Download Concerns Based on the Loading Plans, it does not appear that, the

Concerns
Based on the Loading Plans, it does not appear that, the Gross Weight of the
Yorks/ Mini-Yorks would represent a problem.
However, there are two (2) issues, relating to the Mini-York.
These are;
1] The current Loading Plans show Mini-Yorks directly against the Bulkhead
of the vehicle body. Whilst the mass of the Mini-York is lower than that of a
standard York, the area over which this mass could be applied is also lower.
Whilst the mass has only reduced by 20% at best (old Style York), the area (in
the event of an Emergency, the contact area) has reduced by 41.6%.
This means that, in the event of an emergency, the stress** on part of the
Bulkhead has increased by at least58.4%
My concern is that, the Bulkhead is able to accommodate the increased
stress**. Particularly as I believe the structure of the Bulkhead is optimized for
the size of a York
Unfortunately, I suspect that, there is no effective way of modelling any of this.
Also, establishing this by experimental means, would probably prove too
costly.
However, we can at least ask the constructors of the bodies, if they are able to
withstand the increase.
Alternatively, starting each row of Mini-Yorks with a Full York, would
significantly reduce the increase.
2] The current retaining straps obviously retain the load but, I am unsure
from what.
If it is from rearward movement, the lower centre of gravity, could be an issue.
As, in the event of an emergency, this might cause the existing retaining strap
to be ineffective.
If it is from sideways movement, I don’t believe that, this has been fully
addressed. In the event of an unusual vehicle movement, loads can move and,
could defeat the intention of retaining the load.
Concerns
If it is a mixture of the two (2) directions of movement, then, my concerns are a
combination of both.
In principal, all these concerns could be, at least partly, addressed by:
A] Revising Loading plans
B] Lowering the Retaining Straps*
* An idea worth looking at is, the way that car seat belts accommodate
different sizes of people, by having a variable anchor point (Forget Inertia Reel
and Variable), 2 would do.
Both the above concerns, are more relevant, as the number of Mini-Yorks
carried increases. Also, a consideration is, whether the Mini-Yorks are loaded.
With particular regard to the 7.5 ton vehicles, the concern about sideways
movement of the load, would not normally apply.
Also, the load/area calculation shows a nett reduction. That is, the potential
load has reduced by a level of 50% and, the area by 41.6% thus reducing the
stress**
However, I am still concerned, over the position of this loading. As I noted
above, I believe the vehicle Bulkhead is optimized for standard Yorks and, the
use of Mini-Yorks may well compromise this.
Loading of empty Mini-Yorks, should be exactly the same as when loaded i.e.
Fully Assembled and Braked.
I fully appreciate much of my concern is over the Network Operation as
distinct to the 7.5 ton fleet. However, as Jubilee Mail Center is within my area,
and operation of the larger vehicles is also my concern as they operate from
this site
** I am unsure if this should be stress or strain