The Dynamic Interaction between Vehicles and Infrastructure Experiment (DIVINE) Project provided scientific evidence of the dynamic effects of heavy vehicles and their suspension systems on pavements and bridges. These conclusions are detailed in the DIVINE Technical Report [DSTI/DOT/RTR/IR6(98)1/FINAL]. The purpose of the present report is to examine the policy options available to countries with a view to improving the interaction between heavy freight vehicles and pavements and bridges. Regulatory and economic options are considered, as well as changes in the design, construction and maintenance of infrastructure. These policies could allow countries to make significant savings through increased transport productivity and reduced infrastructure costs. The report guides the policy maker through the implications of the technical findings in order to allow national policies to be designed which fit in with national priorities, whether those are to increase weight limits or reduce the wear of existing infrastructure. For the technical report, see C 20902 S.
Samenvatting