Dimensions and Weights of Road Design Vehicles: IRC 003-1983

The Indian Roads Congress (IRC) Standard IRC 003-1983 provides guidelines for determining the dimensions and weights of road design vehicles. These parameters are fundamental to designing various road components, including traffic lanes, shoulders, underbridges, electrical service lines, and other overhead structures. The width, height, length, and axle load of vehicles influence the geometric and structural design of highways and play a crucial role in ensuring safety and efficiency in road usage.

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Why the Standard Was Revised?

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The original IRC Standard on Dimensions and Weights of Road Design Vehicles was published in January 1954. With advancements in motor vehicle design and highway systems, as well as the need for metricization, a complete revision of the Standard became essential. The updated version, prepared by L.R. Kadiyali and modified by the Ministry of Shipping and Transport (Roads Wing), reflects contemporary practices and international trends.

The Specifications and Standards Committee approved the revised draft in 1983, and it was subsequently endorsed by the Executive Committee and the Council for publication as the official standard.

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Scope of IRC 003-1983

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The Standard applies to all road elements except culverts and bridges, which are governed by separate IRC Bridge Codes. It categorizes vehicles into three types for road design purposes:

1. Single Unit Vehicles
2. Semi-Trailers
3. Truck-Trailer Combinations

The choice of vehicle type for road design depends on terrain, economic considerations, and road importance. For instance, roads in steep or mountainous terrain may only need to accommodate single-unit vehicles or semi-trailers.

Road components must be designed to handle the dimensions and weights of vehicles conforming to this Standard. This ensures they are initially sufficient or can be upgraded later to meet evolving traffic demands.

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Key Definitions

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• Axle: The common axis of rotation for one or more wheels.
• Axle Group: Consecutive axles considered together for load effects.
• Gross Weight: The combined weight of a vehicle and its load.
• Length (Overall): Total longitudinal dimension of a vehicle, including load.
• Height (Overall): Vertical dimension of a vehicle above ground, including load.
• Semi-Trailer: A vehicle drawn by a truck-tractor, bearing part of its load on the tractor.
• Tandem Axle: Two or more consecutive axles spaced 1.2 to 2.5 meters apart.
• Truck-Trailer Combination: A truck or tractive unit with a trailer.

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Vehicle Dimensions

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1. Width: Maximum width is 2.5 meters.
2. Height:some text
   • Standard vehicles: 3.8 meters (4.2 meters for ISO freight containers).
   • Double-decker buses: 4.75 meters.
3. Length:some text
   • Single-unit truck: 11 meters.
   • Single-unit bus: 12 meters.
   • Truck-tractor with semi-trailer: 16 meters.
   • Truck-trailer combination: 18 meters.
   • No vehicle combination may exceed two vehicles.

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Maximum Permissible Weights

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1. Single Axle Weight:some text
   • Dual wheels: Up to 10.2 tonnes.
   • Single wheels: Up to 6 tonnes.
2. Tandem Axle Weight:some text
   • Two axles spaced 1.2 to 2.5 meters apart: Up to 18 tonnes.
3. Gross Weight:some text
   • Sum of permissible single axle and tandem axle weights.

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Conclusion

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IRC 003-1983 establishes comprehensive guidelines to accommodate the growing demands of modern road infrastructure. By defining the dimensions and weights of design vehicles, this Standard ensures safe and efficient roadways capable of meeting present and future transportation needs. For engineers, policymakers, and other stakeholders, adhering to this Standard is essential to building resilient and well-structured road systems.

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