Finite element analysis of low-bed trailer ramps with different design geometries using two different materials

Karaçor B., Özkan M.

11th INTERNATIONAL ISPEC CONGRESS ON CONTEMPORARY SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH, Riga, Letonya, 1 - 07 Temmuz 2026, ss.186-222, (Tam Metin Bildiri)

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Tam Metin Bildiri
  • Basıldığı Şehir: Riga
  • Basıldığı Ülke: Letonya
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.186-222
  • Çukurova Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Lowbed trailer ramps used in the heavy commercial transport sector play a role in the safe loading and unloading of construction machinery and heavy loads. In the design of these structures, high loadbearing capacity and structural strength, as well as reducing total weight, are among the priority parameters in terms of fuel savings and logistical efficiency. In this study, the aim was to reduce the weight of a lowbed trailer ramp without compromising its strength values, and for this purpose, three different ramp geometries were designed. To examine the structural performance and material alternatives of the designs, two different material groups were preferred: high-strength structural steel S700 and wear-resistant advanced high-strength steel Hardox 400. The mechanical behavior of the modeled geometries was investigated under two different loading positions applied to the end and midpoint of the ramp. Thus, a total of 12 different static analysis scenarios were created with 3 different designs, 2 different materials, and 2 different loading position combinations, and solved using finite element method software. The total deformation, equivalent stress, and safety factor data obtained from the analyses were compared with each other. The study results showed that a maximum weight reduction of 11.81% was achieved in the ramp through geometric changes. Among the analysis scenarios, it was observed that critical stresses were concentrated when loading was applied to the midpoint of the ramp.It was determined that the optimized Design 3 exhibited the optimal performance while remaining within safety limits in both material groups. This study provides a systematic approach to part weight reduction and material optimization processes in the logistics sector.