| dc.description.abstract | Platooning is the use of vehicle-to-vehicle communications and sensors, such as cameras and radars, to allow two or more trucks to drive as a single unit, and automatically accelerate and brake together, allowing them to travel at closer distances. With the world moving closer towards a more environmental-friendly approach to everyday decisions, it is not a surprise that the concept of truck platooning is gaining momentum, as it reduces CO2 emissions by lowering fuel consumption. However, studies need to be performed to confirm that bridges already in existence will be able to handle platoons, even though they were not designed for them, or, restrict platoon activity on the ones that show poor results. The scope of this research is to study the effects of truck platooning on, steel girder bridges of single, two, and three-spans. Several truck-to-truck distances were selected and tested with a different number of trucks, per platoon, while varying spans lengths, or girder spacings. The AASHTO design and legal load ratings were calculated for each platoon case and were then used to examine the effects of truck platooning on bridge load ratings, and thus the adequacy of current bridges to carry platoons. The overall findings of the study include the following observations. Bridges previously designed using Allowable Stress Design may be inadequate for truck platoons in the positive moment region for medium to long-spans. In addition, they may be inadequate in the negative moment region for short spans. Bridges previously designed using Load Factor Design will likely be adequate for truck platoons in the positive moment region. However, issues may arise in the negative moment region for medium span lengths. Bridges previously designed using Load and Resistance Factor Design may be inadequate for truck platoons in the positive moment region for long-spans. However, there will likely not be any issues in the negative moment region. The number of trucks with
in a platoon and the spacing between trucks inside a platoon are the most influential parameters on their load ratings. The adequacy of existing bridges will hinge on the quantities of these variables. | en |
