VEHICLE WEIGHTS AND DIMENSIONS STUDY : TECHNICAL STEERING COMMITTEE REPORT

Jurisdiction over vehicle weights and dimensions regulatory practice in Canada falls largely under the ten provincial and two territorial governments. Due to the fractured nature of regulatory responsibility, along with a disparity of technical viewpoints in individual jurisdictions, a considerable degree of non-uniformity exists in vehicle size and weight regulations across the country. The Canadian vehicle weights and dimensions study was launched in 1984 to provide a sound technical basis for regulatory reform, with increased uniformity the ultimate goal. The three year, $2.8 million study focused on two main areas of research: vehicle stability and pavement response. The control and stability characteristics of various tractor/trailer configurations were evaluated using computer simulations, rollover analysis employing tilt table tests, full scale field testing and demonstrations. The relative damaging effects of a variety of truck axle loading conditions were determined at 14 instrumented pavement test sites across Canada. The results of the extensive research program were presented in a 16 volume set of technical reports. In this report, the key findings are summarized as they related to potential regulatory reform. Based on the technical conclusions, a set of candidate principles are developed to serve as the basis for future weights and dimensions policies in Canada. (TRRL)

• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Association of Canada (TAC)

  401-1111 Prince of Wales Drive
  Ottawa, Ontario  Canada 
• Authors:
  • Pearson, J R
• Publication Date: 1986-11

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Tables;
• Pagination: v.p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automated vehicle control; Axle load force; Laws; Motor vehicles; Pavement performance; Rollover crashes; Size; Size and weight regulations; Stability (Mechanics); Tractor trailer combinations; Vehicle size; Vehicle tests; Vehicle weight; Weight
• ITRD Terms: 1225: Articulated vehicle; 3067: Axle load; 9001: Behaviour; 8018: Canada; 1614: Damage; 5586: Deflection; 9014: Dimension; 1556: Legislation; 1236: Lorry; 1637: Overturning (veh); 2955: Pavement; 1329: Suspension (veh); 1214: Tractor; 1203: Trailer; 1646: Vehicle handling; 5485: Weight
• Subject Areas: Highways; Law; Motor Carriers; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00478662
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transportation Association of Canada (TAC)
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 31 1989 12:00AM