Dynamic load of timber truck

Abstract

This project investigates the dynamic load generated by heavy timber truck combination as part of a collaborative research effort between Chalmers university of Technology, NTNU and volvo trucks. The overarching goal of the research is to improve the understanding of how trucks and their loads influence bridge structure, with the long term objective of enabling safe reclassification of exiting swedish bridge fie higher load limits (BK4). In this project,the focus on developing a simplified yet representative dynamics model of a timber truck combination that can later be used for studying Dynamic Amplification factor(DFA) and truck-bridge interaction. The part involved deriving the equation of motion for the truck and trailer, identifying and estimating key model parameters, and implementing the model in a suitable simulation environment. Parametric studies were carried out to analyze how factors such as road surface irregularities, vehicle speed, suspension characteristic and axle configuration affect the resulting dynamic loads. Furthermore, the project included the planning and preparation of experimental test using an instrumented timber truck for future model validation. The developed model and proposed testing methodology together provide a foundation for accurately simulating the dynamic behaviour of heavy vehicle and for supporting future studies on the interaction between vehicle and bridges.