What haul road design parameter most significantly influences fuel consumption and tire life of haul trucks?

The haul road design parameter that most significantly influences fuel consumption and tire life of haul trucks is the rolling resistance. Rolling resistance is the force that opposes the motion of a rolling tire on a surface. A higher rolling resistance requires more energy to overcome, leading to increased fuel consumption and tire wear. Several factors contribute to rolling resistance, including the road surface material, road surface condition, tire pressure, and vehicle speed. A smooth, well-maintained road surface will have a lower rolling resistance than a rough, uneven surface. Loose materials, such as gravel or dust, increase rolling resistance. Poor road maintenance, such as potholes or ruts, also significantly increases rolling resistance. Proper tire inflation is crucial for minimizing rolling resistance. Underinflated tires have a larger contact area with the road, increasing rolling resistance and causing excessive tire wear. Vehicle speed also affects rolling resistance. Higher speeds generally increase rolling resistance due to increased tire deformation and hysteresis losses (energy lost due to the flexing of the tire). Therefore, designing and maintaining haul roads with a smooth, hard surface, ensuring proper drainage to prevent water accumulation, and implementing regular grading and compaction are essential for minimizing rolling resistance, reducing fuel consumption, and extending tire life.