A finite element computer model was developed for the structure of a typical transit bus used by smaller cities and rural communities. Assumptions were made regarding the loading conditions of the busin the event of a rapid deceleration of the bus. Parametric resultsfor floor angles of 0 to 30 degrees at maximum bus deceleration were derived for two loading patterns: (a) with seat belts installed onall passenger seats and (b) with seat belts installed on the front passenger seats only. The results indicated that the structural members in the bus frame could experience moderate to substantial decreases in maximum stress if seat belts are installed on all seats, whereas the structural members in the chassis could experience moderate increases in maximum stress if seat belts are installed. Thus the presence and presumed use of seat belts on all passenger seats in the event of a rapid deceleration of the bus should moderately to substantially benefit the structural frame members of a typical transit bus, and the absence of seat belts should moderately benefit the structural chassis members. This paper appears in transportation researchrecord no. 1322, Large vehicle safety: transit and trucks 1991
Abstract