Autonomous Vehicles

Abstract

With ongoing technological improvements and research in the field of autonomous vehicles, it is becoming evident that the technology has the potential to substantially affect the transportation sector. Although the potential benefits with respect to productivity increases, cost decreases, and safety are evident, the potential for these vehicles to negatively or positively affect the transportation infrastructure is unclear. In this study, the influence of truck loadings positioning on the long-term performance of transportation infrastructure was estimated by carrying out performance simulations of pavement structures. Scenarios considering both full and partial use by autonomous trucks were considered. In all cases, performance was estimated with respect to rutting, fatigue cracking, and overall pavement smoothness, and the results were compiled in terms of reduced pavement thickness. It was found that if controlled appropriately, autonomous trucks could be highly beneficial for the pavement infrastructure design, and they would be most effective when they represented more than 50% of the total truck traffic. It was also found that in the absence of appropriate control, specifically by repeatedly positioning trucks in the same location, the amount of damage could be highly detrimental, and noticeable influences may occur at autonomous truck volumes as low as 10%.

Simulation of autonomous truck for minimizing asphalt pavement distresses

“…This type of channelisation is also known as zero wander or less wander distribution. Channelised or less wander traffic increases the repetition of load on the narrower width of the lane (Noorvand et al, 2017) and eventually leads to pavement damage in a faster rate (Litman, 2017).…”

“…AASHTOWare was used in this study with proper modifications of traffic input to control vehicle positioning. The thickness for different positioning was evaluated for three lanes highway (Noorvand et al, 2017). Authors assigned a dedicated lane for more than 50% of AT volume.…”

“…In early December 2019, the number of rides in this programme reached 100,000 within one year (When Will Self-Driving Cars Be Available 2020. Application of automation techniques is not restrained to passenger cars only (Noorvand et al, 2017). The initiation to bring trucks under automation technology will save driver cost greatly (Andersson & Ivehammar, 2019).…”

Fuel Economy in Truck Platooning: A Literature Overview and Directions for Future Research

“…For example, long platoons may disturb the traffic flow and make it difficult for other vehicles to merge. As for the influence on infrastructure, long platoons especially long automated truck platoons would contribute to increased wear and tear of roads due to channelized traffic and excessive concentration of wheel path regarding the lateral position [57,58], which increases the life cycle costs. e impact of the truck platoon on road infrastructure has already attracted attention.…”

“…e impact of the truck platoon on road infrastructure has already attracted attention. Noorvand et al [57] conducted a pavement performance simulation, and they suggested a dedicated lane for autonomous vehicles. Chen et al [59] estimated rutting depth and fatigue damage by finite element analysis and proposed four lateral control modes for autonomous trucks.…”