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The Bridge Gross Weight Formula was developed to
prevent stress to highway bridges caused by heavy trucks. The formula
provides a standard to control the spacing of truck axles and weight
on those axles. Vehicles with a gross weight of 80,000 pounds or less
may be eligible for increased weights using the Bridge Gross Weight
Formula. Vehicles exceeding a gross weight of 80,000 pounds or the
gross weight calculated using the Bridge Weight Formula are
not eligible for bridge weights (exception:
5 axle tandem tandems).
The Bridge Gross Weight Formula allows:
-
20,000 pounds for a single axle
-
34,000 pounds for a tandem axle group
The weight of other axle groups would be determined
using the Bridge
Gross Weight Formula.
W = 500 [(LN / N-1) + 12N + 36]
W = The
maximum weight in pounds that can be carried on a group of two or more
axles to the nearest 500 pounds
L = The
spacing in feet between the outer axles of any two or more consecutive axles
N = The number
of axles being considered
A Bridge
Gross Weight Formula chart is provided on the back inside cover
of the Truck Driver's Guidebook. The chart is an easy means
of determining permissible gross loads for vehicles in regular operation. To
order a guidebook, you can either call (800) 682-4682, or click here.
When using the formula chart:
Measure
the axle spacing from first to last axle in the combination
Use
the Bridge Gross Weight Formula chart to determine the gross vehicle
weight
(This is the maximum allowable gross
vehicle
weight for the group.)
Measure
the axle group spacing
Use
the Bridge Gross Weight Formula to determine axle group weights
(This
is the maximum allowable gross vehicle weight for the group. All
groups must be legal.)
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Due to frequent changes
in federal and state regulations, the Michigan Center for Truck Safety
cannot ensure the accuracy of the material contained in the Guidebook
beyond the date of publication. For current information, contact the
Center at (800) 682-4682. This document is not intended for legal purposes.
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