SEDL / STP / STP1031-EB / STP23367S

Loss of Control of Trucks Caused by Pavement Edge and Shoulder Conditions

Ivey, DL
Texas Transportation Institute, College Station, TX

Ross, HE
Texas Transportation Institute, College Station, TX

Sicking, DL
Texas Transportation Institute, College Station, TX

MacAdam, CC
Transportation Research Institute, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

Pages: 14    Published: Jan 1990

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Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of tractor semi-trailer (TST) stability during the transversal of pavement edges. The influence of available friction on the main traveled highway lanes and on the shoulder is included in the analysis.

Published information from 1976 to the present is used along with the truck simulation program, Phase 4, to study the response of TSTs to edge traversal conditions and to illustrate six different responses such a vehicle may exhibit.

These edge conditions are evaluated to compare TST safety with automobile safety. In so doing, specific conditions are identified where control problems become significant and where loss of control is unavoidable.