Abstract
An investigation into the relative safety of freeway-to-freeway connectors with respect to heavy trucks is undertaken. Using a three-dimensional, time-domain, force-based simulation model of heavy vehicle dynamics, boundaries are established relating various vehicle configurations, connector geometries, and driver behaviors to dynamic responses describing potential vehicle loss-of-control. A series of case studies is examined, attempting to position current driver/vehic/roadway interactions within the proposed envelopes of safety. Results include a method for predicting vehicle performance in response to roadway design enhancements that improves existing margins of safety at freeway-to-freeway connectors.
