B-triples: next generation high productivity freight vehicles

ARRB conducted a study to determine how the B-triple class vehicle compares, in terms of safety, to vehicles (specifically A-doubles) currently operating on the Australian type 1 road train network. With freight demand increasing in the near future, there is desire to develop a national road network for the operation of B-triple combinations, which as a first step will include the type 1 road train network. The introduction of B-triples on the network should increase freight efficiency, decrease vehicle operating costs and carbon emissions. This study assessed the performance, via computer simulation and the Performance Based Standards (PBS) scheme, of a range of representative modular and regular B-triple combinations made up of existing B-double equipment. The results were then compared with those obtained by A-doubles. A total of 162 modular B-triples, 24 regular B-triples and 24 representative A-doubles were assessed. The assessed combinations covered a range of variations in dimensions, six common freight types and up to five loading conditions. It was found that B-triples performed equal to or better than A-doubles in all PBS standards, except low speed swept path, for which the A-doubles performed better. A minimum recommended engine power for modular B-triples was also determined. The results of this study indicate that overall B-triples performed better than A-doubles against PBS, with the exception of low speed swept path and from a purely PBS standpoint should be allowed access on the network, where low speed manoeuvrability is not an issue.