Impact of Autonomous and Connected Truck Platoons in the Pacific Northwest on Transportation Infrastructure
PI: Ahmed Ibrahim (UI), aibrahim@uidaho.edu, ORCID: 0000-0002-3039-4560
Co PIs: none
AMOUNT & MATCH: $40,000 from PacTrans; $40,000 Match
PERFORMANCE PERIOD: 3/16/2021 – 3/15/2022
STATUS: Completed
CATEGORIES: Autonomous Vehicle, Truck Platooning, Pacific Northwest
DESCRIPTION: The main goal of this study is to investigate various truck platooning configurations on load rating of existing bridges’ super and substructures. A proposed matrix will be presented in the approach section. The results of this proposal will answer the following questions:
- How long a platoon can be before it begins to pose unacceptable risks to the traveling public?. For instance, if a platoon is exiting an highway, how does that affect other traffic access to the same exit? Will the exit ramp accommodate the platoon length?
- What happens if a platoon backup onto a bridge?
- Will a platoon of trucks consist of similar configurations (number of axles with the same axle loading) or mixed configurations will be permitted?
- What is the minimum gap spacing between trucks? and the minimum spacing between platoon and non-platoon?
In addition, the stress range and the number of load cycles caused by a platoon may accelerate shorten the service life and deterioration of the bridge. This will increase bridge maintenance and rehabilitation activities overwhelming bridge owners.
DELIVERABLE | DUE DATE | DATE RECEIVED |
Research Project Progress Report #1 | 10/10/2021 | 10/9/2021 |
Research Project Progress Report #2 | 4/10/2022 | 4/2/2022 |
No Cost Extension Request | 6/15/2022 | N/A |
Draft Report | 6/15/2022 | 6/14/2022 |
Final Project Report | 8/15/2022 | 8/30/2022 |