STEERABLE AXLES TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY AND ACCESS
This study investigated the benefits and impacts of marginal increases in semi-trailer length and in particular to the wider application of the length increase from 14.6m (48feet) to 14.9m ( 49feet) recently granted to refrigerated trailers in New South Wales. The report suggests that a 15m semi-trailer incorporating a steerable axle would offer substantial productivity based economic benefits within current vehicle performance parameters. However, it would involve increasing the current overall vehicle length from 19m to 20m. It identifies that the existing regulatory regime does not include quad axle groups. The treatment of this axle type, with road friendly suspension, is therefore not currently defined. The use of a steerable axle on a quad group appears to be a promising vehicle configuration for the industry but there are no clear guidelines on how it might be assessed. There is potential for significant productivity gains from B-doubles using steerable axles. However, inevitably the trade-off for any productivity gains is vehicle length (and mass, if an additional axle is used). (a)
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Availability:
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Corporate Authors:
NATIONAL ROAD TRANSPORT COMMISSION (NRTC)
326 WILLIAM STREET
MELBOURNE, VICTORIA Australia 3000 -
Authors:
- Coleman, B
- SWEATMAN, P
- Publication Date: 2002-12
Language
- English
Media Info
- Features: References;
- Pagination: 124 p.
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Serial:
- Final Report
- Publisher: NATIONAL ROAD TRANSPORT COMMISSION (NRTC)
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Accessibility; Axles; Design; Traffic regulations; Transportation; Vehicles
- Uncontrolled Terms: Articulated vehicles
- ITRD Terms: 9139: Accessibility; 1225: Articulated vehicle; 1322: Axle; 9011: Design (overall design); 1544: Traffic regulations; 1155: Transport; 1255: Vehicle
- Subject Areas: Design; Transportation (General); Vehicles and Equipment;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 00967399
- Record Type: Publication
- Source Agency: ARRB
- ISBN: 1-877093-11-4
- Files: ITRD, ATRI
- Created Date: Jan 13 2004 12:00AM