Citation

Kanchan P, Nagabhushana M, Nanda P. Indian Highw. 2006; 34(1): 35-42.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Indian Roads Congress)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Overloading of commercial vehicles is a major factor in the deterioration of roads in India. A table is given of the legal axle loads for different countries. Traffic volume and axle load data were collected from three locations on two National Highways (NH-11 Agra-Jaipur and NH-21 Kiratpur-Ropar) in India. Loading patterns in terms of gross vehicle weight and front and rear axle loads were assessed. Vehicle Damage Factors (VDF) were calculated for different vehicle classes. Trucks, especially 2-axle trucks, were the main contributors for high VDFs. Over half of 2-axle trucks on each highway were overloaded. The effects of load distribution on VDF were considered. Suggestions were made of ways to control overloading.