Self Propelled Modular Transporter

A Self Propelled Modular Transporter (SPMT) is a platform vehicle with a large array of wheels on the bottom. They are used for transporting massive objects such as bridges, oil refining equipment, huge motors, large bridge sections, and other objects that are too big or heavy for trucks but trucks can provide traction and braking for the SPMTs on inclines and decents. These vehicle may also be called a Self Propelled Modular Trailer.

SPMTs are increasingly used in the construction and oil industries, and have been recently begun to be used to replace bridge spans, in the United States and Europe, and more recently, Canada.

A typical SPMT can have a grid of several dozen computer-controlled wheels, all individually controllable and steerable, in order to evenly distribute weight and steer accurately. Each individual wheel can swivel independently from other wheels, to allow the SPMT to turn, move sideways, or even spin in place. Some SPMTs allow each wheel to telescope independently of each other, so that the load can be kept flat and evenly distributed while moving over uneven terrain. As SPMTs often carry the world's heaviest loads on wheeled vehicles, they are very slow vehicles, often moving at under one mile per hour while fully loaded. Some SPMTs are controlled by a worker with a hand held control panel, while other SPMTs have a driver cabin. In addition, multiple SPMTs can be combined to transport massive building-sized objects.

SPMTs have also been featured on Discovery Channel during shows involving engineering. [http://www.mammoet.com/mammoetworld/Mammoet%20world%20LR.pdf]

ee also

Applied mechanics

References

* Mammoet, a developer and user of SPMTs.
* [http://www.altonsaed.com Alton SAED] , designer of manoeuvres and user of SPMTs.
* [http://www.sarens.com Sarens] , another user of SPMTs.
* [http://www.scheuerle.com Scheuerle] , Manufacturer of SPMTs.
* [http://www.Kamag.com Kamag] , Manufacturer of SPMTs.
* [http://www.nicolas.fr/site/anglais/navigation/gbaccueil.html Nicolas] , Manufacturer of SPMTs.
* [http://www.goldhofer.de/english Goldhofer] , Manufacturer of SPMTs
* [http://www.ale-heavylift.com ALE heavylift] Global user of SPMTs and SPTs(self propelled trailer).
* [http://www.sinotrailers.com/self-propelled-modular-transporters.html TIANDI Heavy Industry] Manufacturer of SPMTs.