article must safely redirect, control penetration, or bring the vehicle to a controlled stop
2. Debris and fragments from the test article must not penetrate the occupant compartment or create hazards to nearby traffic, pedestrians, or work zone personnel
3. Vehicles should remain upright during and after collision (moderate roll, pitch, and yaw are acceptable)
4. Post-collision vehicle trajectory should ideally not intrude into adjacent traffic lanes

Importance and Implementation

The stricter requirements of MASH 2016 ensure that highway safety equipment meets modern safety challenges. By accounting for heavier vehicles and more realistic crash scenarios, MASH-compliant equipment provides superior protection in work zones.

For contractors and highway departments, understanding MASH requirements is essential when selecting TMAs and other safety equipment. MASH compliance indicates that the equipment has been rigorously tested to withstand real-world crash conditions, making it a critical factor in protecting both workers and the traveling public.

Conclusion

MASH 2016 represents a significant step forward in roadway safety standards. By updating testing protocols to reflect contemporary vehicles and crash scenarios, it ensures that safety equipment can effectively protect lives in today's highway environment. As these standards continue to be implemented across the country, they contribute to safer work zones and highways for everyone.