Resources

The transverse shear forces generated by multi-axle groups depends on many factors including turn geometry, vehicle type, axle weights, tyre size and configuration, suspension geometry, and the number and type of axles.

This study quantifies the impact of some of these parameters on the transverse pavement shear forces or scuffing forces generated during constant low-speed turns.

A field trial on an unbound granular pavement structure with chipseal surfacing assessed the level of scuffing force that caused visible wear on the pavement surface.

A computer model of a tandem simple-trailer was used to simulate the forces observed in the field.

Computer models were used to assess the effects of axle load, axle group spread, wheelbase, and turn geometry on peak scuffing forces; to simulate various low-speed turns; and to identify the relative impact of the peak scuffing forces for the different vehicles.

This study provides data on the level of peak scuffing forces generated by heavy vehicles in New Zealand, the inter-relationship between scuffing forces, directional stability, lateral load transfer, and rollover stability.

This is fundamental to vehicle size and weight regulation, and to the design of pavements and turn geometry at intersections.

Keywords: directional performance, dual tyres, lateral load transfer, multi-axle groups, pavement scuffing, self-steering axles, tyre scrubbing, tyre scuffing, wide-single tyres