This publication presents the results of Austroads Project T &E.D.N-009 which was aimed at deriving truck-based geometric design standards, and establishing the traffic volumes and mix at which the adoption of such standards is economically warranted. The project focused on the characteristics of the 6-axle semi-trailer. Design truck performance characteristics were established from an assessment of the literature, and co-operation with an Austroads/NRTC project aimed at developing performance- based standards for the regulation of heavy vehicles. Truck-based design standards derived from the performance characteristics were then developed for basic design elements including horizontal curve standards, crest vertical curves, lateral clearances, and acceleration lane lengths. Benefit-cost analysis was then undertaken for a number of examples to indicate the initial year truck volume at which truck-based rather than car-based standards would be economically justified. (Author/publisher)
Abstract