A comparative study of legislation and stability measures of heavy articulated vehicles in different regions. (16th July 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wideberg, Johan; Dahlberg, Erik
• Is Part Of: International journal of heavy vehicle systems. Volume 16:Number 3(2009)
• Page Start: 354
• Page End: 361
• Publication Date: 2009-07-16
• Subjects: articulated vehicles -- stability measures -- legislation -- heavy vehicles -- heavy trucks -- high-capacity vehicle combinations -- vehicle performance -- vehicle configurations -- maximum weights -- dimensions -- truck size -- weight policy -- vehicle handling -- vehicle safety -- multibody simulation; Motor vehicles -- Design and construction -- Periodicals; Commercial vehicles -- Design and construction -- Periodicals; Motor vehicles -- Design and construction; Periodicals; 629.224
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-232X

Abstract

This study was carried out to compare a number of stability measures of European heavy trucks with the performance of other high-capacity vehicle combinations in a range of OECD countries. Comparisons are made with truck combinations according to legislation in the USA, South Africa, Central and Southern Europe, and Scandinavia. Also the legislation for high-capacity configurations in the above-mentioned countries are compared, e.g., maximum weights and dimensions. This paper addresses the relationship of truck size and weight policy, vehicle handling and stability, and thus safety. The analysis is performed using the multibody simulation tool ADAMS.