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

RESEARCH PROJECT HOT SHEET:

UTC PROJECT DOCUMENTATION:

FINAL PROJECT REPORT:

PROJECT DATA:

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:

  1. 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?
  2. What happens if a platoon backup onto a bridge?
  3. Will a platoon of trucks consist of similar configurations (number of axles with the same axle loading) or mixed configurations will be permitted?
  4. 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