This work item aims to establish a comprehensive and scientifically grounded framework for the responsible application of numerical simulations in the evaluation of road restraint systems. As virtual testing becomes increasingly integrated into the design, development of road restraint devices, this document addresses the need for harmonized practices that ensure the reliability, transparency, and validity of simulation-based evaluations. The scope of the guideline encompasses all phases of virtual testing—from model development and calibration to verification, validation, and reporting—providing essential recommendations for both technical and procedural aspects.
The guideline is intended for use by a broad range of stakeholders, including simulation laboratories, manufacturers, engineering consultants, research institutions, and regulatory bodies. It outlines the minimum requirements for conducting virtual tests that can be considered scientifically credible and technically sound. These include among others the selection of appropriate numerical methods (e.g., finite element analysis, multi-body dynamics), the definition of realistic boundary conditions, the use of validated material models, and the implementation of robust contact and failure criteria. A central tenet of the guideline is the recognition that not all physical phenomena relevant to road restraint system performance can be accurately modeled through simulation alone. Complex behaviors could often involve uncertainties that exceed the capabilities of current computational tools. Therefore, the guideline emphasizes that simulation results must be interpreted within a defined scope of applicability, and that extrapolation beyond validated conditions should be approached with caution.
To ensure the credibility of simulation outcomes, the guideline mandates that verification and validation (V&V) procedures be considered compulsory steps in any virtual testing workflow. Verification ensures that the model is correctly implemented and numerically stable, while validation involves comparing simulation results with physical crash test data to confirm that the model accurately reproduces real-world behavior. These steps are essential not only for internal quality assurance but also for external acceptance by regulatory authorities and clients. The guideline provides recommendations for selecting appropriate validation benchmarks, defining acceptance criteria, and documenting the correlation between simulated and experimental results.
This Technical Regulation provides a foundational reference for the responsible and effective use of virtual testing in the evaluation of road restraint systems. It balances the potential of virtual testing with the need for scientific rigor and empirical validation, ensuring that simulations contribute meaningfully to the development of safer, more efficient, and more resilient road infrastructure.
Legislation related to this standard
IN_DEVELOPMENT
cen:proj:84785
00.60
Close of review
Sep 21, 2026
