HERCULES MASH Crash Cushion FAQs

The MASH tested HERCULES captures vehicles impacting the head of the system and brings them to a safe arrest via high energy dissipating crushable elements. Side impacts are controlled by HERCULES with a safe stable redirection of the errant vehicle.

Non-gating and re-directive means that vehicles impacting on the side from the very nose of the system are restrained and redirected along the impacted traffic side of the barrier i.e. they do not break through the head of the system and continue onward towards any opposing hazard.

Crash testing on HERCULES has been completed to the rigorous requirements of MASH necessitating a multitude of impacts with small and large vehicles to validates its performance:

• Test 3.30, 1100kg sedan, 100km/h, 0 degrees and ¼ offset
• Test 3.31, 2270kg Pick Up Truck, 100km/h, 0 degrees centre
• Test 3.32, 1100kg sedan, 100km/h, 15 degrees
• Test 3.33, 2270kg Pick Up Truck, 100km/h, 15 degrees
• Test 3.34, 1100kg sedan, 100km/h, 15 degrees Critical Side Impact Point
• Test 3.35, 2270kg Pick Up Truck, 100km/h, 25 degrees Beginning Length of Need
• Test 3.36, 2270kg Pick Up Truck, 100km/h, 25 degrees Critical Side Impact Point
• Test 3.37, 2270kg Pick Up Truck, 100km/h, 25 degrees Reverse Critical Side Impact Point

All elements of the upper construction damaged during impact can be replaced and repaired. The system consists of a repeated modular construction that makes for a simple repair process. Safe Direction® carries a full suite of replacement parts.

HERCULES is an all-steel construction and hence has no plastic components that deteriorate from UV exposure. All components of the HERCULES system are hot-dip galvanised providing the best in class long term durable solution.

In most instances, HERCULES can swap out other crash terminal systems; contact Safe Direction® for confirmation for individual site applications.