Determinación de parámetros contextuales en el diseño geométrico vial de los vehículos pesados en Ecuador

Abstract

Abstract: This study determines a representative eye height for Ecuadorian drivers of heavy vehicles and evaluates its impact on road geometric design parameters. A quantitative approach was used, based on the collection of data from 628 vehicle configurations registered in the country, supplemented with technical information from manufacturers and national anthropometric data disaggregated by sex and ethnic group. Using CAD software scaling, the distance to the ground, seat height, and eye-to-hip distance were calculated, allowing the estimation of the driver's total viewing height. An average value of 1.70 m was obtained for heavy vehicles, significantly lower than the values ​​used by the MOP and AASHTO standards. The comparative analysis shows that the actual dimensions and weights of the Ecuadorian heavy vehicle fleet exceed the assumptions of international design standards, with lengths reaching up to 36.6 m and weights exceeding 70 t. This directly impacts the design of turning radii, visibility distances, and the structural capacity of pavements and bridges. The study provides a replicable and updatable method for characterizing vehicles and drivers and highlights the urgent need to update national geometric design parameters based on local empirical data to improve road safety and operational efficiency.