Vehicle dimension and mass
permitting manual (volume 2)
Part D
Processing HPMV higher mass permit
applications
Disclaimer
This publication is intended to provide general information about the permitting of
vehicles that exceed dimension and mass limits. While every effort has been made to
ensure the quality and accuracy of this information, readers are advised that the
information provided does not replace or alter the laws of New Zealand, does not
replace any legal requirement, and is not a substitute for expert advice applicable to
the reader’s specific situation. Readers should also be aware that the content in this
publication may be replaced or amended subsequent to this publication, and any
references to legislation may become out of date if that legislation is amended.
Readers are therefore advised to obtain their own legal and other expert advice
before undertaking any action based on information contained in this publication.
The NZ Transport Agency does not accept any responsibility or liability whatsoever,
whether in contract, tort, equity or otherwise for any action taken, or reliance placed,
as a result of reading any part of this publication or for any error, inadequacy,
deficiency, flaw or omission from the information provided in this publication.
© NZ Transport Agency
www.nzta.govt.nz
Page D-i
Contents
See page
Introduction....................................................................................................................D-1
Chapter D1: General information and process overview ................................................... D1-1
Overview ...................................................................................................................... D1-1
D1.1 Overview diagrams of the HPMV higher mass permitting process ................ D1-2
D1.2 HPMV higher mass permitting roles and responsibilities .............................. D1-6
D1.3 Guidelines for dealing with permit applicants ................................................ D1-8
D1.4 OPermit and other permitting systems ............................................................ D1-9
D1.5 Central receipt and initial screening of HPMV permit applications ............. D1-10
Chapter D2: Checking compliance with legal mass limits and vehicle safety ................. D2-1
Overview ...................................................................................................................... D2-1
D2.1 Checking compliance with axle mass limits .................................................... D2-2
D2.2 Checking vehicle attributes .............................................................................. D2-5
D2.3 Checking roll stability ....................................................................................... D2-9
Chapter D3: Analysing routes.............................................................................................. D3-1
Overview ...................................................................................................................... D3-1
D3.1 Entering application details into OPermit ........................................................ D3-2
D3.2 Forwarding multi-region applications .............................................................. D3-3
D3.3 Referring the application for bridge analysis .................................................. D3-4
D3.4 Attempting to resolve issues ............................................................................ D3-6
D3.5 Amending application details in OPermit ........................................................ D3-7
Chapter D4: Completing an HPMV higher mass permit or declining an application ...... D4-1
Overview ...................................................................................................................... D4-1
D4.1 Creating an HPMV higher mass permit ............................................................ D4-2
D4.2 Liaising with local road controlling authorities ............................................... D4-5
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D-ii
Contents
continued
See page
D4.3 Sending permit documents to the permit champion ...................................... D4-7
D4.4 Issuing an HPMV higher mass permit .............................................................. D4-8
D4.5 Declining an HPMV higher mass permit application ..................................... D4-10
Chapter D5: Permit champion procedures ......................................................................... D5-1
Overview ...................................................................................................................... D5-1
D5.1 Guidelines for permit champions ..................................................................... D5-2
D5.2 How to do a quality assurance check ............................................................... D5-3
Chapter D6: HPMV higher mass permitting resources ...................................................... D6-1
Overview ...................................................................................................................... D6-1
D6.1 Vehicle types eligible for HPMV permits .......................................................... D6-2
D6.2 Critical axle groups for HPMVs ......................................................................... D6-4
D6.3 Class 1 mass limits ............................................................................................ D6-8
D6.4 HPMV mass limits ............................................................................................ D6-13
D6.5 Axle weight flexibility tables for use in permits ........................................... D6-18
Chapter D7: HPMV higher mass permitting procedures for regional bridge engineers . D7-1
Overview ...................................................................................................................... D7-1
D7.1 General principles .............................................................................................. D7-3
D7.2 Overview diagrams of assessing bridges for HPMV permit applications ...... D7-4
D7.3 Understanding the Element Comparison Report ............................................. D7-6
D7.4 Receiving and reviewing reports ...................................................................... D7-8
D7.5 Assessing a bridge using OPermit data ......................................................... D7-10
D7.6 Conducting an independent assessment of a bridge ................................... D7-13
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D-iii
Contents
continued
See page
D7.7 Allowing increased material stresses ............................................................. D7-15
D7.8 Example 1: Mercer Overpass – no AWF.......................................................... D7-17
D7.9 Example 2: Little Kuri Creek Bridge – no AWF ............................................... D7-19
D7.10 Bakers Creek Bridge – no AWF...................................................................... D7-22
D7.11 Dealing with axle weight flexibility (AWF) ................................................... D7-25
D7.12 Overview diagram of procedures for dealing with AWF ............................. D7-27
D7.13 Dealing with Class 1 AWF ............................................................................. D7-28
D7.14 Dealing with HPMV AWF ................................................................................ D7-31
D7.15 Reporting back to the PIO ............................................................................. D7-33
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D-1
Part D: Processing HPMV higher mass permit
applications
Introduction
About this part
This part of the Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
describes how HPMV higher mass permit applications are processed by the
Transport Agency.
Legal
background
When issuing HPMV permits, the Transport Agency (or any other road
controlling authority) is required by law to consider:

the safety of the vehicle

the safety of road users, and

the durability of roads and bridges on which the vehicle may operate.
(Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimension and Mass 2002, section 5.2(2)).
The processes and procedures described in this part are designed to ensure
the Transport Agency meets these legal obligations when issuing HPMV
higher mass permits.
Purpose
The purpose of this part is to be a ‘how-to’ reference for anyone involved in
processing HPMV higher mass permit applications. It is intended to
document best practice and make the permitting process transparent to all
stakeholders.
Audience
The primary audience for this part is:

permitting staff at the Transport Agency and in approved organisations,
and

Transport Agency technical support staff.
The intended audience of chapter D7 is regional bridge engineers involved in
HPMV permitting.
Local road controlling authorities, permit applicants and enforcement agents
may also be interested in how the Transport Agency processes HPMV higher
mass permit applications.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D-2
Introduction
Policy in
volume 1
continued
This part should be read in conjunction with the policy information in Part D:
HPMV higher mass permits in volume 1 of this manual.
Permitting staff should take the time to familiarise themselves with the policy
in order to:

advise applicants correctly and refer them to relevant information, and

understand the reasons for and background to the permitting process
and procedures.
Terminology
and
abbreviations
Specific terminology and abbreviations are used throughout this manual. For
definitions and explanations, see Part I: Definitions and glossary in
volume 1.
In this part
This part contains the following chapters:
Chapter
See page
Chapter D1: General information and process overview
D1-1
Chapter D2: Checking compliance with legal mass limits and
vehicle safety
D2-1
Chapter D3: Analysing routes
D3-1
Chapter D4: Completing an HPMV higher mass permit or
declining an application
D4-1
Chapter D5: Permit champion procedures
D5-1
Chapter D6: HPMV higher mass permitting resources
D6-1
Chapter D7: HPMV higher mass permitting procedures for
regional bridge engineers
D7-1
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D1-1
Chapter D1: General information and process
overview
Overview
About this
chapter
In this chapter
This chapter gives an overview of the HPMV higher mass permitting process.
It includes:

general guidelines for dealing with applicants

overview diagrams of the higher mass permitting process

an explanation of permitting roles and responsibilities, and

a description of the central receipt and initial screening checks of HPMV
permits before they are referred for regional processing.
This chapter contains the following sections:
Section
See page
D1.1 Overview diagrams of the HPMV higher mass
permitting process
D1-2
D1.2 HPMV higher mass permitting roles and
responsibilities
D1-6
D1.3 Guidelines for dealing with permit applicants
D1-8
D1.4 OPermit and other permitting systems
D1-9
D1.5 Central receipt and initial screening of HPMV permit
applications
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
D1-10
Page D1-2
D1.1 Overview diagrams of the HPMV higher mass permitting process
Diagram 1
The diagram below gives a high-level overview of the initial screening checks done by a Customer Access permitting team
member on receipt of HPMV higher mass permit applications.
Continued on next page
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First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D1-3
D1.1 Overview diagrams of the HPMV higher mass permitting process
Diagram 2
continued
The diagram below gives a high-level overview of the first stage of regional processing of HPMV higher mass applications,
which is checking the vehicle’s safety and compliance with legal mass limits.
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D1-4
D1.1 Overview diagrams of the HPMV higher mass permitting process
Diagram 3
continued
The diagram below gives a high-level overview of the process for analysing routes for HPMV higher mass permit
applications.
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D1-5
D1.1 Overview diagrams of the HPMV higher mass permitting process
Diagram 4
continued
The diagram below gives a high-level overview of completing an HPMV higher mass permit and issuing it, or declining an
application.
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First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D1-6
D1.2 HPMV higher mass permitting roles and
responsibilities
Who is
involved?
The table below summarises the roles and responsibilities involved in
processing HPMV higher mass permit applications.
Role
Responsibilities
Customer Access permitting team
member in Palmerston North
 Receives HPMV permit applications
 Conducts initial screening checks, including operator
safety check (for details see section D1.5 below)
 Attempts to resolve any issues identified during the
initial screening
 Returns incomplete or inaccurate applications to the
applicant
 Refers applications that require an HPMV overlength
permit to the overlength permitting process
 On completion of the initial screening and overlength
permitting (if required), refers the application to the
regional PIO
Regional permit issuing officer
(‘regional PIO’)
 Liaises with other regional PIOs for multi-region
applications and coordinates regional responses
 Confirms vehicle attributes are sufficient for mass
applied for
 Checks compliance with legal mass limits and mass
distribution
 Assesses route suitability and refers the application for
regional bridge engineer analysis
 Liaises with local road controlling authorities (RCAs)
 Works with the applicant to resolve any issues with the
application, and
 Issues higher mass permits or declines applications
 Updates the status of applications in PIMS
Regional bridge engineer
Assesses capacity of bridges and structures on routes
applied for and recommends permit outcome to regional
PIO
Permit champion
Does quality assurance check of processing of
applications and draft permits before they are issued
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D1-7
D1.2 HPMV higher mass permitting roles and
responsibilities continued
Local road
controlling
authorities
Local road controlling authorities (RCAs) are responsible for issuing HPMV
higher mass permits for the use of local roads. However, in some regions the
Transport Agency works closely with the local RCAs and issues HPMV higher
mass permits covering both state highways and local roads with local RCA
consent.
Regional PIOs need to find out the specific arrangements in place in their
region to determine how best to liaise with a local RCA.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D1-8
D1.3 Guidelines for dealing with permit applicants
Customerfocused
approach
The Transport Agency’s policy is to assist permit applicants as much as
possible so that permits can be issued. PIOs are expected to work with
applicants in a proactive and helpful manner and try to resolve any issues
with applications in consultation with applicants.
Gather all
issues before
contacting
applicants
As you conduct the checks described in this part, you may find that a single
application has multiple issues that would make it ineligible for a permit. To
avoid having to contact an applicant several times, take note of any issues as
you come across them until you have completed all checks, or a set of
checks, before you contact the applicant.
The types of issues you may need to follow up with an applicant include:

mass applied for (either gross mass or axle masses) exceeds the vehicle’s
design limits, or

mass applied for exceeds the capacity of bridges on the desired route.
When to
contact an
applicant
about issues
Be guided by your experience to determine when best to contact an applicant
to resolve issues with an application. While it is best to minimise the number
of times that you need to contact an applicant, this needs to be balanced
against notifying the applicant quickly if they need to address major issues
that would otherwise result in the application being declined.
Email or
telephone?
Use your judgment to determine whether it would be best to resolve any
issues with an applicant on the telephone, or whether you need to put it in
writing and send them an email.
As a guideline, email is more appropriate if there are multiple or major
issues with an application. Minor issues and straightforward queries can
often be resolved more quickly by telephone.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D1-9
D1.4 OPermit and other permitting systems
Training and
user guides
The procedures described in this part require access to and familiarity with
the systems and applications described in this section. However, the
procedures do not give detailed instructions on how to use these
applications.
Regional PIOs unfamiliar with the applications should seek training or consult
the relevant user guides.
PIMS
The Permit Issuing and Management System (referred to as ‘PIMS’) is the
central database and management tool for HPMV permit applications.
The Transport Agency’s permit portal (www.hpmvpermits.nzta.govt.nz) with
the online application form is the customer-facing part of PIMS. It allows
applicants to register their company and vehicles, submit permit applications
and track the progress of applications.
All applications submitted in PIMS are captured and stored in the PIMS
database together with their associated documents.
PIOs access submitted applications and application documents in PIMS for
processing. They are responsible for updating the status of applications in
PIMS throughout the permitting process.
OPermit
OPermit is a database of information about operators, vehicles and routes. It
includes details of bridges and other road infrastructure.
Regional PIOs use OPermit for checking the suitability of routes for the loads
applied for, and for generating the permit document.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D1-10
D1.5 Central receipt and initial screening of HPMV
permit applications
Where
applications
are received
HPMV higher mass permit applications submitted online are captured in
PIMS.
Initial
screening
checks
The initial screening checks are:
Customer Access permitting team members in the Transport Agency’s
Palmerston North office conduct initial screening checks on newly received
applications before referring them for regional processing.
Check
Confirms that …
TSL number check
the applicant is the holder of a valid TSL
number.
Operator safety check
the operator does not pose an undue safety
risk if issued with a permit.
Basic eligibiltiy and
completeness check
 the application is eligible for an HPMV
higher mass permit, ie it is:
– for a divisible load exceeding 44,000kg,
and
– for a vehicle of standard height (max.
4.25m) and width (max. 2.50m)
 all required information and attachments
are provided with the application.
Companies Office check
the applicant (if a company or limited
partnership) is a valid legal entity entitled to
hold a permit.
Identical vehicles check
vehicles in multi-registration applications
meet the requirements for being covered by
a single permit.
Basic unit safety check
the vehicle meets basic unit safety
requirements, ie the mass applied for is
within its certified design limits, ie:
 gross vehicle mass
 gross combination mass, and
 tow couplings.
For details about these initial screening checks, see Part A: Receiving permit
applications in this volume of the manual.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D2-1
Chapter D2: Checking compliance with legal
mass limits and vehicle safety
Overview
About this
chapter
This chapter describes the first set of checks regional PIOs do when
processing HPMV higher mass permit applications. The purpose of these
checks is to confirm vehicle safety and compliance with legal mass limits.
In this chapter
This chapter contains the following sections:
Section
See page
D2.1 Checking compliance with axle mass limits
D2-2
D2.2 Checking vehicle attributes
D2-5
D2.3 Checking roll stability
D2-9
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D2-2
D2.1 Checking compliance with axle mass limits
Why check
compliance
with legal
mass limits?
The purpose of this check is to confirm that the axle masses applied for are
within legal limits.
Three subtasks
Checking axle mass limits involves the following three subtasks:
The mass on individual axles, axle sets and critical axle groups must not
exceed the limits prescribed in the VDAM Rule schedule 2, part B (the HPMV
limits).
1. Checking individual axle mass limits
2. Checking axle set mass limits, and
3. Checking axle distance mass limits.
These three subtasks are explained in detail below.
1. Checking
individual axle
mass limits
Follow the steps below to check individual axle mass limits.
Legal reference: VDAM Rule schedule 2, part B, table 1.
Step
Action
1
Refer to the unit information on the application form.
2
Note the axle type of each individual axle.
3
Using table 1 in section D6.4 HPMV mass limits, confirm that
the mass applied for each individual axle is less than or equal to
the maximum mass shown in the table.
Are the individual axle masses applied for within legal limits?
 If yes, go to step 4.
 If no, contact the applicant and ask whether the mass can be
adjusted to within the legal limit. If no adjustment can be
made, decline the application.
4
Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each vehicle unit applied for.
When you have checked all units, continue with subtask
2. Checking axle set mass limits.
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D2-3
D2.1 Checking compliance with axle mass limits
2. Checking
axle set mass
limits
continued
Follow the steps below to check axle set mass limits.
Legal reference: VDAM Rule schedule 2, part B, tables 2 to 5.
Step
Action
1
Refer to the unit information on the application form.
2
Note the axle types on the unit and add up the total mass for
each axle set.
3
Using tables 2 to 5 in section D6.4 HPMV mass limits, confirm
that the mass applied for each axle set is less than or equal to
the maximum mass shown in the tables.
Are the axle set masses applied for within legal limits?
 If yes, go to step 4.
 If no, contact the applicant and ask whether the mass can be
adjusted to within the legal limit. If no adjustment can be
made, decline the application.
3. Checking
axle distance
mass limits
4
Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each vehicle unit applied for.
5
When you have checked all units, record in PIMS that you have
checked gross mass and axle mass limits. Then continue with
subtask 3. Checking axle distance mass limits.
Follow the steps below to check axle distance mass limits.
Legal reference: VDAM Rule, schedule 2, part B, table 6.
Step
1
Action
Note the vehicle type indicated on the application form.
Referring to section D6.2 Critical axle groups for HPMVs,
identify the critical axle groups for that vehicle.
2
Calculate the inter-axle spacing for the first critical axle group
by adding up the axle spacings on the permit application.
Call this X (metres).
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D2-4
D2.1 Checking compliance with axle mass limits
3. Checking
axle distance
mass limits
Step
(continued)
3
continued
Action
Calculate the total mass on the critical axle group by adding up
the relevant masses on the application form.
Call this M1 (kg).
4
Using table 6 in section D6.4 HPMV mass limits and the value X,
determine the maximum mass for the axle group. Call this M2.
Example:
X = 7.3m
5
M2 = 31,000kg
Compare the value M1 with the value M2.
Is M1 less than or equal to M2?
 If yes, go to step 6.
 If no, contact the applicant and ask whether the mass can be
adjusted to be within the legal limit. If no adjustment can be
made, decline the application.
6
Repeat steps 2 to 5 for all critical axle groups.
7
Record in PIMS that you have checked axle distance mass limits,
then continue processing the application – see Chapter D3:
Analysing routes.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D2-5
D2.2 Checking vehicle attributes
Why check
vehicle
attributes?
The purpose of checking vehicle attributes is to confirm that the vehicle can
safely carry the mass applied for.
Three subtasks
Checking vehicle attributes consists of the following three subtasks:
It involves checking mass details from the application form against the
certified values on the attributes check sheets for each vehicle unit.
1. Checking gross mass details to confirm that the mass applied for is
within the unit’s certified safety ratings for:
 gross vehicle mass (GVM)
 gross combination mass (GCM)
 tow couplings, and
 maximum towed mass (MTM) braked.
2. Checking axle set ratings to confirm that the axle set masses applied
for are within certified safety ratings.
3. Checking tyre ratings to confirm that they are sufficient for the mass
applied for.
These three subtasks are described in detail below.
1. Checking
gross mass
details
Follow the steps below to check gross mass details on the application form
against the certified ratings on the attributes check sheet.
Note: Repeat this procedure for each vehicle unit on the application form.
Step
Action
GCM and GVM check
1
Refer to the unit information on the application form.
Are the gross vehicle mass (GVM) and the gross combination
mass (GCM) less than or equal to the certified GVM and GCM
ratings on the attributes check sheet for the unit?
 If yes, the gross mass applied for is within the unit’s safety
ratings. Go to step 2.
 If no, make a note of any discrepancies and then go to step 2.
Continued on next page
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First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D2-6
D2.2 Checking vehicle attributes continued
1. Checking
gross mass
details
Step
Action
Tow couplings check
(continued)
2
For each towing unit in the vehicle combination, add up the
total unit mass of any towed units.
Examples:
 If you are checking the tow coupling on the prime mover, add
up the total unit mass of all towed trailers. Make a note of the
sum.
 If you are checking the tow coupling on a trailer towing
another trailer (ie in a B-train), note the total unit mass of the
towed trailer.
3
On the attributes check sheet, refer to the rating for the towing
unit’s tow coupling, ie either the:
– draw bar
– draw beam
– king pin, or
– 5th wheel mount,
whichever applies to the unit.
Is the rating for the tow coupling equal to or higher than the
total unit mass of any towed units (ie the sums from step 2)?
 If yes, the tow coupling meets safety requirements. Go to
step 4.
 If no, make a note of any issues and then go to step 4.
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D2-7
D2.2 Checking vehicle attributes continued
1. Checking
gross mass
details
Step
Action
MTM braked check
(continued)
4
For the prime mover and a trailer towing another trailer, look up
the rating in the Maximum Towed Mass Braked (MTM braked)
field on the attributes check sheets.
Note: If the certifier has not provided an MTM braked rating on
the attributes check sheet, look up the vehicle’s rating in
Hyperion.
Is the rating equal to or higher than ( ≥ ) the total unit mass of
any towed units?
Examples:
Vehicle unit
MTM braked must be ≥ than
the …
Prime mover
sum of all individual total unit
masses of any towed trailers.
Trailer towing another
unit (B-train)
total unit mass for the towed
trailer.
 If yes, the MTM braked rating meets safety requirements. Go
to step 5.
 If no, make a note of the insufficient MTM braked rating and
then go to step 5.
5
For a trailer not towing another trailer, look up the Maximum
braked mass rating on the attributes check sheet.
Is the certified maximum braked mass equal to or greater than
the trailer’s total unit mass?
 If yes, the vehicle’s maximum braked mass meets safety
requirements. Continue with subtask 2. Checking axle set
ratings below.
 If no, make a note of the insufficient rating and then continue
with subtask 2 below.
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D2-8
D2.2 Checking vehicle attributes continued
2. Checking
axle set ratings
Follow the steps below to check that the axle set masses applied for are
within the certified ratings on the attributes check sheet.
Step
1
Action
Refer to the unit information on the application form and add
up the total mass for the front axle set and the rear axle set (or
just the rear axle set for a semi-trailer).
Are the front and rear axle set masses on the application form
less than or equal to the maximum front and rear axle group
mass ratings on the attributes check sheet?
 If yes, the axle set masses applied for are within the unit’s
safety ratings. Go to step 2.
 If no, make a note of any discrepancies and then go to step 2.
2
3. Checking
tyre ratings
Repeat step 1 for each vehicle unit on the application form.
Follow the steps below to confirm that the tyre ratings are sufficient for the
mass applied for.
Step
1
Action
On the attribute check sheet, refer to the Tyre Size and Rating
values for the front and rear axle sets. Work out the total ratings
based on the number of tyres for each axle type.
Tip: Look up axle types in Part I: Definitions and glossary in
volume 1 of this manual.
Are the ratings equal to or higher than the corresponding axle
set masses applied for on the application form?
 If yes, the tyre ratings are sufficient. Continue with section
D2.3 Checking roll stability.
 If no, make a note of any issues and then continue with
section D2.3.
2
Repeat step 1 for each vehicle unit applied for.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D2-9
D2.3 Checking roll stability
Roll stability
requirements
for HPMVs
To meet stability safety requirements and be eligible for an HPMV permit,
trailers registered after 1 May 2010 must have a minimum static roll
threshold (SRT) of 0.35g and roll stability control (RSC) activated. This must
be indicated on the attributes check sheet.
Older trailers without EBS/ABS and RSC
Trailers first registered before 1 May 2010 that are not fitted with an
electronically controlled brake system (EBS) or anti-lock braking system (ABS)
and therefore have no roll stability control are still eligible for an HPMV
higher mass permit, but must have a minimum SRT of 0.4g.
Trailers not exceeding 2.8 metres overall height
The VDAM Rule exempts vehicles with a load or body height not exceeding
2.8 metres from SRT compliance certification. Vehicles not higher than 2.8
metres are generally tankers and bulk tippers (drop-side trailers).
To be eligible for an HPMV higher mass permit, trailers up to 2.8 metres high
must have RSC activated or meet a minimum SRT of 0.4g.
Three subtasks
Checking roll stability consists of the following three subtasks, depending on
the type of trailer:
1. Checking roll stability: Trailer higher than 2.8m
2. Checking roll stability: Older trailer without EBS/ABS and RSC, or
3. Checking roll stability: Trailer up to 2.8m high
These three subtasks are described in detail below.
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D2-10
D2.3 Checking roll stability
1. Checking
roll stability:
Trailer higher
than 2.8m
continued
Follow the steps below to confirm that the trailer units meet stability
requirements.
Note: You must repeat this procedure for each trailer applied for.
Step
1
Action
Refer to the ‘Vehicle Information’ section of the application
form. Does the total height of the vehicle exceed 2.8 metres?
 If yes, go to step 2.
 If no, go to subtask 3. Checking roll stability: Trailer up to
2.8m high.
2
Refer to the attributes check sheet for each trailer. Has the
certifier marked the following with ‘Yes’:
– roll stability control is activated, and
– trailer meets the minimum 0.35g?
Note: All trailers first registered after 1 May 2010 must have
EBS/ABS and roll stability control activated.
 If yes, go to step 3.
 If no, go to subtask 2. Checking roll stability: Older trailer.
3
On the attributes check sheet, has the certifier included a load
height restriction for the trailer at 0.35g?
 If yes, go to step 4.
 If no, the trailer meets stability requirements. Continue with
Chapter D3: Analysing routes.
4
Request a copy of the SRT compliance certificate from the
applicant.
5
On receipt of the SRT certificate, confirm that the load height
restrictions on the certificates match the load height restrictions
on the attributes check sheet.
 If yes, the trailer meets stability requirements at the certified
load height restrictions. Continue with Chapter D3: Analysing
routes.
 If no, decline the application − see section D4.5 Declining an
HPMV higher mass permit application.
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D2-11
D2.3 Checking roll stability
2. Checking
roll stability:
Older trailer
continued
Follow the steps below to confirm that the older trailer units without EBS/ABS
and RSC meet stability requirements.
Note: This procedure only applies to trailers first registered before
1 May 2010.
Step
1
Action
On the attributes check sheet, has the certifier indicated that it
is an older trailer (ie first registered before 1 May 2010):
– without EBS or ABS, and
– an SRT of 0.4g?
 If yes, go to step 2.
 If no, contact the applicant and try to establish what type of
trailer it is and request the relevant documentation. If the
issue cannot be resolved, decline the application – see section
D4.5 Declining an HPMV higher mass permit application.
2
On the attributes check sheet, has the certifier included a load
height restriction for the trailer at 0.4g?
 If yes, go to step 3.
 If no, go to step 5.
3
Request a copy of the SRT compliance certificate from the
applicant.
4
On receipt of the SRT certificate, confirm that the load height
restrictions on the certificates match the load height restrictions
on the attributes check sheet.
 If yes, the trailer meets stability requirements at the certified
load height restrictions. Continue with Chapter D3: Analysing
routes.
 If no, decline the application − see section D4.5 Declining an
HPMV higher mass permit application.
5
Contact the applicant and request:
– an amended attributes check sheet with load height
restrictions, and
– a copy of the SRT compliance certificate.
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D2-12
D2.3 Checking roll stability
2. Checking
roll stability:
Older trailer
Step
6
(continued)
continued
Action
On receipt of the amended attributes check sheet and the SRT
compliance certificate, confirm that the load height restrictions
on the two documents match.
 If yes, the trailer meets stability requirements at the certified
load height restrictions. Continue with Chapter D3: Analysing
routes.
 If no, decline the application − see section D4.5 Declining an
HPMV higher mass permit application
3. Checking
roll stability:
Trailer up to
2.8m high
Follow the steps below to confirm that trailer units not exceeding 2.8 metres
in load or body height meet stability requirements.
Step
1
Action
Refer to the attributes check sheets for each trailer. Has the
certifier:
– confirmed that roll stability control is activated, and
– noted that the trailer’s overall height is less than
2.8 metres?
 If yes, the trailer meets stability requirements. Continue with
Chapter D3: Analysing routes.
 If no, go to step 2.
2
Contact the applicant and clarify the overall height and whether
roll stability control can be activated.
If it is an older trailer without EBS and roll stability control,
request an amended attributes check sheet confirming that the
trailer meets a minimum SRT of 0.4g.
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D2-13
D2.3 Checking roll stability
3. Checking
roll stability:
Trailer up to
2.8m high
Step
3
(continued)
continued
Action
On receipt of the amended attributes check sheet, refer to the
table below to determine your next step.
If the amended attributes
check sheet …
Then …
confirms an SRT of 0.4g
(or higher)
the trailer meets stability
requirements – continue with
Chapter D3: Analysing routes.
notes an SRT below 0.4g
decline the application – see
section D4.5 Declining an HPMV
higher mass permit application.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D3-1
Chapter D3: Analysing routes
Overview
About this
chapter
HPMV higher mass permits are route-specific. This chapter describes how to
analyse the impact of a higher mass HPMV on bridges and culverts on the
route applied for.
OPermit
The procedures described in this chapter require familiarity with OPermit.
They do not give detailed information on the use of this system. If you need
help with using OPermit, refer to the Transport Agency’s OPermit user guide
or ask for training.
In this chapter
This chapter contains the following sections:
Section
See page
D3.1 Entering application details into OPermit
D3-2
D3.2 Forwarding multi-region applications
D3-3
D3.3 Referring the application for bridge analysis
D3-4
D3.4 Attempting to resolve issues
D3-6
D3.5 Amending application details in OPermit
D3-7
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D3-2
D3.1 Entering application details into OPermit
When to enter
data into
OPermit
You must have completed the checks described in chapter D2 before
entering application details into OPermit.
Procedure
Follow the steps below to enter application details into OPermit.
Step
Action
1
Log on to OPermit.
2
Check to see if the applicant is already in the system.
 If yes, check the applicant’s details and make any necessary
changes.
 If no, set up the applicant using the Add New Company
function.
3
Check to see whether the vehicle and its component units are in
the system.
 If yes, check the details and make any necessary changes.
 If no, set up the vehicle/units using the Add New Vehicle
function.
Tip: Search on the registration numbers first to find out whether
the vehicle or units already exist in the system.
4
Enter the vehicle and unit loading information from the
application details.
5
Check to see whether the route requested in the application is a
predefined route in OPermit.
 If yes, select that route for the vehicle.
 If no, set up the route using the Add New Route function.
6
Record in PIMS that the application has been entered into
OPermit.
7
Does the route go through multiple Transport Agency regions?
 If yes, continue with section D3.2 Forwarding multi-region
applications.
 If no, continue with section D3.3 Referring the application for
bridge analysis.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D3-3
D3.2 Forwarding multi-region applications
How are multiregion
applications
processed?
HPMV higher mass permit applications that go through several regions must
be analysed for route suitability by the regional PIO and bridge engineer in
each region the route covers.
Who manages
multi-region
applications?
The PIO in the region where the route starts liaises with the other regional
PIOs and issues the final permit.
Procedure
Follow the steps below to forward a multi-region application for route
analysis in other regions.
The mass limits on the permit will be determined by the lowest capacity
structure on the overall route.
Step
Action
1
Refer to the route information on the application form and
identify the different regions involved.
2
Forward the application and all attached documents to the PIOs
in the regions involved.
The email addresses of regional PIOs are listed on the Transport
Agency’s website at www.nzta.govt.nz/commercialdriving/permits/high-productivity/high-productivity-motorvehicles-and-hpmv-permits/.
3
In your cover email, advise the other PIOs of the application
number in OPermit.
4
Make a note in your diary to follow up if you have not had a
reply within 5 working days.
Note: Regional processing may take longer than 5 days due to
factors beyond the control of a regional PIO. However, it is good
practice to communicate regularly with the other PIOs about
progress.
5
While you wait for the route analysis from other regions to be
completed, continue processing the application – see section
D3.3 Referring the application for bridge analysis.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D3-4
D3.3 Referring the application for bridge analysis
When to refer
applications
for bridge
analysis
The bridge restriction reports are sent to the regional bridge engineer for
detailed analysis. This is done even when the reports indicate that the vehicle
will be unrestricted when operating on the route with the loads applied for.
Role of bridge
engineer
The role of the regional bridge engineer is to:

provide specialist analysis of the application

advise the PIO whether the route is suitable or whether the application
should be declined due to bridge restrictions, or

recommend options for the PIO to discuss with the applicant so that the
application may be approved, including:
 changing the route
 adjusting the loadings, or
 adding conditions to the permit.
Procedure
Follow the steps below to refer the application for bridge analysis.
Step
1
Action
In OPermit, generate the following bridge restriction reports:
 Summary Report
 Element Comparison Report, and
 Detail Report.
2
Attach the reports as well as the application to an email and
send it to the bridge engineer in your region.
3
Update the application status in PIMS to record that the
application is with the regional bridge engineer.
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D3-5
D3.3 Referring the application for bridge analysis
continued
Next step
Refer to the table below to determine your next step, depending on the
regional bridge engineer’s recommendation.
If the engineer …
Then you will …
advises the route passes for the
vehicle configuration, or passes
with conditions
continue with obtaining local authority
approval − see section D4.2 Liaising
with local road controlling authorities.
advises the route fails for the
vehicle configuration
decline the permit application − see
section D4.5 Declining an HPMV higher
mass permit application.
suggests options for changing
application details to enable a
permit to be issued
contact the applicant and discuss the
options − see section D3.4 Attempting
to resolve issues.
If the applicant agrees to changing
application details, rerun the bridge
analysis reports and refer them for
engineering analysis until the
application passes. This may take
several iterations.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D3-6
D3.4 Attempting to resolve issues
When to
attempt to
resolve issues
Use your judgment and experience to decide when best to contact an
applicant if there are issues with an application. Often it is best to gather up
all issues and complete the processing, including the route checks, to be
able to discuss all options with an applicant.
The aim is to find a resolution in consultation with the applicant so that a
permit can be issued. At the same time, consideration of the safety of other
road users and the durability of infrastructure must remain paramount.
Procedure
Follow the steps below to attempt to resolve any issues.
Step
Action
1
Either open the relevant page in OPermit to refer to or have your
notes of issues at hand.
2
Contact the applicant by telephone or email and explain the
situation.
3
Discuss options with the applicant. Options include:
 changing the route
 reducing the total gross mass and/or individual axle mass, or
 not proceeding with the application.
Note: If the route is capable of supporting a higher mass HPMV,
but at lower total mass and/or axle loadings, the regional
bridge engineer should recommend the individual axle masses
that would enable the vehicle to obtain a permit.
4
Refer to the table below to determine your next step.
If the applicant decides
to …
Then you will …
change the route
amend the entry in OPermit − see
section D3.5 Amending
application details in OPermit.
adjust the mass
not proceed with the
application
decline the application − see
section D4.5 Declining an HPMV
higher mass permit application.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D3-7
D3.5 Amending application details in OPermit
Several
iterations
You may need to amend application details more than once in OPermit to
test whether the adjustments discussed with the applicant and the bridge
engineer will allow a permit to be issued.
Procedure
Follow the steps below to amend application details in OPermit.
Step
Action
1
Log on to OPermit and access the application you want to
amend.
2
Adjust the loading details, as required.
3
Adjust the route details, as required.
4
Generate new bridge restriction reports, ie:
 Summary Report
 Element Comparison Report, and
 Detail Report.
5
Send the new reports to the regional bridge engineer.
6
Repeat this procedure until the bridge engineer advises you to
either issue a permit or decline the application.
7
Record in PIMS that the regional bridge check has been
completed and continue with Chapter D4: Completing an HPMV
higher mass permit or declining an application.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D4-1
Chapter D4: Completing an HPMV higher
mass permit or declining an application
Overview
About this
chapter
This chapter describes how to create and issue an HPMV higher mass permit,
or how to decline an application.
In this chapter
This chapter contains the following sections:
Section
See page
D4.1 Creating an HPMV higher mass permit
D4-2
D4.2 Liaising with local road controlling authorities
D4-5
D4.3 Sending permit documents to the permit champion
D4-7
D4.4 Issuing an HPMV higher mass permit
D4-8
D4.5 Declining an HPMV higher mass permit application
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First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
D4-10
Page D4-2
D4.1 Creating an HPMV higher mass permit
Introduction
This section describes how to create an HPMV higher mass permit document.
While the process is similar to creating an overweight permit, HPMV higher
mass permits require more manual adjustments, which are explained below.
IMPORTANT:
No permits
with VINs
The VDAM Rule specifically requires registration numbers on HPMV higher
mass permits. You must not issue a higher mass permit with vehicle
identification numbers (VINs) instead of registration numbers.
Feasibility
studies
Applications for unregistered vehicles are treated as feasibility studies.
Applicants receive a document that looks similar to a permit with a
watermark ‘Feasibility Study Only’, which cannot be used as a legal permit.
Prerequisite
Before you can create a permit, you must have set up the application in
OPermit and resolved any route issues with input from the regional bridge
engineer.
Multi-region applications
For multi-region applications, you must have collated the inputs from the
other regional PIOs and, if necessary, have amended application details such
as axle masses in OPermit based on the weakest structure along the entire
route.
Two subtasks
Creating an HPMV higher mass permit involves the following two subtasks:
1. Generating the permit document in OPermit, and
2. Manually editing permit details.
These subtasks are described in detail below.
Continued on the next page
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First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D4-3
D4.1 Creating an HPMV higher mass permit
1. Generating
the permit
document in
OPermit
2. Manually
editing permit
details
continued
Follow the steps below to generate the permit in OPermit.
Step
Action
1
In OPermit, access the application you want to create the permit
for from the Pending Applications list.
2
Click the tick box below the Messages and Errors panel to
confirm that all messages and errors have been investigated.
Enter details of how any errors were resolved in the Comments
box.
3
Enter and confirm the fees information required for this permit.
4
On the Instructions page, click Issue and open the permit
document in Microsoft Word.
5
Save the document to the appropriate file location in your
system and continue with subtask 2. Manually editing permit
details.
Follow the steps below to manually edit the permit period (if necessary), the
route information and any conditions in the permit document.
Step
Action
1
Open the permit document in Microsoft Word.
2
If there is a comment in PIMS or the Customer Access permitting
team member has informed you that a reduced permit period is
to be applied because of concerns about operator safety,
manually change the permit period end date to 12 months from
the start date.
3
On page 2 of the permit document, enter the route details under
the ‘ROUTE AND SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS’ heading.
Detail all state highways and local roads used on the route.
4
Under the ‘Special Instructions’ heading, insert any special
conditions that apply, eg region-specific conditions.
Continued on next page
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First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D4-4
D4.1 Creating an HPMV higher mass permit
2. Manually
editing permit
details
Step
5
(continued)
continued
Action
Delete the two back pages, ie:
 Critical Conditions: Bridge Restrictions, and
 Critical Conditions: Bridge Restriction Requirements.
6
Next step
Adjust the formatting of the document as necessary and then
save the document.
The next step is to liaise with local councils if the route on the permit
involves local roads.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D4-5
D4.2 Liaising with local road controlling authorities
Regional
differences
The relationships and arrangements between the Transport Agency and local
road controlling authorities (RCAs) vary from region to region.
While some local RCAs issue HPMV higher mass permits for local roads
independently from the Transport Agency, others allow the Transport Agency
to issue permits that cover both state highways and local roads with their
consent. Some local RCAs also publish approved local HPMV routes on their
website, which the Transport Agency is authorised to include in permits.
Role of PIOs
How PIOs liaise with a local RCA depends on the specific arrangements and
agreements in their region. In general, PIOs are expected to foster good
relationships and assist local RCAs with permitting as much as possible.
Unresponsive
RCAs
PIOs may find some local RCAs unresponsive or slow to consent to the use of
local roads on permits, even if arrangements for cooperation are in place.
If you have ongoing problems with a particular RCA, email the Transport
Agency’s regional Planning & Investment (P & I) manager and bring the
matter to their attention. While the P & I manager cannot help with individual
permits, they can work towards clarifying arrangements and improving
relationships with the local RCA staff.
Procedure
If applicable in your region, follow the steps below to liaise with local RCAs
and get their consent to the use of local roads.
Step
1
Action
Draft an email to the local RCA. In the email:
 outline the steps you have taken to check the application,
including getting the route analysed by the regional bridge
engineer, and
 request written consent to the inclusion of local roads as part
of the permitted route.
2
Attach the following documents to the email:
 draft permit
 bridge engineer’s report (or email with the bridge engineer’s
recommendation), and
 any other documents requested by the local council.
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D4-6
D4.2 Liaising with local road controlling authorities
continued
Procedure
(continued)
Step
Action
3
Send the email to each of the local RCAs affected by the
proposed route.
4
If a local RCA raises concerns about or objects to the use of a
local road, attempt to find a resolution in consultation with the
applicant and the local RCA.
This may involve changing application details and rerunning the
application through OPermit − see section D3.5 Amending
application details in OPermit above.
5
Has each local RCA given written consent to the route?
Note: A supporting email from the local RCA is sufficient.
 If yes, send the permit and relevant documents to the permit
champion for a final quality assurance check before issuing
the permit – see section D4.3 Sending permit documents to
the permit champion.
 If no, advise the applicant to apply directly to the local RCA(s)
for a permit. Issue a permit for state highways only or decline
the application if this is not feasible − see section D4.5
Declining an HPMV higher mass permit application below.
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First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D4-7
D4.3 Sending permit documents to the permit champion
Role of permit
champion
Procedure
Permit champions are experienced PIOs or Transport Agency technical staff.
Their role is to:

review the draft permit and relevant documents for quality assurance

raise any concerns with the PIO, and

sign off on the permit if there are no issues.
Follow the steps below to send permit documents to the permit champion.
Step
1
Action
Send an email to the permit champion for your region with the
following attachments:
 permit application
 draft permit
 attributes check sheets
 bridge engineer’s approval (must be in writing)
 written consent from any local RCAs to the use of local roads
(if applicable), and
 OPermit Summary Report or Element Comparison Report.
Next steps
2
If the permit champion raises any concerns, take the necessary
action to resolve the issues. Ask the permit champion for
advice, if necessary.
3
Resubmit the permit documents to the permit champion until
you receive sign-off.
4
If the issues cannot be resolved to the permit champion’s
satisfaction, decline the application − see section D4.5 Declining
an HPMV higher mass permit application.
The next steps are to do a final Companies Office check and to issue the
permit to the applicant. See the next section for details.
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First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D4-8
D4.4 Issuing an HPMV higher mass permit
Two subtasks
Issuing an HPMV higher mass permit consists of the following two subtasks,
depending on how long it took to process the application:
1. Final Companies Office check, and
2. Issuing the permit to the applicant.
These two subtasks are described in detail below.
When to repeat
the Companies
Office check
Customer Access permitting team members do a Companies Office check
during the initial screening of applications to confirm that an applicant is a
valid legal entity entitled to hold an HPMV permit.
For complex applications that take longer to process (for example, multiregion applications), regional PIOs should repeat a Companies Office check
before issuing the permit to confirm that the operator has not gone out of
business in the meantime.
1. Final
Companies
Office check
Follow the steps below to do a final Companies Office check.
Step
Action
1
Go to the Companies Office website at
www.business.govt.nz/companies.
2
Enter the name of the applicant company (or partnership) in the
search field and click SEARCH.
3
Is the company name listed as a legally registered entity in the
search results?
Refer to the table below to determine your next step.
If the search finds …
Then …
an exact match for the
applicant’s business name
issue the permit − see subtask
2. Issuing the permit to the
applicant.
any of the following next to
the company or partnership
name:
decline the application − see
section D4.5 Declining an
HPMV higher mass permit
application below.
 ‘struck off’
 ‘in receivership’ or ‘in rec’
 ‘in liquidation’ or ‘in liq’
Continued on next page
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Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D4-9
D4.4 Issuing an HPMV higher mass permit
2. Issuing the
permit to the
applicant
continued
Follow the steps below to issue the permit.
Step
Action
1
Open the permit document in Microsoft Word and save it as a
PDF file.
2
Using the standard email template, draft a cover note to the
applicant and attach the PDF file of the permit.
Important: Only ever attach a PDF file. A Word document would
have no legal standing as a permit because it can be edited after
it has been issued.
End of process
3
Save all application and permit documents in the application
folder and close the file.
4
Update the status of the application in PIMS to Issued.
This completes the processing of an HPMV higher mass permit application.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D4-10
D4.5 Declining an HPMV higher mass permit application
When to
decline an
application
If an HPMV higher mass permit application fails to meet the requirements for
a permit and you have been unable to resolve the issues, you must decline
the application. This can happen at various stages during processing.
Procedure
Follow the steps below to decline an application.
Step
1
Action
Notify the applicant that their application has been declined.
Use your discretion as to the most appropriate form of
communication.
End of process
2
If you have advised the applicant by telephone, send written
confirmation.
Include the reasons why the application has been declined.
Refer to the efforts made to resolve issues.
3
Save any remaining documents and emails in the application
folder and close the file.
4
Update the application status in PIMS to Declined.
This completes the processing of an HPMV higher mass permit application.
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Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D5-1
Chapter D5: Permit champion procedures
Overview
About this
chapter
This chapter describes how to do a quality assurance (QA) check of draft
HPMV higher mass permits.
Audience
The audience for this chapter is senior PIOs or Transport Agency technical
staff who act as permit champions and conduct QA checks.
In this chapter
This chapter contains the following sections:
Section
See page
D5.1 Guidelines for permit champions
D5-2
D5.2 How to do a quality assurance check
D5-3
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D5-2
D5.1 Guidelines for permit champions
Role of permit
champion
The role of a permit champion is to:

review HPMV higher mass draft permits and relevant documents for
consistency with:
 the Transport Agency’s permitting policy, process and procedures,
and
 the intention and purpose of the VDAM Rule
Reference
information

raise any concerns about quality and consistency with PIOs, and

sign off on permits before they are issued.
Reference sources for permit champions are:

Part D: HPMV higher mass permits in volume 1 of this manual (policy)

the previous chapters in this part (permitting process and procedures)

the VDAM Rule (legislative basis).
Permit champions are expected to be familiar with these reference sources.
Turnaround
time
Quality assurance (QA) checks should be done as soon as possible. The
outside limit to complete a QA check is three working days.
Access to PIMS
Permit champions need to have access to and basic familiarity with the
Permit Issuing and Management System (PIMS).
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D5-3
D5.2 How to do a quality assurance check
Procedure
Follow the steps below to do a QA check of a draft HPMV higher mass permit.
Step
1
Action
Confirm that you have received the following documents:
 permit application
 HPMV attributes check sheets
 draft permit
 regional bridge engineer’s approval (in writing), and
 local RCA approval (in writing), if applicable.
If anything is missing, request the missing information from the
PIO.
2
Check the permit application and associated documents for the
following:
 all required information provided
 axle weight flexibility indicated
 unrealistic numbers (‘sanity check’)
 GVM and GCM against certified values on attributes check
sheets
 overlength permit held if vehicle is overlength
 axle masses are within VDAM Rule schedule 2 limits for critical
axle groups
 previous HPMV permits held for the vehicle, and
 if the vehicle is an A224, that it has one steering axle (VDAM
Rule requirement)
Note anything suspicious.
3
Check the regional bridge engineer’s approval for:
 actual vehicle and axle masses checked against the OPermit
output
 correct axle masses and axle spacings used, and
 the highest FOCs from the OPermit Element Comparison
Report to ensure that the bridge engineer has not missed
anything and has covered the required overstress margin (this
is especially important for permits involving axle weight
flexibility).
Note any discrepancies or problems.
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D5-4
D5.2 How to do a quality assurance check
Procedure
(continued)
Step
4
continued
Action
In PIMS, access the checklist for the application and confirm that
all processing steps are marked as completed.
Note any incomplete steps.
5
Refer to the attributes check sheets and validate that the
permitted masses on the draft permit do not exceed any
certification limits.
Note any discrepancies or problems.
6
Check the draft permit for:
 correct template used
 all details correct (dates, route, masses)
 additional HPMV permit conditions
 additional permit clauses 4.11 to 4.14 added, and
 bridge supervision pages deleted.
Note any problems.
7
Refer to the table below to determine your next step:
If the draft permit
is …
Then …
acceptable
 respond to the PIO using the
standard email template, quoting
vehicle registration numbers, route
and draft permit reference number
 add any conditions and date, and
 copy the email to HNO Professional
Services.
unacceptable
email the PIO detailing the areas of
non-compliance, eg:
 clauses to add
 masses to correct
 text incorrect
 incorrect template used, or
 vehicle non-compliant.
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D5-5
D5.2 How to do a quality assurance check
Procedure
(continued)
Step
8
continued
Action
Record and save notes of the following:
 application details
 QA checks completed
 any calculations of axle mass limits
 any areas of concern, and
 advice to the PIO (ie approved, declined or returned).
End of permit
champion
process
This completes the process of doing a QA check of HPMV higher mass
permits.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D6-1
Chapter D6: HPMV higher mass permitting
resources
Overview
About this
chapter
This chapter contains reference material for use during the processing of
HPMV higher mass permit applications.
In this chapter
This chapter contains the following sections:
Section
See page
D6.1 Vehicle types eligible for HPMV permits
D6-2
D6.2 Critical axle groups for HPMVs
D6-4
D6.3 Class 1 mass limits
D6-8
D6.4 HPMV mass limits
D6-13
D6.5 Axle weight flexibility tables for use in permits
D6-18
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D6-2
D6.1 Vehicle types eligible for HPMV permits
Introduction
The table below lists vehicle types that are eligible for HPMV higher mass
permits.
Note: Vehicles longer than 20 metres also need an HPMV overlength permit.
List of eligible vehicle types
PAT type
Vehicle type
Overlength
permit?
Higher mass
permit?
751
R12 T22 Truck trailer
Standard 20m length
No
Yes
891
R22 T22 Truck trailer
Standard 20m length
No
Yes
891
R22 T22 New truck trailer
23m template 2A
Yes
Yes
915
R22 T23 Truck trailer
23m
Yes
Yes
999
R23 T22 Truck trainer
23m
Yes
Yes
1020
R23 T23 New Truck trailer
23m template 2B
Yes
Yes
791
A124 Tractor semi-trailer
One rear steering axle
Two rear steering axles
Yes
No
Yes
No
A134 Tractor semi-trailer
One rear steering axle
Two rear steering axles
Yes
No
Yes
No
A223 Tractor semi-trailer
No rear steering axle
One rear steering axle
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
A224 Tractor semi-trailer
One rear steering axle
Two rear steering axles
Yes
No
Yes
No
A234 Tractor semi-trailer
One rear steering axle
Two rear steering axles
Yes
No
Yes
No
847
713
826
999
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D6-3
D6.1 Vehicle types eligible for HPMV permits
continued
List of eligible vehicle types (continued)
PAT type
Vehicle type
Overlength
permit?
Higher mass
permit?
751
B1222 New B-train
23m template 3A
Yes
Yes
851
B1232 B-train
20m standard length
No
Yes
851
B1232 B-train
23m template 3B
Yes
Yes
951
B1233 B-train
20m standard length
No
Yes
951
B1233 B-train
23m template 3C
Yes
Yes
915
B2223
20m standard length
No
Yes
914
B2232 B-train
20m standard length
No
Yes
1020
B2233 B-train
20m standard length
No
Yes
1020
B2233 New B-train
23m template 3D
Yes
Yes
1020
B2233 New B-train
Non-template Vehicle
Yes
Yes
999
B2243 B-train
Non-template vehicle
Yes
Yes
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D6-4
D6.2 Critical axle groups for HPMVs
Introduction
The table on the following pages shows the critical axle groups for vehicle
types that are eligible for HPMV permits.
What are
‘critical axle
groups’?
‘Critical axle groups’ are groups of two or more axles that are not an axle
set. Critical axle groups are subject to the distance mass limits in schedule 2
of the VDAM Rule.
Quick
reference only
The critical axle groups are a quick reference guide for compliance with the
VDAM Rule. To confirm eligibility, it is necessary to check the actual critical
axle group measurements for any vehicle against the requirements of the
VDAM Rule schedule 2, part B, table 6 (reproduced below in section
D6.4 HPMV mass limits).
Example
This vehicle has 10 axles, which are grouped into 4 axle sets.
Under the VDAM Rule there are restrictions on the total mass of the following
axle combinations:




1–3, 1–4, 1–5, 1–6, 1–7, 1–8, 1–9, 1–10
2–3, 2–4, 2–5, 2–6, 2–7, 2–8, 2–9, 2–10
3–6, 3–7, 3–8, 3–9, 3–10
4–6, 4–7, 4–8, 4–9, 4–10
 5–6, 5–7, 5–8, 5–9, 5–10
 6–8, 6–9, 6–10
 7–8, 7–9, 7–10
These axle combinations are the critical axle groups for this vehicle.
Continued on the next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D6-5
D6.2 Critical axle groups for HPMVs
Table
continued
The table below shows the critical axle groups for vehicles eligible for HPMV
permits.
Vehicle
R12T22
Critical axles (counted from front of vehicle)
 1 to 3 (Truck)
 2 to 5 (Central four)
 2 to 7 (Back six)
 4 to 7 (Trailer)
 1 to 7 (Whole combination)
R22T22
 1 to 4 (Truck)
 2 to 4 (Truck)
 3 to 6 (Central four)
 3 to 8 (Back six)
 5 to 8 (Trailer)
 1 to 8 (Whole combination)
R22T23
 1 to 4 (Truck)
 2 to 4 (Truck)




R23T22
to 6
to 9
to 9
to 9
(Central four)
(Back seven)
(Trailer)
(Whole combination)
 1 to 5 (Truck)
 2 to 5 (Truck)




R23T23
3
3
5
1
3
3
6
1
to 7
to 9
to 9
to 9
(Central five)
(Back seven)
(Trailer)
(Whole combination)
 1 to 5 (Truck)
 2 to 5 (Truck)
 3 to 7 (Central five)
 3 to 10 (Back eight)
 6 to 10 (Trailer)
 1 to 10 (Whole combination)
A124
 2 to 7 (Back six)
 1 to 7 (Whole combination)
A134
 2 to 8 (Back seven)
 1 to 8 (Whole combination)
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D6-6
D6.2 Critical axle groups for HPMVs
continued
Table (continued)
Vehicle
A223
Critical axles (counted from front of vehicle)
 1 to 4 (Truck)
 2 to 4 (Truck)
 3 to 7 (Back five)
 4 to 7 (Back four)
 1 to 7 (Whole combination)
A224
 1 to 4 (Truck)
 2 to 4 (Truck)
 1 to 8 (Whole combination)
A234
 1 to 5 (Truck)




2
2
3
1
to 5
to 6
to 9
to 9
(Truck)
(Central five)
(Back seven)
(Whole combination)
B1222




2
4
2
1
to 5
to 7
to 7
to 7
(Central four axles)
(Back four axles)
(Back six)
(Whole combination)
B1232
 2 to 6 (Central five)
 4 to 8 (Back five)
 2 to 8 (Back seven)
 1 to 8 (Whole combination)
B1233
 2 to 6 (Central five)
 4 to 9 (Back six)
 2 to 9 (Back eight)
 1 to 9 (Whole combination)
B2223




1
2
3
3
to 4
to 4
to 6
to 9
(Truck)
(Truck)
(Central four)
(Back seven)
 5 to 9 (Back five)
 1 to 9 (Whole combination)
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D6-7
D6.2 Critical axle groups for HPMVs
continued
Table (continued)
Vehicle
B2232
Critical axles (counted from front of vehicle)
 1 to 4 (Truck)
 2 to 4 (Truck)




B2233
3
3
5
1
to 7
to 9
to 9
to 9
(Central five)
(Back seven)
(Back five)
(Whole combination)
 1 to 4 (Truck)
 2 to 4 (Truck)
 3 to 7 (Central five)
 3 to 10 (Back eight)
 5 to 10 (Back six)
 1 to 10 (Whole combination)
B2243
 1 to 4 (Truck)
 2 to 4 (Truck)




3
3
5
1
to 8 (Central six)
to 11 (Back nine)
to 11 (Back seven)
to 11 (Whole combination)
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D6-8
D6.3 Class 1 mass limits
Introduction
The tables below are the general mass limits from the VDAM Rule schedule 2,
part A. They are also referred to as ‘Class 1’ limits.
Table 1
(Class 1)
Maximum mass on individual axles
Type of axle
Mass (kg)
1 Single standard tyres:
(a) in a twin-steer axle set, or in a tandem axle set
with a twin- or single large-tyred axle
5400
(b) in any other axle set
6000
2 Single large-tyred:
(a) in a twin-steer axle set
5400
(b) in a quad-axle set
5500
(c) in a tandem axle set with two single large-tyred
axles or in a tandem axle set with a single
standard-tyred axle or in a tri-axle set
6600
(d) any other axle set
7200
3 Twin-tyred:
(a) in a quad-axle set
5500
(b) in a tri-axle set
6600
(c) in any other axle set
8200
4 Oscillating axle, in any axle set
9500
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D6-9
D6.3 Class 1 mass limits
Table 2
(Class 1)
continued
Maximum sum of axle mass on two axles in a tandem axle set
Type of axle
Mass (kg)
1 Two single standard tyres:
(a) in a twin-steer set
10,800
(b) not in a twin-steer set
11,000
2 Two single large-tyred axles:
(a) in a twin-steer set
10,800
(b) not in a twin-steer set
13,000
3 Two twin-tyred axles:
(a) spaced less than 1.3m from first axle to the last
axle
14,500
(b) spaced 1.3m or more but less than 1.8m from
first axle to the last axle
15,000
(c) spaced 1.8m or more from the first axle to the
last axle
15,500
4 Twin-tyred axles:
(a) with a single large-tyred axle and 60/40 load
share
13,600
(b) with a single large-tyred axle and 55/45 load
share
14,500
5 Single standard-tyred axle with an oscillating axle
13,000
6 Single standard-tyred axle with a single large-tyred
axle or a twin-tyred axle
12,000
7 Two oscillating axles
15,000
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D6-10
D6.3 Class 1 mass limits
Table 3
(Class 1)
continued
Maximum sum of axle mass in a tri-axle set
Type of axle
Mass (kg)
Three oscillating axles, three twin-tyred axles or
three large-tyred axles:
Table 4
(Class 1)
(a) spaced 2.5m or more from the first axle to the
last axle
18,000
(b) spaced 2.4m or more and less than 2.5m from
the first axle to the last axle
17,500
(c) spaced 2m or more and less than 2.4m from
the first axle to the last axle
15,500
Maximum sum of axle mass in a quad-axle set
Type of axle
Four twin-tyred axles, or four single large-tyred
axles
Table 5
(Class 1)
Mass (kg)
20,000
Other combinations
This table shows the maximum sum of mass on any two or more axles that
together do not constitute a single tandem axle set, a single tri-axle set or a
single quad-axle set, where the distance from the centre of the first axle to
the centre of the last axle is 1m or more but less than 1.8m (including
maximum gross mass).
Type of axle
Mass (kg)
1. Two single standard-tyred axles
10,800
2. Two single large-tyred axles
12,000
3. A single standard-tyred axle with a single largetyred axle or a twin-tyred axle
12,000
4. Any other two or more axles
14,500
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D6-11
D6.3 Class 1 mass limits
Table 6
(Class 1)
continued
This table shows the maximum sum of mass on any two or more axles that
together do not constitute a single tandem axle set, single tri-axle set or
single quad-axle set, where the distance from the centre of the first axle to
the centre of the last axle is 1.8m or more (including maximum gross mass).
Type of axle
Where the distance from the centre of the
first axle to the centre of the last axle is:
Mass (kg)
1.8m but less than 2.5m
15,500
2.5m but less than 3.0m
17,500
3.0m but less than 3.3m
19,000
3.3m but less than 3.6m
20,000
3.6m but less than 4.0m
21,000
4.0m but less than 4.4m
22,000
4.4m but less than 4.7m
23,000
4.7m but less than 5.1m
24,000
5.1m but less than 5.4m
25,000
5.4m but less than 5.8m
26,000
5.8m but less than 6.4m
27,000
6.4m but less than 7.0m
28,000
7.0m but less than 7.6m
29,000
7.6m but less than 8.2m
30,000
8.2m but less than 8.8m
31,000
8.8m but less than 9.4m
32,000
9.4m but less than 10.0m
33,000
10.0m but less than 10.8m
34,000
10.8m but less than 11.6m
35,000
11.6m but less than 12.0m
36,000
12.0m but less than 12.5m
37,000
12.5m but less than 13.2m
38,000
13.2m but less than 14.0m
39,000
14.0m but less than 14.8m
40,000
14.8m but less than 15.2m
41,000
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D6-12
D6.3 Class 1 mass limits
Table 6
(Class 1)
(continued)
continued
Type of axle
Where the distance from the centre of the
first axle to the centre of the last axle is:
Mass (kg)
15.2m but less than 15.6m
42,000
15.6m but less than 16.0m
43,000
16.0m or more
44,000
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D6-13
D6.4 HPMV mass limits
Introduction
The tables below are the HPMV mass limits from the VDAM Rule schedule 2,
part B.
Table 1
(HPMV)
Maximum mass on individual axles
Type of axle
Mass (kg)
1 Single standard tyres:
(a) in a twin-steer axle set, or in a tandem axle set
with a twin- or single large-tyred axle
5400
(b) in any other axle set
6000
2 Single large-tyred:
(a) in a twin-steer axle set
5400
(b) in a quad-axle set
6000
(c) in a tandem axle set with two single large-tyred
axles or in a tandem axle set with a single
standard-tyred axle or in a tri-axle set
6600
(d) any other axle set
7200
3 Twin-tyred:
(a) in a quad-axle set
6000
(b) in a tri-axle set
7000
(c) in any other axle set
8800
4 Oscillating axle, in any axle set
9500
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D6-14
D6.4 HPMV mass limits
Table 2
(HPMV)
continued
Maximum sum of axle mass on two axles in a tandem axle set
Type of axle
Mass (kg)
1 Two single standard tyres:
(a) in a twin-steer set
10,800
(b) not in a twin-steer set
11,000
2 Two single large-tyred axles:
(a) in a twin-steer set
10,800
(b) not in a twin-steer set
13,000
3 Two twin-tyred axles:
(a) spaced less than 1.3m from first axle to the last
axle
15,000
(b) spaced 1.3m or more from first axle to the last
axle
16,000
4 Twin-tyred axles:
(a) with a single large-tyred axle and 60/40 load
share
13,600
(b) with a single large-tyred axle and 55/45 load
share
14,500
5 Single standard-tyred axle with an oscillating axle
13,000
6 Single standard-tyred axle with a single large-tyred
axle
12,000
7 Single standard-tyred axle with a twin-tyred axle
13,300
8 Two oscillating axles
15,000
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D6-15
D6.4 HPMV mass limits
Table3
(HPMV)
continued
Maximum sum of axle mass in a tri-axle set
Type of axle set
Mass (kg)
Three oscillating axles, three twin-tyred axles, or
three single large-tyred axles:
Table 4
(HPMV)
(a) spaced 2.0m or more but less than 2.4m from
the first axle to the last axle
16,000
(b) spaced 2.4m or more but less than 2.5m from
the first axle to the last axle
18,000
(c) spaced 2.5m or more from the first axle to the
last axle
19,000
Maximum sum of axle mass in a quad-axle set
Type of axle
Quad-axle set with twin-tyred axles, or single largetyred axles with one steering axle
Table 5
(HPMV)
Mass (kg)
22,000
Other combinations
This table shows the maximum sum of mass on any two or more axles that
together do not constitute a single tandem axle set, a single tri-axle set or a
single quad-axle set, where the distance from the centre of the first axle to
the centre of last axle is 1.0m or more but less than 1.8m (including
maximum gross mass).
Type of axle
Mass (kg)
1.
Two single standard-tyred axles
10,800
2.
Two single large-tyred axles
12,000
3.
A single standard-tyred axle with a single largetyred axle or a twin-tyred axle
12,000
4.
Any other two or more axles
14,500
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D6-16
D6.4 HPMV mass limits
Table 6
(HPMV)
continued
This table shows the maximum sum of mass on any two or more axles that
together do not constitute a single tandem axle set, single tri-axle set or
single quad-axle set, at the specified distances (including maximum gross
mass).
Distance from the centre of the first axle
to the centre of the last axle
Mass (kg)
1.8m but less than 2.0m
15,500
2.0m but less than 2.5m
16,000
2.5m but less than 3.0m
17,500
3.0m but less than 3.3m
19,000
3.3m but less than 3.6m
20,000
3.6m but less than 4.0m
21,000
4.0m but less than 4.4m
22,000
4.4m but less than 4.5m
23,000
4.5m but less than 4.7m
23,500
4.7m but less than 5.0m
24,000
5.0m but less than 5.4m
25,000
5.4m but less than 5.5m
26,000
5.5m but less than 5.8m
26,500
5.8m but less than 6.0m
27,000
6.0m but less than 6.5m
28,000
6.5m but less than 7.0m
29,500
7.0m but less than 7.5m
31,000
7.5m but less than 8.0m
32,500
8.0m but less than 8.5m
34,000
8.5m but less than 9.0m
35,000
9.0m but less than 9.5m
36,000
9.5m but less than 10.0m
37,000
10.0m but less than 10.5m
38,000
10.5m but less than 11.0m
39,000
11.0m but less than 11.5m
40,000
11.5m but less than 12.0m
41,000
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D6-17
D6.4 HPMV mass limits
Table 6
(HPMV)
(continued)
continued
Distance from the centre of the first axle
to the centre of the last axle
12.0m but less than 12.5m
42,000
12.5m but less than 13.0m
43,000
13.0m but less than 13.5m
44,000
13.5m but less than 14.0m
45,000
14.0m but less than 14.5m
46,000
14.5m but less than 15.0m
47,000
15.0m but less than 15.5m
48,000
15.5m but less than 16.0m
49,000
16.0m but less than 16.5m
50,000
16.5m but less than 17.0m
51,000
17.0m but less than 17.5m
52,000
17.5m but less than 18.0m
53,000
18.0m but less than 18.5m
54,000
18.5m but less than 19.0m
55,000
19.0m but less than 19.5m
56,000
19.5m but less than 20.0m
57,000
20.0m but less than 20.5m
58,000
20.5m but less than 21.0m
59,000
21.0m but less than 21.5m
60,000
21.5m but less than 22.0m
61,000
22.0m or more
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Mass (kg)
62,000 or more
Page D6-18
D6.5 Axle weight flexibility tables for use in permits
Introduction
Higher mass permits with axle weight flexibility (AWF) include a table on
page 1 of the permit that sets out the detailed axle mass limits for the type
of AWF applied for.
This section explains the inputs into these tables. It also includes table
templates for specific vehicle types for copying and pasting into permit
documents.
Description
of inputs
The notes on the next page describe the details of what to input in the fields in
the table below.
Axle Number
1
2
3
4
5
Axle Type*
–Copy from existing permit
Individual Axle Mass Limit (kg)
Input mass limit depending on level of flexibility (1)
Axle Set Mass Limit (kg)
Input mass limit depending on level of flexibility (2)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
6
7
8
Input mass limit based on axle
spacing (3)
Input mass limit based on axle
__________ over axles 1–4 (truck)
__________ over axles 5–8 (trailer)
spacing (3)
Input mass limit based on axle
spacing (3)
_________ over axles 3–6
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
Input mass limit based on sum of mass on axles 3–8 on
permit application (from row c21) (4)
_________ over axles 3–8
Spacing from previous axle (m)
Copy from existing permit
Tyre Size
Copy from existing permit
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D6-19
D6.5 Axle weight flexibility tables for use in permits
continued
Notes
1. For individual axles, input the mass limits from the Class 1 or HPMV
tables as set out below, depending on the AWF type applied for.
AWF type
Refer to section ...
In schedule 2 of the
VDAM Rule refer to ...
Class 1
D6.3 Class 1 mass limits, table 1
Part A, table 1
HPMV
D6.4 HPMV mass limits, table 1
Part B, table 1
2. For axle sets, input the mass limits from the Class 1 or HPMV tables as set
out below, depending on the AWF type applied for.
AWF type
Refer to section ...
In schedule 2 of the
VDAM Rule refer to ...
Class 1
D6.3 Class 1 mass limits, tables 2–5
Part A, tables 2–5
HPMV
D6.4 HPMV mass limits, tables 2–5
Part B, tables 2–5
3. For pairs of axle sets, input the mass limits from the Class 1 or HPMV
tables as set out below, depending on the AWF type applied for, or the sum
of the relevant axle set mass limits, whichever is the lesser.
AWF type
Refer to section ...
In schedule 2 of the
VDAM Rule refer to ...
Class 1
D6.3 Class 1 mass limits, table 6
Part A, table 6
HPMV
D6.4 HPMV mass limits, table 6
Part B, table 6
4. Where axle group mass limits are for three axle sets, input the lesser of:

the sum of the individual axles in the axle group on the permit
application

the sum of the relevant axle set mass limits, or

the table 6 limits.
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D6-20
D6.5 Axle weight flexibility tables for use in permits
continued
Rigid trucks
and full
trailers
Below are template tables for rigid trucks and full trailers. The tables can be
used as templates in permit documents.
The red numbers in the tables refer to the notes above.
R12-T22
Axle Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Axle Type*
Individual Axle Mass Limit (kg)
Axle Set Mass Limit (kg)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(2)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(3)_______ over axles 1–3
(3)_______ over axles 4–7 (trailer)
(truck)
(3)_______ over axles 2–5
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(4)_______ over axles 2–7
Spacing from previous axle (m)
Tyre Size
R22-T22
Axle Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Axle Type*
Individual Axle Mass Limit (kg)
Axle Set Mass Limit (kg)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(3)_______ over axles 1–4 (truck)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(3)_______ over axles 5–8 (trailer)
(3)_______ over axles 2–4
(truck)
(3)_______ over axles 3–6
(4)_______ over axles 3–8
Spacing from previous axle (m)
Tyre Size
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D6-21
D6.5 Axle weight flexibility tables for use in permits
continued
R22-T23
Axle Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Axle Type*
Individual Axle Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
(1)
Axle Set Mass Limit (kg)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(2)
(3)_______ over axles 1–4 (truck)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
(3)_______ over axles 5–9 (trailer)
(3)_______ over axles 2–4
(truck)
(3)_______ over axles 3–6
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(4)_______ over axles 3–9
Spacing from previous axle (m)
Tyre Size
R23-T22
Axle Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Axle Type*
Individual Axle Mass Limit (kg)
Axle Set Mass Limit (kg)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(2)
(3)_______ over axles 1–5 (truck)
(1)
(2)
(3)_______ over axles 2–5 (truck)
(3)_______ over axles 3–7
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
Tyre Size
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
Effective from 1 November 2015
(1)
(3)_______ over axles 6–9 (trailer)
Spacing from previous axle (m)
First edition, Amendment 0
(1)
(4)_______ over axles 3–9
Page D6-22
D6.5 Axle weight flexibility tables for use in permits
continued
R23-T23
Axle Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Axle Type*
Individual Axle Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
(1)
Axle Set Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(2)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(3)_______ over axles 1–5 (truck)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(3)_______ over axles 2 –5 (truck)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(3)_______ over axles 6–10 (trailer)
(3)_______ over axles 3–7
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(4)_______ over axles 3–10
Spacing from previous axle (m)
Tyre Size
Tractor semitrailers
Below are tables for tractor semi-trailers. The tables can be used as templates
in permit documents.
The red numbers in the tables refer to the notes above.
A124
Axle Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Axle Type*
Individual Axle Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
Axle Set Mass Limit (kg)
(2)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(3)_______ over axles 2–7
Spacing from previous axle (m)
Tyre Size
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D6-23
D6.5 Axle weight flexibility tables for use in permits
continued
A134
Axle Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Axle Type*
Individual Axle Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
Axle Set Mass Limit (kg)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(2)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(3)_______ over axles 2–8
Spacing from previous axle (m)
Tyre Size
A223
Axle Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Axle Type*
Individual Axle Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
Axle Set Mass Limit (kg)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(2)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
(2)
(3)_______ over axles 1–4
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(3)_______ over axles 4–7
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(3)_______ over axles 2–4
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(3)_______ over axles 3–7
Spacing from previous axle (m)
Tyre Size
A224
Axle Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Axle Type*
Individual Axle Mass Limit (kg)
Axle Set Mass Limit (kg)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(3)_______ over axles 1–4 (truck)
(3)_______ over axles 2–4
(truck)
Spacing from previous axle (m)
Tyre Size
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D6-24
D6.5 Axle weight flexibility tables for use in permits
continued
A234
Axle Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Axle Type*
Individual Axle Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
Axle Set Mass Limit (kg)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(2)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(3)_______ over axles 1–5 (truck)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(3)_______ over axles 2–5 (truck)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
(4)_______ over axles 2–6
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(4)_______ over axles 3–9
Spacing from previous axle (m)
Tyre Size
B-trains
Below are template tables for B-trains. The tables can be used as templates in
permit documents.
The red numbers in the tables refer to the notes above.
B1222
Axle Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Axle Type*
Individual Axle Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
Axle Set Mass Limit (kg)
(2)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(2)
(4)_______ over axles 2–7
(3)_______ over axles 2–5
(3)_______ over axles 4–7
Spacing from previous axle (m)
Tyre Size
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D6-25
D6.5 Axle weight flexibility tables for use in permits
continued
B1232
Axle Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Axle Type*
Individual Axle Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
Axle Set Mass Limit (kg)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(2)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
(2)
(3)_______ over axles 4–8 (trailer)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(3)_______ over axles 2–6
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(4)_______ over axles 2–8
Spacing from previous axle (m)
Tyre Size
B1233
Axle Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Axle Type*
Individual Axle Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
Axle Set Mass Limit (kg)
(2)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(3)_______ over axles 4–9 (trailer)
(3)_______ over axles 2–6
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(4)_______ over axles 2–9
Spacing from previous axle (m)
Tyre Size
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D6-26
D6.5 Axle weight flexibility tables for use in permits
continued
B2223
Axle Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Axle Type*
Individual Axle Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
(1)
Axle Set Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
(1)
(2)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(3)_______ over axles 1–4 (truck)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
(2)
(3)_______ over axles 5–9 (trailer)
(3)_______ over axles 2–4
(truck)
(3)_______ over axles 3–6
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(4)_______ over axles 3–9
Spacing from previous axle (m)
Tyre Size
B2232
Axle Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Axle Type*
Individual Axle Mass Limit (kg)
Axle Set Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(2)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(3)_______ over axles 1–4 (truck)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(3)_______ over axles 2–4
(truck)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(3)_______ over axles 5–9 (trailer)
(3)_______ over axles 3–7
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(4)_______ over axles 3–9
Spacing from previous axle (m)
Tyre Size
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D6-27
D6.5 Axle weight flexibility tables for use in permits
continued
B2233
Axle Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Axle Type*
Individual Axle Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
(1)
Axle Set Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(2)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(3)_______ over axles 1–4 (truck)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(3)_______ over axles
2–4 (truck)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(2)
(3)_______ over axles 3–7
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(3)_______ over axles 5–10 (trailer)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(4)_______ over axles 3–10
Spacing from previous axle (m)
Tyre Size
B2243
Axle Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Axle Type*
Individual Axle Mass Limit (kg)
Axle Set Mass Limit (kg)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(1)
(2)
(3)_______ over axles 1–4
(truck)
(3)_______ over axles
2–4 (truck)
(3)_______ over axles 3–8
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(3)_______ over axles 5–11 (trailer)
Axle Group Mass Limit (kg)
(4)_______ over axles 3–11
Spacing from previous axle (m)
Tyre Size
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-1
Chapter D7: HPMV higher mass permitting
procedures for regional bridge engineers
Overview
About this
chapter
This chapter describes how to assess whether bridges included in a route on
an HPMV higher mass permit application can safely support the applied-for
higher masses.
Audience
The intended audience for this chapter is regional bridge engineers who
work with permit issuing officers (PIOs) on assessing bridge capacities for
HPMV higher mass permits.
Legal basis
The Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002 (the VDAM
Rule) requires road controlling authorities to give due consideration to the
durability of roads and bridges when issuing HPMV permits.
In this chapter
This chapter contains the following sections:
Section
See page
D7.1 General principles
D7-3
D7.2 Overview diagrams of assessing bridges for HPMV
permit applications
D7-4
D7.3 Understanding the Element Comparison Report
D7-6
D7.4 Receiving and reviewing reports
D7-8
D7.5 Assessing a bridge using OPermit data
D7-10
D7.6 Conducting an independent assessment of a bridge
D7-13
D7.7 Allowing increased material stresses
D7-15
D7.8 Example 1: Mercer Overpass – no AWF
D7-17
D7.9 Example 2: Little Kuri Creek Bridge – no AWF
D7-19
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-2
Overview
In this chapter
continued
Section
See page
(continued)
D7.10 Bakers Creek Bridge – no AWF
D7-22
D7.11 Dealing with axle weight flexibility (AWF)
D7-25
D7.12 Overview diagram of procedures for dealing with AWF
D7-27
D7.13 Dealing with Class 1 AWF
D7-28
D7.14 Dealing with HPMV AWF
D7-31
D7.15 Reporting back to the PIO
D7-33
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-3
D7.1 General principles
Modifying
OPermit data
In order to deal with an HPMV permit you need to modify the OPermit output
data. In particular, different load factors and impact factors are used for
assessing HPMVs compared with overweight vehicles.
Posting
assessment
HPMVs are to be treated in the same manner as normal heavy vehicles in
terms of posting assessment.
No restrictions
other than
route
Under the VDAM Rule, no restriction is to be placed on an HPMV other than
route. This means there are only two options with regard to any particular
bridge:


Two
approaches
either the vehicle will have unrestricted access, or
it will be denied access altogether.
These guidelines involve two approaches to the assessment:

an analysis based on the data in OPermit, and/or

an independent analysis of the bridge.
For an illustration of the two approaches, see diagram 1 in section D7.2
Overview diagrams of assessing bridges for HPMV permit applications below.
Use
engineering
judgment and
knowledge
Use your engineering judgment and your knowledge of your bridge stock at
all times when assessing bridge capacity for an HPMV permit.
Clarification
and help
If you find any anomalies in the output from OPermit that mean these
guidelines are not applicable, or if you are unsure of any step in the process,
contact the PIO in your region for clarification.
Continued on the next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-4
D7.2 Overview diagrams of assessing bridges for HPMV permit applications
Diagram 1
The diagram below illustrates the two approaches for assessing bridge capacities for HPMV higher mass permit applications.
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-5
D7.2 Overview diagrams of assessing bridges for HPMV permit applications
Diagram 2
continued
The diagram below summarises the steps of the procedures described in detail in the following sections.
For an overview diagram for processing axle weight flexibility, see section D7.11 Dealing with axle weight flexibility (AWF).
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-6
D7.3 Understanding the Element Comparison Report
Introduction
The Element Comparison Report lists the elements of the bridge structures
across a number of columns. Each bridge element is given a code.
Element
Comparison
Report codes
The table below shows the codes used in the critical restriction section of the
Element Comparison Report and their meanings.
Code
-1
Unrestricted
0
50km/h own lane
1
20km/h own lane
2
Crawl own lane
3
Crawl central
4
Do not cross
ND
NME
Bridge
description
Meaning
No data
Not modelled using this element
In the right-hand column of the Element Comparison Report is the
‘Description’ of the bridge. This may be:


Refer to bridge consultant
Unrestricted

Specific levels of restriction (eg ‘50km/h Own Lane’, ‘Crawl Own Lane’, or
‘Do Not Cross’)
The meaning of these restrictions is explained below.
‘Refer to
bridge
consultant’
If the description on the Element Comparison Report reads ‘Refer to bridge
consultant’, the report will have either:

‘no data’ (ND) or ‘not modelled using this element’ (NME) for each of the
elements

the deck slab element will be restricted to ‘do not cross’ (ie the deck slab
column will have the number 4), or

the vehicle could load the cantilever section of a transom, in which case
the detailed report will say ‘Check cantilevers for capacity’ under the
transom element (the cantilever capacity should be reviewed as described
in sections D7.5 Assessing a bridge using OPermit data and D7.6
Conducting an independent assessment of a bridge below).
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-7
D7.3 Understanding the Element Comparison Report
continued
Unrestricted
If the description on the Element Comparison Report reads ‘Unrestricted’, the
bridge will show the number -1 for all of the elements modelled.
This means that under a rating load check, the vehicle would not require a
restriction on the bridge for an overweight permit. However, the vehicle may
still be unable to cross the bridge safely under posting load assessment as
an HPMV.
Some
restriction
If the description on the Element Comparison Report does not read ‘Refer to
bridge consultant’, or ‘Unrestricted’, there will be some level of restriction
shown.
The five levels of restriction are included in the table above.
Not modelled
using this
element (NME)
‘NME’ means the element can be ignored because it has been considered
non-critical to the structure.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-8
D7.4 Receiving and reviewing reports
Before you
begin
The permit issuing officer (PIO) will email you the following reports from
OPermit for the route applied for in the application:

Summary Report

Element Comparison Report, and

Detailed Report.
These reports will be in PDF format.
Finding
information
You can find particular bridges in the Detailed Report using the search
function.
Procedure
Follow the steps below to review the reports.
Step
1
2
Action
Refer to the description on the Element Comparison Report and
to the table below to determine your next step.
If the description is …
Then continue with …
‘Refer to bridge
consultant’
step 2.
‘Unrestricted’
the procedures in section D7.5
Assessing a bridge using OPermit
data below.
some other restriction
step 3.
Are all the elements in the Element Comparison Report ‘ND’ or
‘NME’?
 If yes, then continue with section D7.6 Conducting an
independent assessment of a bridge below.
 If no, go to step 3.
Note: If the bridge has ND (no data) or NME (not modelled using
this element) for all of its elements, there is no structural
information held on the bridge in the Bridge Data System (BDS).
This means you will need to undertake an independent posting
assessment of the bridge in accordance with section 7 of the
Transport Agency’s Bridge manual (3rd edition).
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-9
D7.4 Receiving and reviewing reports
Procedure
(continued)
Step
3
continued
Action
Is the only restricted element the deck slab?
 If yes, then continue with section D7.5 Assessing a bridge
using OPermit data below.
 If no, go to step 4.
Note: If the only restricted element is the deck slab, then the
following will appear on the Element Comparison Report:
 a number between 0 and 4 will be in the deck slab column
 either -1 (ie unrestricted) or NME (not modelled using this
element) will be in the other columns.
If the deck slab is the only restricted element, the bridge may be
able to support the HPMV safely as most deck slabs are known
to be stronger than modelled in OPermit. However, the other
elements still need to be checked.
If the deck slab is not the only restricted element on the
structure, then another element on the structure is also
restricted. This other element will have a Fraction of Capacity
(FOC) greater than 1.0 when the vehicle is unrestricted. This, in
turn, means that the element will be restricted for HPMVs.
4
Is the restricted element known to be stronger than modelled,
or is the bridge one of a small number of restrictions on an
important route?
 If yes, then continue with section D7.6 Conducting an
independent assessment of a bridge below.
 If no, deny the vehicle access to the bridge.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-10
D7.5 Assessing a bridge using OPermit data
Which report
to use?
If the description of the critical bridge restriction is ‘Unrestricted’, the critical
unrestricted shear and moment FOCs can be taken from the Element
Comparison Report.
However, if the bridge description is ‘Refer to bridge consultant’ or some
level of restriction, the Element Comparison Report will show FOC values
based on the restriction level, or may show no FOC values at all. Whenever
the description does not read ‘Unrestricted’, use the Detailed Report to find
the critical unrestricted FOCs for the bridge.
Procedure
Follow the steps below to assess the bridge using OPermit data.
Step
Action
1
If any of the bridge elements modelled is of timber, take note of
the fact because different FOC values are required for timber
elements.
2
Compare the unrestricted FOC values for shear and moment for
all the bridge elements and select the highest FOC value. This is
the critical FOC value.
Note: Vehicles generate a FOC within OPermit for elements
other than deck slabs.
3
Is the critical FOC greater than 0.86 for any element (0.78 for
any timber element including timber decks)?
 If yes, go to step 4.
 If no, go to step 5.
4
Is the restricted element known to be stronger than modelled or
is the bridge one of a small number of restrictions on an
important route?
 If yes, then continue with section D7.6 Conducting an
independent assessment of a bridge below.
 If no, deny the vehicle access over the bridge.
5
Look up the deck loading ratios (DLRs) for the deck slab
element (or timber deck element) in the Detailed Report.
Is there a restriction on the deck element?
 If yes, you will need to calculate the unrestricted DLR. Go to
step 6.
 If no, you have the unrestricted DLR. Go to step 7.
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-11
D7.5 Assessing a bridge using OPermit data
Procedure
Step
(continued)
6
continued
Action
Calculate the unrestricted DLR value for the element with the
maximum restricted value.
Unrestricted DLR = 1.1(VAI / DCF) where:
 VAI = the vehicle axle index, and
 DCF = deck capacity factor.
Note: The factor 1.1 comes from the fact that the DCF has been
calculated using a dynamic load factor of 1.3, whereas OPermit
uses an unrestricted dynamic load factor of 1.43. 1.43/1.3 =
1.1. For concrete deck slabs, the limiting DLR is 1.3 for
overweight vehicles.
7
Is the highest unrestricted DLR greater than 1.12 (1.02 for
timber elements)?
 If yes, continue with section D7.6 Conducting an independent
assessment of a bridge below.
 If no, go to step 8.
8
Does the applicant want axle weight flexibility?
 If yes, continue with section D7.11 Dealing with axle weight
flexibility (AWF) below.
 If no, the bridge is okay. Allow access.
HPMV limiting
FOC values
FOC = 1.0 is the limiting criteria for overweight vehicles. For HPMVs the
limiting value for the critical FOC limit is 0.86 and 0.78 for timber elements.
This is less than the overweight vehicles value of 1.0 for the following
reasons:

Only ‘Unrestricted’ conditions are allowed (restriction level -1)

The load factor for overweight analysis is 1.49. The load factor for
evaluation of existing structures for normal loads is 1.9.

The dynamic load factor (DLF) for overweight vehicles (restriction
level -1) is 1.43. The DLF for normal and HPMV vehicles is 1.3.

Hence the limiting factor becomes 1.0 x (1.49/1.9) x (1.43/1.3) = 0.86.
Timber elements
Note that the above limiting FOC is 1.0 x (1.49/1.9) = 0.78 for timber
members. Although OPermit uses a DLF of 1.0 for timber members, this is
balanced with a reduced load duration factor of 1.0.
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-12
D7.5 Assessing a bridge using OPermit data
HPMV limiting
FOC values
(continued)
continued
For timber decks, the limiting DLR is 1.3 for overweight vehicles. Therefore
the limiting DLR for HPMVs is 1.3 x (1.49/1.9) = 1.02.
However, the DLR check is less sophisticated than the FOC check for timber
decks, and the FOC check should be used for each of the elements. Note that
the FOC limit for timber decks is not shown on the Element Comparison
Report and will need to be checked using the Detailed Report. If the critical
DLR is below 1.3, the FOC values may not be shown. In this case, the DLR
value will need to be checked.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-13
D7.6 Conducting an independent assessment of a bridge
When to
conduct an
independent
assessment
You may need to undertake an independent assessment of the bridge in
addition to or instead of the OPermit analysis for a number of reasons, such
as:

there is no structural data for the bridge in OPermit

a particular element is known to be stronger than modelled in OPermit

data in OPermit is overly conservative

the posted speed for the bridge is below 100km/h

the span of the bridge or the length of a continuous section is
considerably longer than the vehicle (ie multiple vehicles can load a span
at the same time)

the deck slab is the only restricted bridge element, or

the timber deck is the only restricted element (and OPermit has no FOC
values for the timber deck).
Use judgment
You should use engineering judgment and the best structural information
that you have when conducting an independent assessment of a bridge.
What to do?
Assess the bridge and decide whether to give the HPMV access to the bridge.
Do the assessment in accordance with the Posting Evaluation criteria
(γLL = 1.9) in section 7 of the Transport Agency’s Bridge manual (3rd edition),
using the best structural information available on the bridge.
Allowing
increased load
Higher stress levels (ie lower load factors and higher FOCs) may be justified
where only one or two bridges are restricted on an important route.
Refer to section D7.7 Allowing increased material stresses for further
information.
Safe bridge
standards
Analysis for various HPMVs has shown that all bridges designed to HN-HO72, and the majority of bridges designed to H20-S16-T16 with spans less
than 30 metres are expected to be able to safely support HPMVs, provided
the bridge elements have no known weaknesses or deterioration.
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-14
D7.6 Conducting an independent assessment of a bridge
continued
Dealing with
cantilever
transoms
When the cantilever section of a transom can be loaded by a vehicle, OPermit
does not assess the capacity of the transom cantilever. In this case, the
Detailed Report will say ‘Check cantilevers for capacity’ under the transom
element.
The cantilever capacity should be reviewed. Bridge engineers should use their
engineering judgment and knowledge of the structures to assess whether
they believe the OPermit outputs are accurately reflecting the true capacity of
the bridge elements.
Incorrect
values in
OPermit
OPermit currently assesses concrete deck slabs conservatively, and most
concrete deck slabs should safely support HPMVs provided the deck does not
have known weaknesses.
During the national screening process, a number of elements were found
that were not modelled correctly in OPermit. These were predominantly short
span structures (ie culverts or subways) entered with their full width rather
than the recommended 3.6 metre wide deck width (causing the FOCs to be
incorrect). Some VBeam elements were also found to be modelled incorrectly,
with the vehicle being placed well outside the deck width, causing very high
FOC values. These data discrepancies are gradually being remedied.
Updating
OPermit
If you find any data in OPermit to be overly conservative or non-conservative,
update it as soon as possible to reflect the true capacity of the element.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-15
D7.7 Allowing increased material stresses
Introduction
This section provides additional information to section D7.6 Conducting an
independent assessment of a bridge above.
Increased
FOCs
Higher stress levels (ie lower load factors and higher FOCs) may be justified
where only one or two bridges are restricted on an important route.
FOCs up to 0.93 (or 0.84 for timber elements) may be acceptable under
these circumstances, with allowable stresses increased by around 8%
(130%/120% = 1.08).
This increase in FOC corresponds with a posting load factor reduction from
1.9 to 1.75 (1.9 x 120%/130% = 1.75).
Criteria for
allowing
increased
stress
Six-monthly
inspection if
FOC > 0.86
FOC > 0.86
For this approach to be adopted, the following criteria should be met (as
recommended in section 7 of the Bridge manual (3rd edition).

The bridge must be one of a small number of bridges restricting vehicles
on an important route.

The deterioration factors for the bridge should be accurately assessed.

Engineers should satisfy themselves that the structure has a ductile
failure mode.

The bridge should be inspected at no more than six-monthly intervals.

Engineers should satisfy themselves that early replacement or
strengthening is feasible.
If a FOC higher than 0.86 is to be allowed on a restricted bridge, then:

an initial inspection should be undertaken to assess the bridge’s current
condition, confirm that the deterioration factors have been accurately
assessed, and that early strengthening or replacement is feasible, and

a six-monthly specific inspection programme should be initiated for the
bridge.
If a FOC higher than 0.86 is to be allowed on a restricted bridge, the accuracy
of the bridge structural data and bridge capacity should be confirmed
(ie shear and moment capacities and eccentricity values must be confirmed).
This data should also be used to confirm that the critical failure mode of the
bridge is ductile (ie shear or other brittle failure mechanisms are not critical).
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-16
D7.7 Allowing increased material stresses
Discuss with
Transport
Agency
continued
The decision to implement a specific inspection programme for a critical
bridge to justify higher working stresses (and a higher FOC) should be
discussed with the Transport Agency, to ensure the HPMV demand for a
particular route justifies the cost of regular inspections.
This decision is only expected to be made for bridges:

with a high HPMV demand

that are among only a few critical bridges on a route

that are in good condition, and

if regular inspections would be relatively easy to undertake.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-17
D7.8 Example 1: Mercer Overpass – no AWF
Element
Comparison
Report
Below is a section of the Element Comparison Report that includes the information for the Mercer Overpass.
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-18
D7.8 Example 1: Mercer Overpass – no AWF
Working
through the
assessment
continued
The table below describes the steps involved in the assessment of the Mercer
Overpass.
Step
1
Description
Note that on the Element Comparison Report above:
 the description for Mercer Rail Overpass reads ‘Refer to bridge
consultant’, and
 the report shows ‘ND’ for all bridge elements.
Thus, according to steps 1 and 2 of the procedure in section
D7.4 Receiving and reviewing reports, you must assess the
bridge independently using the procedure described in section
D7.6 Conducting an independent assessment of a bridge.
2
Based on the drawings available, the bridge may be a standard
design that can readily be analysed using hand calculations.
Alternatively, if the bridge has been designed to HN-HO-72 or
H20-S16-T16 (which is likely if it is less than 50 years old) and
has spans less than 30 metres long, then it should be able to
support the HPMV, provided the bridge has no known
weaknesses or deterioration.
In this example, assume the bridge is analysed using hand
calculations in accordance with the Bridge manual (3rd edition).
Check each major element (ie beams, deck, transoms, etc.)
against the proposed HPMV, with a stream of Class 1 traffic in
the alternate lane (if one exists).
3
All of the bridge elements are found to be able to support the
proposed vehicle using Posting Load Factors (γLL = 1.9).
Therefore the bridge is okay and access can be allowed.
4
Go on to check other bridges on the route to determine whether
they are okay for access.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-19
D7.9 Example 2: Little Kuri Creek Bridge – no AWF
Element
Comparison
Report
Below is a section of the Element Comparison Report that shows information for the Little Kuri Creek Bridge.
Continued on next page
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First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-20
D7.9 Example 2: Little Kuri Creek Bridge – no AWF
continued
Working
through the
assessment
The table below describes the steps involved in the assessment of the Little
Kuri Creek Bridge.
Step
1
Description
Note that on the report:
 the description for Little Kuri Creek Bridge reads ‘Crawl Own
Lane’ (ie some level of restriction).
 The restriction for the deck slab element is 2 (Crawl Own Lane).
 The restriction for all the other elements is -1 (Unrestricted).
Therefore the only restricted element is the deck slab.
Thus, according to step 3 of the procedure in section D7.4
Receiving and reviewing reports, you should assess the bridge
using the procedure in section D7.5 Assessing a bridge using
OPermit data.
2
After reviewing the Bridge Database System, the bridge is found
to have no timber elements modelled. However, the bridge has
some level of restriction, so you need to use the Detailed Report
to check the critical unrestricted FOCs. See Report extract below
3
The Detailed Report shows that the critical FOC is 0.99, which is
greater than the 0.86 limit.
This element is not known to be stronger than it is modelled in
OPermit, and therefore the HPMV is denied access to this
bridge.
4
Go on to check all other bridges on the route to determine the
status of other bridges.
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-21
D7.9 Example 2: Little Kuri Creek Bridge – no AWF
continued
Report extract
Below are sample extracts from the Detailed Report showing the Little Kuri
Creek Bridge data.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-22
D7.10 Bakers Creek Bridge – no AWF
Element
Comparison
Report
Below is a section of the Element Comparison Report that includes information for the Bakers Creek Bridge.
Continued on next page
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First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-23
D7.10 Bakers Creek Bridge – no AWF
Working
through the
assessment
continued
The table below describes the steps involved in the assessment of the Bakers
Creek Bridge.
Step
Description
1
Note that on the report the description for Bakers Creek Bridge
reads ‘Unrestricted’.
Thus, according to step 1 of the procedure in section D7.4
Receiving and reviewing reports, you should assess the bridge
using the procedure described in section D7.5 Assessing a
bridge using OPermit data.
2
The Bridge Database System indicates that the only timber
element modelled is the timber deck.
As the bridge description is ‘Unrestricted’, you can use the
Element Comparison Report to check the critical unrestricted
FOCs.
3
The critical FOC is 0.69, which is less than the 0.86 limit.
However, as the bridge has a timber element modelled (the
deck), you will need to check this against the deck FOC from the
Detailed Report.
4
The Detailed Report shows that the critical timber deck FOC is
0.76, which is below the 0.78 limit for timber elements.
Note that this value (0.76) will often not be shown if the DLR is
less than 1.3. This element is not known to be stronger than it
is modelled in OPermit.
5
The maximum DLR from the Detailed Report is 1.258, which is
greater than the 1.02 limit for timber deck elements. This
suggests that you should assess the bridge independently.
However, in this case, the FOC value for the timber deck has
already been checked and is under the 0.78 limit, therefore the
timber deck is okay and the vehicle is allowed access.
If no FOC value was shown in the Detailed Report, you would be
required to undertake an independent analysis of the timber
deck under the HPMV tyre loads.
6
Go on to check other bridges on the route to determine whether
they are okay for access.
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-24
D7.10 Bakers Creek Bridge – no AWF
Report extract
continued
Below are sample extracts from the Detailed Report showing the Bakers Creek Bridge.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-25
D7.11 Dealing with axle weight flexibility (AWF)
Introduction
As for Class 1 vehicles, operators of HPMVs may require axle weight
flexibility (AWF) to allow some variation in how the vehicles are loaded. This
applies particularly to logging trucks, where accurate distribution of load
cannot be guaranteed. Without this provision, many operators are unable to
ensure axle weight compliance.
This section describes the procedures for dealing with applications with AWF
requested by the applicant.
AWF reduces
gross mass
AWF is likely to result in a reduction in the allowable gross mass of the
HPMV. The higher the masses for individual axles applied for under AWF, the
lower the gross mass.
Two types of
AWF
There are two types of axle weight flexibility:

Class 1: The applicant provides actual axle weights (which add up to the
requested gross mass). Flexibility is accommodated by restricting axles,
axle sets and pairs of axle sets on the permit to the Class 1 limits in
part A of schedule 2 of the VDAM Rule.
HPMV: The applicant provides actual axle weights (which add up to the
requested gross mass). Flexibility is accommodated by restricting axles,
axle sets and pairs of axle sets on the permit to the HPMV limits in part B
of schedule 2 of the VDAM Rule.

Procedure
Impact of AWF
Refer to this table for which procedure to apply.
If the AWF applied for
is …
Then follow the procedure in …
Class 1
section D7.13 Dealing with Class 1 AWF
HPMV
section D7.14 Dealing with HPMV AWF
Allowing axle weight flexibility can have a significant impact on the load
effects caused by a vehicle. However, if the mass of axle groups of three or
more axle sets is restricted to the mass applied for, the maximum increase in
load effects due to axle weight flexibility may be up to 7% for longer span
bridges for both Class 1 AWF and HPMV AWF, and up to 12% for shorter span
bridges for HPMV AWF.
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-26
D7.11 Dealing with axle weight flexibility (AWF)
Simplified
solution
continued
An accurate assessment of AWF would require multiple permutations of the
same vehicle being run through OPermit with the critical results from each
run being used to determine the final restrictions on the vehicle. This is both
difficult and time-consuming.
The procedures in the following sections therefore provide a simpler solution
that involves applying a reduction to the limiting FOC or DLR value to
account for the increased load effects caused by AWF.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-27
D7.12 Overview diagram of procedures for dealing with AWF
Diagram
This diagram summarises the steps involved when assessing applications with axle weight flexibility.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-28
D7.13 Dealing with Class 1 AWF
When to use
Use this procedure when the applicant has applied for Class 1 AWF.
Comment
By limiting axle sets to Class 1 limits, all transverse elements on unposted
bridges (ie decks, transoms, etc) should safely support the HPMV even with
flexibility on the axle weights.
Also, all unposted short span bridges (less than 17-metre spans) should also
be able to safely support the HPMV allowing for flexibility on the axle
weights.
Requirements
These requirements apply to Class 1 AWF:



Axle weights must be no more than the limits defined in tables 1−5 in
part A of schedule 2 of the VDAM Rule.
Adjacent pairs of axle sets must also be limited to Class 1 limits, as
defined in table 6 in part A of schedule 2 of the VDAM Rule.
The vehicle gross mass is restricted to the total mass applied for on the
permit.
Similarly, any groups of three or more axle sets must also be limited to the
mass applied for (ie the sum of the weights of individual axles on the
application).
Impact of AWF
Allowing axle weight flexibility can have a significant impact on the load
effects caused by a vehicle. However, if the mass of axle groups of three or
more axle sets are restricted to the mass applied for, the maximum increase
in load effects due to axle weight flexibility is 7% for longer span bridges.
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-29
D7.13 Dealing with Class 1 AWF
continued
When to use
Use this procedure when the applicant has applied for Class 1 AWF.
Comment
By limiting axle sets to Class 1 limits, all transverse elements on unposted
bridges (ie decks, transoms, etc) should safely support the HPMV even with
flexibility on the axle weights.
Also, all unposted short span bridges (less than 17-metre spans) should also
be able to safely support the HPMV allowing for flexibility on the axle
weights.
Requirements
These requirements apply to Class 1 AWF:

Axle weights must be no more than the limits defined in tables 1–5 in
part A of schedule 2 of the VDAM Rule.

Adjacent pairs of axle sets must also be limited to Class 1 limits, as
defined in table 6 in part A of schedule 2 of the VDAM Rule.
The vehicle gross mass is restricted to the total mass applied for on the
permit.

Similarly, any groups of three or more axle sets must also be limited to the
mass applied for (ie the sum of the weights of individual axles on the
application).
Impact of AWF
Allowing axle weight flexibility can have a significant impact on the load
effects caused by a vehicle. However, if the mass of axle groups of three or
more axle sets are restricted to the mass applied for, the maximum increase
in load effects due to axle weight flexibility is 7% for longer span bridges.
Continued on next page
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-30
D7.13 Dealing with Class 1 AWF continued
Procedure
Follow the steps below in dealing with Class 1 AWF.
Step
1
Action
Is the bridge span longer than17 metres?
 If yes, go to step 2.
 If no, the bridge is okay. Allow access.
Note: Although AWF increases the load effects on spans, a
bridge with spans of 17 metres or less that has Class 1 posting
weight capacity should be able to support HPMVs with Class 1
AWF. However, bridges with spans longer than 17 metres will
potentially have load effects in excess of Class 1 effects.
2
Is the critical unrestricted FOC, already identified for the bridge,
within 7% of the FOC limit (eg greater than 0.80 if the limit is
0.86)?
 If yes, deny vehicle access to bridge
 If no, allow access to bridge.
Note: The maximum increase in load effects caused by AWF on
bridges with spans longer than 17 metres is 7% compared with
no AWF.
Further
information
Further information on the axle sets that are critical for various types of
vehicles can by found in sections:

D6.2 Critical axle groups for HPMVs above, and

D2.3 Checking the vehicle’s mass distribution in volume 1 of this manual.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-31
D7.14 Dealing with HPMV AWF
When to use
Use this procedure when the applicant has applied for HPMV AWF.
Requirements
These requirements apply to HPMV AWF:
Procedure

Axle weights must be no more than the limits defined in tables 1−5 in
part B of schedule 2 of the VDAM Rule.

Adjacent pairs of axle sets must also be limited to HPMV limits, as
defined in table 6 in part B of schedule 2 of the VDAM Rule.

The vehicle gross mass will be restricted to the total mass applied for on
the permit.

Similarly, any group of three or more axle sets is limited to the mass
applied for (ie the sum of the weights of individual axles on the
application).
Follow the steps below in dealing with HPMV AWF.
Step
1
Action
If you have not already done so in the earlier procedure, assess
the deck elements to ensure that they can safely support full
HPMV axle loads.
Is the deck okay?
 If yes, go to step 2.
 If no, deny vehicle access to bridge.
Note: The maximum increase in axle weight of an HPMV is 10%
above legal Class 1 limits (eg for a quad axle set). However, for
many axle combinations, this increase is less (ie maximum
increase on twin-tyred axles in a tandem axle set is 3–7% above
Class 1, depending on axle spacing). Therefore, the majority of
deck slabs with Class 1 capacity are expected to be able to
safely support HPMV loads. However, deck elements should be
independently assessed to confirm that this is so.
2
Is the bridge span longer than 17 metres?
 If yes, go to step 3.
 If no, go to step 4.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-32
D7.14 Dealing with HPMV AWF
Procedure
Step
(continued)
3
continued
Action
Is the critical unrestricted FOC within 7% of the FOC limit
(eg greater than 0.80 if the limit is 0.86)?
 If yes, deny vehicle access to bridge.
 If no, the bridge is okay. Allow access.
Note: The maximum increase in load effects caused by AWF on
bridges with spans longer than17 metres is 7% compared with
no AWF.
4
Is the critical unrestricted FOC within 12% of the FOC limit
(eg greater than 0.76 if the limit is 0.86)?
 If yes, deny vehicle access to bridge
 If no, the bridge is okay. Allow access.
Note: The load effects for full HPMVs with flexibility on their
axle weights exceed the effects of Class 1 vehicles by a
maximum of 12% for short span bridges (less than 17-metre
span). Therefore, provided a bridge can safely support legal
Class 1 vehicles (ie the bridge is not posted), the bridge should
be able to safely support full HPMVs with AWF, at a FOC limit
reduced by 12%.
Further
information
Further information on the axle sets that are critical for various types of
vehicles can by found in sections:

D6.2 Critical axle groups for HPMVs above, and

D2.3 Checking the vehicle’s mass distribution in volume 1 of this manual.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015
Page D7-33
D7.15 Reporting back to the PIO
Introduction
Once you have assessed all the bridges on the proposed route, including
assessments of axle weight flexibility, you must report the results back to
the PIO.
What to report
The report must be in writing. Send an email to the PIO and include, as a
minimum:

your name

the date of your assessment

the permit application number

your recommendation for either granting or declining the permit, and

any other information you feel may be relevant to the permit application.
If you recommend that the permit application be declined, also include in
your report:

a list of bridges to which access is denied, and

if feasible, advice on the reduction in axle weights that would make it
probable that the application would succeed for the specified route.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Vehicle dimension and mass permitting manual (volume 2)
First edition, Amendment 0
Effective from 1 November 2015