Investigation and Development of Bridge Formulae for Inclusion in the Performance-Based Standards Network Classification Guidelines

It is expected that freight-carrying capacity will increase beyond current limits, and sometimes decisions are made on the basis of preserving current road assets even though it may be economically beneficial to tolerate additional wear and shorter asset lives, given the benefits of greater freight productivity.

This project seeks to deliver a methodology for considering the optimal community benefits of different vehicle freight-capacity limits, with consideration of revenue streams and service maintenance.

The first step of the project focused on developing a nationally consistent infrastructure assessment methodology, including both pavements and bridges. However, the project found it is not possible to develop a single bridge formula to support the objectives of the PBS Reform Implementation Plan.

On the basis of further consultation with industry, local government and road authorities, the following further actions have been commissioned and are currently progressing:

• Investigation of the axle group mass and axle spacing conditions which control the effect of the selected subset of PBS level 2 vehicles on structures to support a targeted national notice for PBS vehicles
• Scoping of the development of an Australasian Heavy Vehicle Bridge Assessment System that could assist in supporting access for PBS and other high productivity vehicles on the network.

Proposed outputs: Research report, Internal report, 2 Webinars (Members only / public)

Consultants: ARRB (QLD)

Program: Transport Network Operations [Freight ]

Status: Complete