Makro Transport Systems Ltd are a transport technology company focused on solving real-world transport and infrastructure challenges by developing heavy vehicle performance monitoring systems.
We are UK and international IP holders for a novel, proven technological solution that is able to monitor vehicle suspension performance of in-service vehicles in the operational environment, night or day, with a high degree of accuracy.
The system further facilitates expansion to incorporate such features as weigh-in-motion such that gross vehicle weight and individual axle weight forms part of the analysis, providing granular data that enables detailed assessment of heavy freight vehicle characteristics when they are using the highways infrastructure.
About us
Our vision
Pavement degradation due to heavy road vehicle traffic is well researched and documented. It is well understood that heavy vehicle stability and hence safety is enhanced by good dynamic stability, which is directly influenced by vehicle suspension system performance. The vast bulk of pavement degradation and hence the cost of pavement maintenance is directly attributable to cyclic fatigue of the pavement due to the high cyclic loads imparted on pavements from heavy vehicles, greatly exacerbated where such heavy vehicles have underperforming suspensions. The findings of a number of scientific research papers demonstrate the direct correlation between pavement degradation and wear and heavy freight vehicle characteristics such as axle mass, axle configuration, tyre size and type and suspension type and performance. Some such papers have quantified the reduction in pavement damage where 'road-friendly', optimally damped suspension systems are employed, reporting a reduction in the rate of pavement degradation of around 30%. That is to say, a 30% reduction in the rate of degradation for the same freight task where optimally damped and configured suspension is employed. It is no wonder then, that some highways managers grant increased axle mass concessions where certified road-friendly suspensions are fitted, thereby improving freight efficiency and reducing emissions.
Using imaging technologies to monitor and evaluate heavy vehicle suspension performance in the operational environment is not straightforward, but has been solved by the invention of a method and associated apparatus to achieve this.
Pavement degradation due to heavy road vehicle traffic is well researched and documented. It is well understood that heavy vehicle stability and hence safety is enhanced by good dynamic stability, which is directly influenced by vehicle suspension system performance. The vast bulk of pavement degradation and hence the cost of pavement maintenance is directly attributable to cyclic fatigue of the pavement due to the high cyclic loads imparted on pavements from heavy vehicles, greatly exacerbated where such heavy vehicles have underperforming suspensions. The findings of a number of scientific research papers demonstrate the direct correlation between pavement degradation and wear and heavy freight vehicle characteristics such as axle mass, axle configuration, tyre size and type and suspension type and performance. Some such papers have quantified the reduction in pavement damage where 'road-friendly', optimally damped suspension systems are employed, reporting a reduction in the rate of pavement degradation of around 30%. That is to say, a 30% reduction in the rate of degradation for the same freight task where optimally damped and configured suspension is employed. It is no wonder then, that some highways managers grant increased axle mass concessions where certified road-friendly suspensions are fitted, thereby improving freight efficiency and reducing emissions.
Using imaging technologies to monitor and evaluate heavy vehicle suspension performance in the operational environment is not straightforward, but has been solved by the invention of a method and associated apparatus to achieve this.
