Development of Descent Guidelines for Log-hauling Vehicles (Highway Legal Configurations)
This project aimed to develop descent guidelines for highway size logging trucks, with an aim to use these guidelines to establish criteria required to safely descend steep roads, thereby improving the safety for drivers of these vehicles
The researchers developed guidelines for calculating the conditions under which highway size logging trucks can safely descend steep roads. To develop the guidelines, researchers conducted field tests with two on-highway trucks (a 6-axle truck and a 7-axle truck), then generated a computer model that can predict stopping performance under different conditions. Using these calculations, the maximum speeds and loads for specified road conditions (traction, grade and distance) for 5-axle, 6-axle and 7-axle on-highway trucks were determined and safe descent guidelines were developed
An online spreadsheet tool for using the guidelines was also developed to assist forest engineers, road planners, and haul supervisory staff in calculating hauling risk on steep grades
| Principal Applicant: | Séamus Parker (FERIC) |
| Funding Awarded: | $30,031* (Innovation) |
In partnership with the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia