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Self-propelled modular transporter

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24 axle lines SPMT
SPMT being transported on low-loader
288 wheels SPMT carrying a 1350 tonnes vessel

A self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT) is a platform vehicle with a large array of wheels on the bottom. SPMTs are used for transporting massive objects such as bridges, oil refining equipment, huge motors, large bridge sections, and other objects that are too big or heavy for trucks. Trucks can provide traction and braking for the SPMTs on inclines and descents, however. These vehicles may also be called Self Propelled Modular Trailers.

SPMTs are used in many industry sectors worldwide such as the construction and oil industries, in the shipyard and offshore industry, for road transportation, on plant construction sites and even for moving huge oil platforms[1], and have been recently begun to be used to replace bridge spans, in the United States, Europe, Asia[2] and more recently Canada.

A typical SPMT can have a grid of several dozen computer-controlled wheels, all individually controllable, in order to evenly distribute weight and steer accurately. Each individual wheel can swivel independently from other wheels, to allow the SPMT to turn, move sideways, or even spin in place. Some SPMTs allow the wheels to telescope independently of each other, so that the load can be kept flat and evenly distributed while moving over uneven terrain. As SPMTs often carry the world's heaviest loads on wheeled vehicles, they are very slow vehicles, often moving at under one mile per hour while fully loaded. Some SPMTs are controlled by a worker with a hand held control panel, while other SPMTs have a driver cabin. In addition, multiple SPMTs can be combined to transport massive building-sized objects.

References

  1. ^ http://www.scheuerle.com/en/products/new-vehicles/plant-construction.html
  2. ^ http://www.nicolas.fr/en/home/press/press/the-fascination-of-bridge-construction-nicolas-involved-in-the-building-of-the-chongqi-bridge-in-china/17/ffdcb6ac23.html

See also

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