Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2002

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Department

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Committee Chair

Lloyd Jim French, III.

Abstract

Current design vehicles do not address the hang-up problem. Two factors affect hang-ups: vehicle geometry and roadway geometry. There is a need to establish design vehicle characteristics for hang-up prone vehicles to reduce hang-ups potential.;Roadway geometry and vehicle characteristics relative to the hang-up problem were reviewed. Consideration of these properties by key organizations and associations, and government regulations were studied, and research performed by individuals establishing other design vehicles were analyzed. A general methodology was established.;When choosing design vehicles for the vehicle population, variation in vehicle population, the ramifications of using a limited number of vehicles, and local conditions were considerations in selecting design vehicle types.;Wheelbase, front/rear overhang, and ground clearance, were collected through field measurements and contacting manufacturers.;After data collection, the HANGUP software program was utilized to produce plots. These plots allowed the researchers to select design vehicle dimensions closely representing the vehicle population.

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