Samenvatting

The paper discusses the derivation of test data for three tractor-semitrailer combinations, to be used for strength and durability analysis of semi-trailers with the ultimate goal to reduce the semitrailer mass. Mathematical relationships have been used to transfer these data to representative loading data for the semi-trailer, in terms of forces and moments in all directions at the axles and king-pin, being used to optimize weight without compromising the vehicle resistance to fatigue. These activities have been the starting point of a follow-up project FORWARD (Fuel Optimised trailer Referring to Well Assessed Realistic Design loads) including now eleven different trailer manufacturers, and the Dutch Chassis and Body work association FOCWA. FORWARD will extend the previous approach with the objective to lower the trailer weight in order to improve the ratio of payload to fuel consumption. FORWARD consists of the following steps (1) a testing program, the larger part of which corresponds to normal use for a representative period, (2) to apply these data to validate a vehicle model allowing the derivation of representative loading data, and exploration of the effect of design changes on these loading data, (3) to apply these loading data for further FEM analysis of the global chassis and of local critical points.