The u.S. Forest service, in cooperation with log truck operatorsand tire manufacturers, has been operating loaded trucks with tire pressures down to 65 psi. This pressure is significantly lower than the 90- to 110-psi tire pressures normally used by the trucking industry. The tires remain at this constant but reduced pressure and thepressure is not increased when the truck is operated on paved roadsat highway speeds. The pressure selected is the lowest allowable pressure considering the maximum load and speed the vehicle will encounter during its operation. In this study, 65-psi tire pressures wereused and maximum speed on paved highways was restricted to 55 mph. Operation at constant reduced tire pressure can accomplish many of the benefits obtained with central tire inflation (cti) systems, but without the need for expensive hardware. No detrimental effects wereobserved in the tire casings, nor was there an increase in fuel consumption. Benefits include reduced road damage to roads with weak structural sections. Ride quality and traction also iproved. Limitations do apply to the length of the loaded travel at highway speeds. Vehicles must be equipped with radial tires. This study at constant reduced tire pressure is an outgrowth of cti studies that vary tire pressure to suit the load, road surface, and speed of the vehicle. This paper appears in transportation research record no. 1291, Fifth international conference on low-volume roads, may 19-23, 1991, raleigh, north carolina, volume 2.
Samenvatting