Title: Self-steering axles for tractor semi-trailers: research and tests in Eastern Canada

Authors: J. Grandbois, M.J. Richard

Addresses: Road Transport of Goods Branch, Quebec Department of Transportation, Canada. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lava1 University, Quebec, G1K 7P4, Canada

Abstract: The self-steering axle is little known in North America. This study, conducted in Eastern Canada, concerns the use of the self-steering axle on semi-trailers in order to resolve the problems associated with the conventional lift axle. The lift axle, which is installed at the centre of the semi-trailer wheelbase, is incorrectly used, which results in major damage to roads and reduced safety. The study is divided into two parts. The first, a fleet test programme under operating conditions, includes the installation and follow-up for three years of eight self-steering axles on vehicles used by four companies on different routes. The second consists of complete static and dynamic tests of these vehicles, to evaluate their dynamic behaviour. On the basis of the results obtained in the two parts of the study, we have concluded that the self-steering axle could safely be used on semi-trailers in Canada, provided that certain points, such as the position of the axle and the load control mechanism, are regulated.

Keywords: dynamic behaviour; fleet test programme; lift axle; rollover threshold; self-steering axles; tractor semi-trailers; axle position; load control; Canada; heavy vehicles.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHVS.1995.054540

International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems, 1995 Vol.2 No.1, pp.46 - 57

Published online: 18 Jun 2013 *

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