Performance Criteria for Air Brake Component Combinations on In-Use CommercialMotor Vehicles

摘要

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommended that the FederalHighway Administration (FHWA) develop performance criteria for allowable combinations (brake size, lining friction and axle rating) of air brake system components on heavy vehicles (NTSB recommendation number H 92-56). This report addresses that recommendation and shows that is not practical, primarily due to the fact that a satisfactory brake lining friction rating method does not currently exist. Even if a satisfactory lining rating scheme could be developed, the approach of allowing only certain combinations of air brake system components is design restrictive and would require revision each time a new brake system design is developed. It would also add complexity and increase the time required for roadside inspections. The report reviews various regulations and voluntary standards related to braking performance and discusses the feasibility of several alternate approaches to ensuring that in-use commercial motor vehicles have adequate braking capability.