Vehicle Load Research Articles

Research on calculation of transverse bending moment of deck of box girder with long-span and long cantilever

To investigate the reasonable calculation value of the transverse design bending moment of a long-span cantilever box girder bridge deck under vehicle load, the plate beam model and beam element frame model were established according to the concept of load effective distribution width in the Chinese highway specifications. The local finite element model and full bridge model of a long-cantilever plate were established using the plate-shell element. The practical calculation formula and finite element analysis of the transverse bending moment of a bridge deck were studied. The results showed that the transverse bending moment of the long-cantilever plate calculated using Baider Bahkt formula slightly deviated from the calculated value of the plate-shell element, and the deviation between the calculated values of Baider Bahkt formula and Sawko formula was 7.72%. Baider Bahkt formula is more accurate than Sawko formula, which is recommended by the Chinese highway specifications.

Road Condition Analysis Using the Bina Marga Method on the Kaligunting-Bajulan Section, Madiun District

Land transportation plays a vital role in supporting mobility and economic growth. Good road infrastructure facilitates the distribution of goods, improves accessibility, and promotes economic efficiency. However, road conditions often deteriorate due to excessive vehicle loads and extreme weather, necessitating periodic evaluation and maintenance. This research aimed to evaluate the condition of the Kaligunting-Bajulan road section in Madiun Regency, a critical route for regional connectivity and economic activities, and to develop effective repair strategies using the Bina Marga method. Through a visual survey, the research identified significant damage, including potholes, longitudinal cracks, and rutting, primarily caused by traffic volumes exceeding the road's design capacity. The research provided repair recommendations, such as sealing, patching, and repaving, to prevent further damage and restore optimal road functionality. The estimated repair cost amounts to Rp 2,761,123,884, covering the necessary materials, labor, and equipment. This research highlights the advantages of the Bina Marga method in prioritizing repairs and efficiently allocating budgets based on the severity of road damage. Additionally, the findings emphasize the importance of regular assessments and preventive maintenance to prolong road service life and reduce future repair costs. The research offers valuable insights for planning maintenance strategies for other provincial roads in Indonesia, particularly those with similar traffic conditions and damage patterns. The implementation of this method ensures a more structured and sustainable approach to road infrastructure management.

Analysis of an Existing Box Culvert Structure with or Without Retrofiting Using Analysis Tool

The design and comparative analysis of box culverts subjected to vehicle loading are the main topics of this study. For the structural analysis and design of an old and a retrofitted culvert, STAAD Pro CONNECT Edition was used. Using STAAD Pro, a comprehensive 3D model with geometric and material properties was made for every culvert. A comparative study of the outcomes showed that the modified culvert had greatly improved. Significant reductions in axial force, shear force, bending moment, and torsion in comparison to the original structure are among the main findings. These improvements were ascribed to the extra reinforcement that was added in the course of the retrofitting. The modified culvert showed improved stiffness, overall structural integrity, and load-carrying capability. The study demonstrates how well STAAD Pro CONNECT Edition works for box culvert design and analysis.

Characterizing the Movement of Thin Concrete Overlay Panels Subject to Truck Loads

The construction of thin concrete overlays as a pavement preservation option for both asphalt and concrete pavements is gaining popularity in the U.S. To reduce costs, as well as mitigate tendencies toward curling and warping, most thin bonded and unbonded concrete overlays are constructed with either smaller panels, or shorter length panels with undoweled transverse joints. Similar to undoweled concrete pavements on grade, thin undoweled concrete overlay projects have developed faulting of the transverse joints, sometimes at an early age. Toward the efforts to understand the mechanisms causing joint faulting in thin concrete overlays, this study sought to characterize the basic surface movements of thin overlay panels, including bending, translation, and joint load transfer, when subject to heavy vehicle loads. This study utilized digital image correlation (DIC) equipment to measure the dynamic displacement along the edge of thin bonded and unbonded concrete overlay panels loaded by heavy trucks. Testing showed that as the heavy front axle first lands on a thin overlay panel, localized bending is the predominant movement, regardless of panel length. For bonded concrete overlays on asphalt, most transverse joints did not show strong load transfer behavior, even when fiber-reinforced concrete was used. In addition to characterization of the panel surface movements, general correlation to observed joint faulting and panel distress was described. The findings from this study should serve useful to the continuing determination of the mechanisms causing joint faulting in thin concrete overlays

KAN–CNN: A Novel Framework for Electric Vehicle Load Forecasting with Enhanced Engineering Applicability and Simplified Neural Network Tuning

KAN–CNN: A Novel Framework for Electric Vehicle Load Forecasting with Enhanced Engineering Applicability and Simplified Neural Network Tuning

Prediction of Top-Down Transverse Cracking in Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement

This paper describes the findings of a recently completed investigation by the University of Michigan to identify the causes for premature, mid-slab cracking of joined plain concrete pavement (JPCP) in Michigan. The study found several factors are working interactively to induce slab cracking. The major factor is the support characteristics of the unbound open-graded aggregate base. Deflection testing showed a permanent loss of slab contact with the base (void) exists near the doweled joint. Time history analysis of the deflection data showed that the dowels are very likely loose. Loss of slab-base contact without pumping suggests that post-compaction under heavy vehicle loading or particle degradation is occurring. In addition, the study found that the load transfer efficiency (LTE) across joints has declined since construction. Finite element analysis (ABAQUS) was used to evaluate the extent and significance of these factors on tensile stress and fatigue cracking. Fatigue failure culminates from excessive tensile stress at mid-slab at the slab’s topside outer edge. The slab stress predictions correlate well with the deflection-based fatigue model by Wu et al. (1993) suggesting that a threshold corner deflection criteria may be used to determine when loss of slab support is critical.

Nanogrids in Modern Power Systems: A Comprehensive Review

Nanogrids are becoming an essential part of modern home power systems, offering sustainable solutions for residential areas. These medium-to-low voltage, small-scale grids, operating at medium-to-low voltage, enable the integration of distributed energy resources such as wind turbines, solar photovoltaics, and battery energy storage systems. However, ensuring power quality, stability, and effective energy management remains a challenge due to the variability of renewable energy sources and evolving customer demands, including the increasing charging load of electric vehicles. This paper reviews the current research on nanogrid architecture, functionality in low-voltage distribution systems, energy management, and control systems. It also explores power-sharing strategies among nanogrids within a microgrid framework, focusing on their potential for supplying off-grid areas. Additionally, the application of blockchain technology in providing secure and decentralized energy trading transactions is explored. Potential challenges in future developments of nanogrids are also discussed.

Analysis of the effects of electromobility and renewable energy integration on grid power quality

In this work, the effects of renewable energy and electromobility integration into the power distribution network were analyzed. The energy systems (renewable energy sources and electromobility source systems) were modelled in a MATLAB/SIMULINK® environment. The modelled electric vehicle was simulated, and the total harmonic distortion (THD) was obtained before incorporating a passive electronic filter to lessen the effect of electric vehicle (EV) integration on the distribution network. Similarly, renewable energy sources (solar photovoltaic and wind) were integrated into the electromobility model, and their effects on the THD value were determined. It was discovered that the total harmonic distortion was within the acceptable International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard of 5% when the electromobility source had a passive filter incorporated. It was discovered that the filter reduces the THD value from 195% to 0.03% both in Vehicle-to-Grid and Grid-to-Vehicle modes. Thus, filters should be incorporated into EVs to minimize the effect of their integration into the distribution network. This research work is unique because it combines the effects of electromobility (electric vehicle) load, renewable energy sources and passive filters on harmonics.

Long term monitoring of service performance for large-span continuous rigid frame bridges based on distributed sensing under moving vehicle loads

Long term monitoring of service performance for large-span continuous rigid frame bridges based on distributed sensing under moving vehicle loads

A novel real-time structural acceleration-based methodology for detecting support loss under PCC pavement subjected to vehicle loading

ABSTRACT Support loss is a concealed distress in Portland cement concrete (PCC) pavements. This study proposes a real-time methodology to detect support loss under PCC pavements using structural acceleration responses. Full-scale tests were conducted under different support loss conditions. The sports utility vehicle (SUV), truck, and FWD were used. The results revealed that the main frequency of acceleration signals of PCC slabs under FWD and vehicle loads varied between 20~25 Hz and 10~15 Hz, respectively. When support loss occurs, both the acceleration amplitude and the signal energy within high-frequency range increase. By calculating the signal energy of acceleration response at slab corner (Scor) or longitudinal edge midpoint (Smid), support loss is indicated at slab corner when signal energy at Scor increases by about 90 times or signal energy at Smid increases by about 10 times. Additionally, by calculating the ratio of signal energy within high-frequency range to that within low-frequency range (ER) of acceleration signals at Smid, support loss at slab center is considered to have occurred when ER exceeds 3. To reduce costs, only one sensor can be placed at Smid. The proposed method has advantages of not requiring traffic closure, realizing real-time monitoring, and facilitating intelligent maintenance.

Appraising annual post-maintenance functional performance of asphalt roadway based on causal inference approach

ABSTRACT To maintain good functional pavement performance and extend the service life of asphalt pavements, the long-term performance of pavements under maintenance policies needs to be evaluated and favourable options need to be chosen based on the condition of the pavement. A major challenge in evaluating maintenance policies is to produce valid treatments for the outcome assessment under the control of uncertainty of vehicle loads and the disturbance of freeze-thaw cycles in the climatic environment. In this study, a novel causal inference approach, combining a classical causal structural model and a potential outcome model framework, is proposed to appraise the annual post-maintenance performance of four preventive preservation treatments of pavements for longitudinal cracking over a 5-year period of upkeep. Three fundamental issues were brought to our attention: detection of causal relationships prior to variables under environmental loading (identification of causal structure); obtaining direct causal effects of treatment on outcomes excluding covariates (identification of causal effects) and sensitivity analysis of causal relationships. The results show that the method can accurately evaluate the effect of preventive maintenance treatments, assess the maintenance time to cater well for the functional performance of different preventive maintenance approaches and develop appropriate maintenance strategies for pavements.

Effect of vehicle operating parameters on fuel consumption and the overall energy efficiency of the drive system

This article presents a research methodology that supplements known studies to solve the problem of a correct complementary analysis of vehicles with different drive units. This method can be used at the stage of selecting a car for specific tasks, as well as for in-service technical condition checks. A new method is proposed for analysing the impact of operating conditions on the mileage fuel consumption, unit fuel consumption and overall energy efficiency of vehicles. In the study, it was possible to determine the effect of changing the vehicle speed, road gradient angle and vehicle weight. Tests identifying fuel consumption and efficiency characteristics as a function of vehicle load were carried out using passenger cars with different drive designs. Carrying out tests under laboratory conditions on a chassis dynamometer bench enabled the precise determination of the change in operating conditions. The criteria adopted for the evaluation included fuel consumption and overall vehicle energy efficiency. The variable parameters included speed, vehicle weight, and the road gradient angle. The data for criteria calculation were acquired using a diagnostic tester with a functional parameter recording function. The application of the presented method enabled a comparison of the overall energy efficiency of two vehicles equipped with spark-ignition combustion engines, according to the criteria listed. The experiment showed that in a three-cylinder engine, unit fuel consumption is more sensitive to parameter changes under identical conditions (speed, vehicle weight, road gradient angle) than in a four-cylinder engine. To evaluate the drive units of the test vehicles, characteristics of changes in the overall energy efficiency were used as well. It was observed that in all testing variants, the value increased with increasing road gradient values, with the intensity of η increase not being constant. A car with a four-cylinder engine has a higher energy efficiency at low loads. The proposed methodology is relevant for evaluating vehicles with different drive systems (including hybrid) and adapting drive characteristics to the operating conditions. Partially the presented methodology can also be transferred to EV vehicles - in terms of energy efficiency.

A Greedy Tabu Dual Heuristic algorithm for the cyclic pickup and delivery problem with 3D loading constraints

The optimization of auto parts supply chain logistics plays a decisive role in the development of the automotive industry. To reduce logistics costs and improve transportation efficiency, this paper addresses the joint optimization problem of multi-vehicle pickup and delivery transportation paths under time window constraints, coupled with the three-dimensional loading of goods. The model considers mixed time windows, three-dimensional loading constraints, cyclic pickup and delivery paths, varying vehicle loads and volumes, flow balance, and time window constraints. Evaluation rules for the three-dimensional loading test of goods are also set, resulting in constructing a comprehensive optimization model for the inbound logistics of auto parts and components. In this study, a Greedy-Tabu Dual-Heuristic algorithm is proposed, which integrates an Improved Greedy Algorithm with an Enhanced Tabu Search Algorithm based on the -sampling strategy. The overall problem-solving process for the Improved Greedy Algorithm and the Tabu Search Algorithm is outlined. The superiority, efficiency, and stability of the improved algorithm are verified by solving cases of various sizes and analyzing the algorithm’s results before and after improvement. A case study involving the third-party logistics company R Enterprise compares the pickup and delivery-separated Milk-Run mode with the simultaneous delivery and pickup Milk-Run mode. The proposed method shows a 26.67% reduction in total distance traveled and a 46.60% decrease in waiting time compared to the traditional Milk-Run approach. Additionally, when evaluated against the standard 3D loading inspection method, the proposed approach improves average vehicle load utilization by 17% and vehicle volume utilization by 15%. These findings verify the applicability and superiority of the proposed algorithms and models in practical scenarios.

Fatigue reliability assessment of rib-to-deck double-sided welded joints in orthotropic steel decks considering welding residual stress

Fatigue cracking of rib-to-deck conventional single-sided welded joints is a prevalent issue in orthotropic steel decks (OSDs), significantly impacting their structural integrity and durability. Rib-to-deck innovative double-sided welded joints have the potential to enhance the fatigue resistance of OSD. However, Welding Residual Stresses (WRS) significantly influence the fatigue life of these joints, mandating its consideration in fatigue assessments. This study introduces a novel approach for assessing the fatigue reliability of rib-to-deck double-sided welded joints in OSDs, accounting for the effects of traffic vehicle loading and WRS. Initially, a comprehensive fatigue damage equation for welded joints of OSDs was formulated, integrating WRS and dynamic vehicle loads, utilizing fracture mechanics theory. Subsequently, a measurement-based random traffic model was utilized to derive the vehicle-induced stress spectra at the welded joints. The effects of deck thickness, fatigue crack depth and fatigue crack aspect ratio on the stress intensity factor (SIF) of the crack at the weld toe were analyzed. These three variables were considered as feature vectors for the construction of a polynomial model of the shape functions, which was utilized to calculate the SIF. Finally, the fatigue reliability of the rib-to-deck double-sided welded joints in OSDs subject to traffic vehicle loading considering the WRS was estimated using Monte Carlo simulation. The influence of traffic volume growth on fatigue reliability was discussed. This research underscores the critical role of WRS in the fatigue performance of welded joints in OSDs and offers an innovative framework for assessing the fatigue reliability of steel bridge welds.

Heuristic-based vehicle arrangement for ro-ro ships

In this paper, a two-level search strategy fused with an improved no-fit polygon algorithm and improved bat algorithm is proposed to obtain the layout points of multiple vehicles. Additionally, a space–time scheduling strategy is proposed using the Improved D*Lite Algorithm (ID*Lite) and improved Bezier curve to generate the trajectories of individual vehicles. Furthermore, a conflict resolution strategy is introduced to address the collision conflict problem during multi-vehicle scheduling. The proposed strategies aim to achieve the objectives of shortest scheduling time and smallest array space in order to reduce the time and space cost of vehicle loading on ro-ro carriers. Through a comparison with other algorithms (e.g., at high loading pressure, Scenario 3), the strategies presented in this paper demonstrate advantages such as higher deck utilization (92.234%), shorter path length, fewer collision conflicts, and more balanced weighting. Mainstream methods only focus on a certain part of vehicle transportation, we not only use more stable parking spot generation algorithm and parking order generation algorithm, but also more high-speed multi-vehicle path-finding algorithm, path optimization strategy, multi-vehicle scheduling strategy, which innovatively form a complete vehicle planning process, and at the same time, as an algorithmic framework that can be generalized to any 2d or 3d scenarios.

Perception and analysis of dynamic stiffness of cable-stayed bridges based on wave analysis

The vertical dynamic stiffness of long-span cable-stayed bridges under vehicle loading is a crucial concern due to their susceptibility to sustained vibrations with notable wave effects. This study investigates the dynamics stiffness perception and enhancement mechanisms of cable-stayed bridges based on fast wave analysis method, proposing wave-associated structural concepts (WSC) for designing stiffer cable-stayed bridges under traffic loading. Initially, the wave function characterizing cable-stayed bridge vibrations is introduced into the representation of the dynamic stiffness of cables and beams, and six WSC for enhancing structural dynamic stiffness are proposed. Subsequently, the fast establishment of the core module for wave function computation is achieved through modular construction of the wave propagation matrix. By employing wave decomposition to clarify the decoupling relationships among the wave components, a distributed algorithm is applied for efficient parallel solving of the wave function. Finally, the reliability and superiority of the proposed method are validated. Using wave analysis method, the stiffness enhancement mechanisms based on WSC and the criteria for implementing WSC in cable-stayed bridges are presented. The case study indicates that the structural dynamic stiffness is related to the wave characteristics which are influenced by both excitations and structural parameters. Enabling the rapid transmission of waves to the structural foundation promote uniform energy distribution and amplitude reduction of wave, thereby enhancing the dynamic stiffness. The beam section stiffness contributes to a dual-effect stiffness enhancement in cable-stayed bridges, effectively increasing the wave velocity. An alternative definition of structural dynamic stiffness is provided based on wave propagation.

Otimização do Carregamento de Veículos no Sistema de Distribuição de Materiais da Força Aérea Brasileira

In the planning of the vehicle loading in the material distribution system of the Brazilian Air Force, one may decide for designating vehicles to predefined routes and allocate cargoes to these vehicles, considering the parameters and restrictions of the cargoes and the vehicles, aiming at obtaining the maximum benefit to the transportation. In this context, this research has the objective to develop a method of solution, especially designed to optimize the transport and distribution operations of the materials in the interest of the Brazilian Air Force made from a distribution center, having developed a mathematical formulation and implemented a Linear Programming solution capable of offering an optimal planning of the allocations cargo-vehicle-route that maximizes the total benefit for the cargo.

Sensor Application: Introducing Autonomous Vehicle Technology in Loading Vehicles to a Pure Car and Truck Carrier

Sensor Application: Introducing Autonomous Vehicle Technology in Loading Vehicles to a Pure Car and Truck Carrier

Research on the Optimization of Cold Chain Logistics Distribution Path Considering Carbon Emissions

With the proposal of the "double-carbon" development goal, all walks of life are actively implementing the national green and low-carbon development requirements. As an important branch of the logistics industry, cold chain logistics is also a key area to achieve the goal of "double carbon". If the concept of low carbon is introduced into cold chain logistics and the distribution route is rationally planned, it can not only reduce logistics costs, but also reduce carbon emissions. Therefore, the minimization of the total distribution cost is taken as the optimization goal, Under the constraints of vehicle load and time window, the cold chain logistics distribution path optimization model is constructed with the goal of minimizing the total distribution cost. Then designed the genetic algorithm to solve, respectively from considering carbon emissions and carbon emissions two cases planning distribution route, and optimization before single temperature distribution scheme comparative analysis, the results show that the carbon emissions considering the cold chain distribution path optimization, and choose cold storage incubator type in distribution mode, not only can reduce the enterprise distribution cost, improve the distribution efficiency of distribution, but also can reduce the carbon emissions.

Development of an Endurance Test Procedure for Vehicle Control Arm through Vehicle Dynamic Testing and Load Transfer Analysis

This research studies the forces applied to various vehicle control arms through different static and dynamic conditions during acceleration and braking condition. This study is targeting the important role that control arms play in ensuring stability and dynamics of vehicles, particularly when electric powertrains are added to chassis platforms created for conventional internal combustion engine (ICE). The study was designed with three phases: Fundamental of control arm dynamics (Phase 1), math formulations into theoretical models (Phase 2) and then experimental validation using the real rail component measurements (Phase 3). Tests were carried out on a straight track at a speed of 15 km/h and 30 km/h targeting the rear axle in an accelerating and the front axle in a braking condition. Results indicated that at 15 km/h, the acceleration of the rear axle was between 0.63 g and 0.49 g whereas at 30 km/h it was between 0.68 g and 0.70 g. During braking at 15 km/h, the front axle's acceleration ranged from a minimum of 0.62 g to a maximum of 0.70 g. At 30 km/h, the acceleration ranged from a minimum of 0.73 g to a maximum of 0.81 g. This suggests that there is a marked disparity in the dynamic action or response of sprung mass and unsprung mass at the different loading conditions. It emphasizes the need for additional support in the control arms and better control over the forces when the electric powertrains will be introduced. All of these have laid a basis for further research aimed at improving the designs of the vehicle structures in advance for the emerging powertrain technologies.