Configuration of Heavy Trucks with Liftable Axles

932993

11/01/1993

Event
International Truck & Bus Meeting & Exposition
Authors Abstract
Content
Canada's Memorandum of Understanding on Vehicle Weights and Dimensions (M.o.U.) now defines the configuration of eight vehicles, based on regulatory principles derived from assessment of vehicle dynamic performance against objective measures that correlate with accident involvement. This process screened out a wide range of trucks equipped with liftable axles that operate in central and eastern Canada at considerably higher gross weights than most of the trucks meeting the strict conditions of the M.o.U.
The paper uses computer simulation to assess the stability and control characteristics of some straight trucks and tractor-semitrailer combinations with liftable axles against the same performance standards used as the basis for the M.o.U. It examines vehicle performance with liftable axles properly loaded, with them raised, and with alternative self-steering systems for the wheels of the liftable axle. It recommends some regulatory principles, and describes how one province has implemented these in its regulations. It then extends this into a discussion of approaches that might be considered by jurisdictions seeking to increase the allowable gross weight for heavy trucks.
Meta TagsDetails
DOI
https://doi.org/10.4271/932993
Pages
13
Citation
Billing, J., "Configuration of Heavy Trucks with Liftable Axles," SAE Technical Paper 932993, 1993, https://doi.org/10.4271/932993.
Additional Details
Publisher
Published
Nov 1, 1993
Product Code
932993
Content Type
Technical Paper
Language
English