The use of a dynamic truck-trailer drive-by system to monitor bridge damping

Bridge structures are continuously subject to degradation due to the environment, ageing and excess loading. Periodic monitoring of bridges is therefore a key part of any maintenance strategy as it can give early warning if a bridge becomes unsafe. This article investigates an alternative method for the monitoring of bridge dynamic behaviour: a truck-trailer vehicle system, with accelerometers fitted to the axles of the trailer. The method aims to detect changes in the damping of a bridge, which may indicate the existence of damage. A simplified vehicle-bridge interaction model is used in theoretical simulations to assess the effectiveness of the method in detecting those changes. The influence of road profile roughness on the vehicle vibration is overcome by recording accelerations from both axles of a trailer and then analysing the spectra of the difference in the accelerations between the two axles. The effectiveness of the approach in detecting damage simulated as a loss in stiffness is also investigated. In addition, the sensitivity of the approach to the vehicle speed, road roughness class, bridge span length, changes in the equal axle properties and noise is investigated.

Heavy truck pilot crash test rollover.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

District of Columbia truck and bus safety demonstration project. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of State Vehicle Programs, Washington, D.C.

Design and cost analysis of truck-trailer rear underride guards. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

Some refrigeration tests of a motor truck-trailer equipped with one type of dry ice system of refrigeration. (An interim report)

Mode of access: Internet.

Tests of one system of dry ice refrigeration in the transportation of meat by motor-truck-trailer. An interim report.

Mode of access: Internet.

Analysis of rules and regulations for steel coil truck transport /

Cover title.

Influences of the load centre of gravity on heavy vehicle acceleration

The aim of this paper is to analyse the influence of the load centre of gravity on heavy vehicle acceleration. This analysis is done through a method in which a vehicle centre of gravity map is used. A model for the driving force is presented for bus, truck and tractor-semi trailer combinations. The proposed model takes into consideration the resistance forces (drag, rolling resistance, translation and rotation acceleration, climbing resistance) and the 4 X 2 traction system. The positions of the vehicle centre of gravity as a function of the position of the load centre of gravity are determined. The vehicle acceleration is calculated based on the position of the load centre of gravity. This study analyses the acceleration of one of the Mercedes-Benz do Brasil tractor-semitrailer vehicle. A comparison of the acceleration for different maximum adhesion coefficients and ramps are presented, showing new results. An example showing the variations of the load centre of gravity position with the acceleration time and distance is provided. The load centre of gravity position is important for vehicle safety and the efficiency and economy in the transportation of the load.

Comparison of California accident rates for single and double tractor-trailer combination trucks. Final report.

Federal Highway Administration, Washington, D.C.

Development of car/trailer handling and braking standards. Volume II: technical report for Phase I - rear wheel drive tow cars. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Passenger Vehicle Research, Washington, D.C.

Development of car/trailer handling and braking standards. Volume III: appendices for Phase I. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Passenger Vehicle Research, Washington, D.C.

An analysis and investigation of tractor and trailer electrical system capabilities. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

Development of car/trailer handling and braking standards. Volume I: executive summary. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Passenger Vehicle Research, Washington, D.C.

Effects of weight distributing hitch torque on car-trailer directional control and braking. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

Trailer braking performance - recreational vehicles. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.