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Page 59
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BARRELLED SAFETY
The world's best-handling truck and trailer combination is said to have arisen from
Performance Based Standards. Peter Armstrong puts the spotlight on PBS. While the Department forTransport continues to dither over 60-tonne BDoubles, truck operators on the other side of the world face far fewer obstacles when it comes to running longer and heavier trucks.Australia's Performance Based Standards (PBS) programme is not only innovative,it is a highly pragmatic solution to squaring the circle between increased HGV weights and dimensions, and greater road safety.
Acceptably unique Under PBS rules, Australian operators are allowed to develop unique vehicles that can exceed normal vehicle length and gross weight limits, providing they meet pre-agreed performance standards on vehicle braking, stability and handling, as well as satisfying other operating criteria such as axle loadings.
PBS in action can be seen with the development of what is described as the best handling truck-trailer combination in the world, operated by Shell Direct and developed with local tank builder Tiernan Industries, vehicle consultant Roaduser Systems and Scania.
Shell Direct's normal bulk tanker configuration is what's known locally as a truck and 'quad dog' — ic a 6x4 rigid with a tank body pulling a four-axle drawbar tank-trailer. Truck and dog tanker units are typically 19m long with a gross weight of 48-50 tonnes depending on which Australian state they are running in.
However, Shell's latest PBS tanker is an 8x4 rigid that pulls a specially lowered three-axle tank semi-trailer connected to the eight-legger by a two-axle -converter dolly".The result is a rig that's 22m long and capable of running at up to 55 tonnes. Equally important is the fact that it can carry 40,000 litres of diesel compared to the 38,000-litre fleet average with a conventional truck and quad dog.
Shell's PBS project was initially prepared by Roaduser, which proposed the 22m overall length, lower axle weights and a fifth axle to enhance the semi-trailer's dynamic stability.
It then computer-tested the design to ensure it met all the required performance standards. Meanwhile,Tieman used the extra three metres of length to create a lower profile tanker barrel, giving a significantly reduced CoG.As part of the safety equipment it also installed a full EBS system with electronic stability control. Tieman chief executive Hymie Jechilevsky says:"One really interesting thing about the Shell High Performance Truck was that, for us, it was relatively straightforward to build. The key to the great performance of the design was Shell's commitment to improve safety and the 22m envelope [allowed] under Performance Based Standards.
Performance benchmarks 1 "We've been watching the develop ment of PBS with great interest." he adds.-We think it provides some wonderful opportunities to improve heavy vehicle productivity and make those vehicles safer at the same time.The Shell PBS vehicle sets a new performance benchmark for truck-trailer combinations:it's a very significant vehicle. PBS will encourage many other transport operators to innovate to improve productivity and safety."
Shell Direct's national fleet manager Martin Jones insists:"Payload wasn't the primary driver in the development of the unit.The focus was on making it safer."
The nine-axle rig certainly has an impressive spec with electronic discs throughout and air suspension on all axles, including the twinsteer prime mover.The R470 8x4 also has the Swedish truck maker's Opticruise auto-box along with a five-stage 650kW retarder with automatic downhill speed set.
Thanks to its longer and lower barrel the Tiernan tank trailer part of the combination has achieved a reported 0.56g static rollover threshold rating. The onboard Liquip pumping equipment includes the first "programmed Logic Controller" seen on an Australian road tanker, while a Diptronic system means the driver never has to climb up onto the tank to check compartment levels.The whole outfit is owned and maintained by Orix Australia and leased to Shell Direct.
The PBS combo has initially been granted a special permit by Queensland to run at 55 tonnes.The state transport authority is a strong supporter of PBS and played a key part in the evolution of the Shell truck and dog tanker, says Shell's Martin Jones,"Les Drum, from Queensland Transport, liaised with the National Transport Commission and Queensland's Department of Main Roads to sort out PBS issues because this was a ground-breaking exercise. Les and his department have done a lot for us and they are even liaising with South Australia for us over more PBS operations."