Effect of different platoon configurations on strains and fatigue performance of flexible pavements

This paper presents part of the studies developed in the European project ENSEMBLE. (ENabling SafE Multi-Brand pLatooning for Europe). The first part of the paper describes the validation of a numerical model based on comparisons with experimental results obtained from a test section subjected to the pass of 3 human-driven trucks simulating a platoon configuration. The numerical model is then used to predict the maximum and accumulated strains produced by the passage of each truck on the same test section at two different temperatures when the following platoon parameters are varied: (1) inter-truck time gap, (2) truck speed and (3) lateral deviation (wandering). The results confirm that the proper control of these parameters can help to keep the same level of fatigue damage as with trucks in individual configurations. In this way, the environmental, social and economic benefits of platooning can be attained without compromising the existing pavement structures.