Ramp Width
Sum caller vehicle/lane/clearance/drain/barrier allocations; does not replace site-specific passing-sight and road design.
Description
Ramp width combines vehicle lanes, edge clearances, inter-lane separation and ancillary footprints.
Ramp width combines vehicle lanes, edge clearances, inter-lane separation and ancillary footprints. Separating traffic width from total width clarifies the space allocation.
The tool returns trafficWidthM (traffic width m); totalRampWidthM (total ramp width m). Input measurements and model parameters are supplied by the caller; the tool computes the stated summary rather than acquiring those measurements.
When to use Ramp Width
Use Ramp Width when you already have vehicleWidthM, laneCount, outerClearanceM, innerClearanceM, interLaneClearanceM, drainWidthM, barrierFootprintM and want trafficWidthM, totalRampWidthM. This is useful for checking a supplied calculation, documenting a measurement convention, or comparing observations prepared on the same basis.
How to use Ramp Width and understand its results
- Enter vehicleWidthM, laneCount, outerClearanceM, innerClearanceM, interLaneClearanceM, drainWidthM, barrierFootprintM using the field table below. Match the units, ordering and data boundaries described in the calculation.
- Run the tool after checking the stated bounds and matching paired observations or categories. A malformed request gives a tool error rather than a usable measurement.
- Read trafficWidthM, totalRampWidthM. Use the calculation and interpretation below to distinguish amounts, ratios, signs and decision flags where applicable.
- Review the supplied parameters and assumptions before using the result in a report or comparing it with another observation.
| Input field | Meaning | Value type and bounds | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| vehicleWidthM | Vehicle width m | number | Required |
| laneCount | Lane count | integer | Required |
| outerClearanceM | Outer clearance m | number | Required |
| innerClearanceM | Inner clearance m | number | Required |
| interLaneClearanceM | Inter lane clearance m | number | Required |
| drainWidthM | Drain width m | number | Required |
| barrierFootprintM | Barrier footprint m | number | Required |
Use positive vehicle width and integer lane count with nonnegative clearances and footprints, all in m.
traffic = lanes×vehicleWidth+outer+inner+(lanes−1)×interLane; total = traffic+drain+barrier The symbols refer to the supplied quantities or generated values described above; unit conversions and comparison boundaries follow the stated implementation.
{
"input": {
"vehicleWidthM": 4,
"laneCount": 2,
"outerClearanceM": 2,
"innerClearanceM": 1,
"interLaneClearanceM": 1.5,
"drainWidthM": 0.5,
"barrierFootprintM": 1
},
"output": {
"trafficWidthM": 12.5,
"totalRampWidthM": 14
}
}Limitations and assumptions
Clearance requirements are supplied. Turning swept paths, vehicle dynamics, road geometry and design standards are not checked.
Numerical inputs must be finite. The tool checks its declared input shape and calculation constraints; those checks do not verify the quality, calibration or representativeness of the supplied observations.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Ramp Gradient: Calculate signed ramp grade, angle and slope distance; descending grades are preserved and no road acceptance criterion is embedded. Truck Cycle Time: Sum loaded/empty segment travel and service/queue times; speed profiles are inputs, not traction predictions.
Methodological background: Design of Surface Mine Haulage Roads: A Manual.1
References
-
Design of Surface Mine Haulage Roads: A Manual — U.S. Bureau of Mines, Information Circular 8758
Similar or alternative tools
- Ramp Gradient
Calculate signed ramp grade, angle and slope distance; descending grades are preserved and no road acceptance criterion is embedded.
- Truck Cycle Time
Sum loaded/empty segment travel and service/queue times; speed profiles are inputs, not traction predictions.