Dynamic pavement loads measured for a variety of truck suspensions

All vehicles bounce as they travel along a road. This increases the loads applied to the road and hence road wear. Some types of suspension bounce more than others. The dynamic loads on roads and bridges have been measured for a rigid truck and a number of articulated goods vehicles. Measurements were made on the TRRL track, on public roads and on a number of bridges at speeds of up to 96 km/h. Semi-trailer bogies produce relatively higher dynamic load factors than tractor drive axles. Air suspensions almost always produce lower dynamic loads than do other types. Dynamic loads under steel leaf suspensions increase with speed more than do loads under air suspensions. The implications for road wear are considered and the possibility of rating suspensions for road wear potential is discussed. (A)