Certification of roll-over protection systems for heavy vehicles by computer simulation.

To boost workplace safety on mining and quarry sites in Victoria, the State Government has announced a new initiative, accompanied by financial support, to help operators to fit roll bars and seat-belts to their vehicles, and to assess them by computer simulation of the prescribed physical tests. The procedure for compliance by computer simulation is demonstrated on one real case, involving a "one off", self-made ROPS. Static tests are simulated first, followed by the simulation of dynamic roll-over in order to evaluate a recent criticism on the adequacy of the AS 1224-1994 for the protection of drivers in real roll over accidents. Finally, the self-made ROPS design of the discussed case is evaluated and modified to demonstrate that not only a substantial weight reduction is possible, but also that a lighter ROPS may improve passive safety of operators. (A)