Commercial vehicles (4cr)

Objective

After completing the course, the student understands the key technical principles of heavy-duty vehicles and is able to explain the concepts related to the dimensioning, structure and design of vehicles used in heavy transport. The student is familiar with the body structures, structural components and dimensioning regulations of heavy commercial vehicles.

The student can explain the operating principles of heavy vehicle braking and suspension systems, including air brake systems, retarders, axle and driveline solutions, and hub reductions, and understands how these systems affect vehicle safety and performance.

The student is able to identify the technical characteristics specific to heavy-duty vehicles, such as the load-bearing capacity of body structures, the significance of axle configurations, and the role of vehicle electronics in diagnostics and operational reliability. They are capable of searching for and utilizing up-to-date information on the development of heavy vehicle technology, systems and regulations, and applying it when justifying technical choices.

Content

- Body construction and maintenance of heavy-duty vehicles
- Dimensioning regulations, weight and dimension calculations
- Body structures and structural components
- Vehicle fleet design and selection
- Air brake systems
- Axle and driveline configurations
- Hub reduction systems
- Retarders
- Special characteristics of vehicle electronics

Qualifications

No previous studies are required.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student identifies the key structures and systems of heavy-duty vehicles, but their explanations are partly inaccurate. They understand the basic principles of braking and suspension systems, but their ability to apply this knowledge is limited. The student can perform simple dimensioning and weight calculations with guidance. They find some new information, but their ability to evaluate or utilize it is insufficient. The student recognizes factors related to safety and regulations, but does not apply them consistently.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student clearly and coherently describes the structures, systems and dimensioning principles of heavy-duty vehicles. They explain the operation of braking and suspension systems and can relate them to vehicle performance and safety. The student performs dimensioning and weight calculations independently and mostly correctly. They make use of up-to-date information in course assignments and take safety, regulatory and maintenance aspects into account when evaluating vehicles.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student presents the technical solutions, dimensioning and structural design of heavy-duty vehicles in a thorough and technically precise manner. They analyze the interactions between braking, suspension, axle and driveline systems and their combined effects on overall vehicle operation. The student performs dimensioning, weight and structural assessments expertly and with well-reasoned justifications. They independently seek out and utilize reliable, up-to-date information and justify their technical choices convincingly. The student applies safety, regulatory and maintenance principles consistently and comprehensively.

Materials

Lecturer's material
Manufacturers’ materials