Protection of occupants for survival space as per ECE R29: A study of regulatory requirements, new proposals and challenges of implementation in global context

Abstract

The uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles with regard to the protection of the occupants of the cab of a commercial vehicle as per ECE R29 [1], was implemented in October 2008 in India. The cab must be designed in such a way that in event of crash, sufficient survival space is ensured for the occupants. ECE-R 29 uses prescribed limits of cabin crush to ensure occupant protection rather measuring occupant injury based on Anthropomorphic Test Devices (ATDs), or dummies. The ''Swing Bob'' dynamic test procedure specified in ECE R29 is used for the evaluation of survival space. With evolving times various informal proposals were raised by different countries in GRSP meetings to modify the existing regulation to newer requirements. Though India has mandated the standard but it was realized during the implementation process that there are some areas, which are not addressed by the standard. This paper discusses about the modification proposals submitted by different countries and practical problems incurred during implementation of the standard in Indian context. The paper also discusses a case study of light commercial vehicle less than 1,500 kg, the problems in meeting survival space requirements and highlights the rationalization of standard for lighter vehicles. © Springer-Verlag 2013.