Hyperelastic modelling of tyre barrier for racetrack crash safety

Tyre barriers offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution for improving roadside safety by repurposing end-of-life tyres into energy-absorbing crash mitigation systems. However, accurately modelling their complex multilayer hyperelastic structure remains challenging due to the nonlinear behaviour of rubber materials and the high computational cost associated with detailed finite element (FE) models. This paper presents a validated and computationally efficient modelling approach for simulating tyre-based safety barriers using only shell and beam elements. A single-row tyre barrier comprising uninflated tyres, bolted connections, and preloaded straps was selected as the case study. The developed FE model was validated against full-scale crash test data, demonstrating high correlation in impact response, acceleration, and energy absorption. The study further investigates the effects of strap preload, conveyor belt attachments, and polymer tube inserts on barrier performance. Results suggest that accurate modelling of preload significantly improves simulation fidelity, and that structural enhancements notably increase impact energy absorption. The proposed method provides a robust and efficient tool for engineers and policymakers to design, evaluate, and optimise tyre-based roadside safety barriers for different road crash scenarios.