NTL Record

Title Economics of the Maximum Limits of Motor Vehicle Dimensions and Weights: Volume 1
Record ID 47931
Personal Name
Creator
Winfrey, Robley
Corporate Creator United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway Administration. Offices of Research and Development
Publisher United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway Administration. Offices of Research and Development
Publication Date 19680901
Language English
Abstract Determining the desirable maximum limits of dimensions and weights of motor vehicles is approached on the basis of highway cost and the operating cost so far as the factors of economy are concerned. Axle weight, gross vehicle weight, and vehicle length are analyzed on the basis of six highway systems consisting of the rural and urban systems within the Interstate, primary and secondary highway systems. The analysis is based on data on truck weight studies conducted in 46 States; operating cost data obtained from truck fleet operators; and experimental data on pavements and bridges obtained from the comprehensive AASHO road test. Numerous other studies also contributed to the findings of the report. The desirable limits of dimensions and weights for use were found to be the following: 1) Vehicle height of 13.5 feet 2) Vehicle width of 102 inches 3) Maximum lengths on all highways of 40 feet for single-unit trucks and trailers, 55 feet for tractors and semitrailers, and 65 feet for any other combination of vehicles. 4) Axle weight limits of 22,000 and 38,000 pounds for single and tandem axles respectively. 5) Gross weight limit of at least 120,000 pounds, or better yet, no gross weight limit at all with control of axle weight and spacing.
Rosap ID dot:41856
Rosap URL https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/41856
TRT Terms Vehicle size; Vehicle weight; Load limits
Geographical
Coverage
United States
TRIS Online
Accession No
263007
Report Number FHWA-RD-73-069
Resource type Tech Report
URL https://ntlrepository.blob.core.windows.net/lib/47000/47900/47931/FHWA-RD-73-69.pdf
Format PDF
Database NTL Digital Repository