Title: Restrained cargo dynamics in road transportation: indirect tiedowns

Authors: J.A. Romero, S. Rakheja, A.K.W. Ahmed, A. Lozano

Addresses: Mexican Transport Institute and Queretaro Autonomous University, Mexico. CONCAVE Research Centre, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, H3G 1MB, Canada. CONCAVE Research Centre, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, H3G 1MB, Canada. CONCAVE Research Centre, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, H3G 1MB, Canada.

Abstract: A simple model is proposed to study the load-securement properties of indirect tiedowns under a longitudinal deceleration. The elasticity of the tiedown is expressed by an equivalent stiffness as a function of the material properties, tiedown angle, initial tension and cargo geometry. The equivalent stiffness is observed to be a strongly non-linear function of cargo displacement and tiedown angle. The model further incorporates the effects of load-deck interface friction and vertical trailer vibration. The dynamic response characteristics of the restrained cargo are evaluated in terms of peak cargo motion and peak tiedown force under a longitudinal deceleration. The model is utilised to study the effects of tiedown materials, tiedown angle, cargo-deck friction and nature of vertical vibration (frequency, amplitude and phase). The results of the analysis revealed the strong influence of cargo-deck friction, vibration amplitude, tiedown material and tiedown angle on the potential cargo movement. The initial tension is also found to influence the effectiveness of the restraints.

Keywords: cargo dynamics; cargo restraint; heavy vehicles; indirect tiedowns; road transport.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHVS.2002.001171

International Journal of Heavy Vehicle Systems, 2002 Vol.9 No.2, pp.93-114

Published online: 01 Jul 2003 *

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