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Heavy Fire Apparatus Acceleration and Braking Performance
Technical Paper
2010-01-0112
ISSN: 0148-7191, e-ISSN: 2688-3627
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English
Abstract
Evaluating pre-impact acceleration and braking is an important aspect of reconstructing collisions. These performance characteristics are well documented for many vehicle classes, but are limited when discussing modern fire apparatus designs. These vehicles are engineered to be well-balanced, but are typically heavy due to the amount of equipment and fluids onboard. Manufacturers have basic production designs that serve as the platform for custom specification orders from the end-user.
The emergency driving conditions in which they operate constantly challenge the vehicle components, including the brake systems. Because of the heavy weights and operating conditions, auxiliary brake systems are often installed to provide additional braking capabilities as well as prolong the life of the service brakes.
A series of acceleration and braking tests were conducted using heavy fire apparatus of several classifications. Braking tests were conducted using the service brakes, both with and without the available installed auxiliary braking devices. Data was collected using accelerometers, video, and ground measurements. The target speed for these tests was 64 kph (40 mph).
This paper addresses the results of these tests and previously completed similar performance tests of modern fire apparatus designs.
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Authors
Citation
English, J., Beck, R., and Casteel, D., "Heavy Fire Apparatus Acceleration and Braking Performance," SAE Technical Paper 2010-01-0112, 2010, https://doi.org/10.4271/2010-01-0112.Also In
Tire and Wheel Technology and Vehicle Dynamics and Handling, 2010
Number: SP-2261; Published: 2010-04-13
Number: SP-2261; Published: 2010-04-13
References
- National Fire Protection Association NFPA 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus 2009 “Reproduced with permission from NFPA's 1901, Automotive Fire Apparatus, Copyright© 2009, National Fire Protection Association. This reprinted material is not the complete and official position of the NFPA on the referenced subject, which is represented only by the standard in its entirety.”
- Allison Transmission allisontransmission.com
- Telma Retarder Inc www.telmausa.com
- Jacobs Vehicle Systems www.jakebrake.com
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- Boots Kent E. “ Coefficient of Friction Determination, Acceleration Rate Determination, for Fire and Police Vehicles on Dry and Wet Asphalt Composition Roadway” July 2001
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- Southwest Association of Technical Accident Investigators Field Test 2004
- Road and Track Magazine April 1999 50 8 “ 1983 Maxim Hook & Ladder”
- Canadian Association of Technical Accident Investigators & Reconstructionists Field Test 2003