What is BS EN 12642 - Body structure of commercial vehicles about?
BS EN 12642 is a European standard on securing cargo on-road vehicles that discusses the criteria for the body structures of commercial vehicles. BS EN 12642 applies to body structures of commercial vehicles and on trailers.
BS EN 12642 sets out basic minimum requirements for standard vehicle bodies (sidewalls, front and rear walls) and reinforced vehicle bodies and specifies appropriate tests.
BS EN 12642 applies to all commercial vehicles which are related by design and body type to the body structures described below. Forces applied according to the test requirements described below can be invoked for load securing purposes.
The floor of the vehicle is a part of the subframe. As long as the floor strength is not defined, the manufacturer should give the necessary information. Testing of the axle load on the floor should be carried out analogous to EN 283. BS EN 12642 does not apply to vans according to ISO 27956.
Who is BS EN 12642 - Body structure of commercial vehicles for?
BS EN 12642 on body structures of commercial vehicles is relevant to:
- Manufacturer of commercial vehicles
- Mechanical engineer
Why should you use BS EN 12642 - Body structure of commercial vehicles?
The core element of any vehicle is the body structure. The vehicle’s body connects all the different components; it houses the drive train and most importantly carries and protects passengers and cargo. The body structure needs to be rigid to support weight and stress and to securely tie together all the components.
BS EN 12642 provides guidance on testing, static test – airbag test, requirements, the strength of the front wall, strength of the rear wall, strength of the sidewall, floor ledge, double-decker design, dynamic driving test, test acceleration, documentation, maintenance.
BS EN 12642 aims to update the test methods as well as marking and certification of vehicle body structures that can take up a part of the forces to secure the cargo. Due to the particular cargo and the body type additional securing of cargo can become necessary and should be determined in each specific case by the shipper, the operator, or the driver. With obedience and compliance to BS EN 12642, you can efficiently manufacture high-quality secure vehicle body structures.
