This thesis describes research that was conducted to examine the behavior of tractor-trailer trucks as they accelerated to enter the flow of traffic on a freeway using an acceleration lane. By studying the acceleration behavior of the tractor-trailer trucks, the researchers were able to make recommendations regarding the design length of acceleration lanes so that they could better meet the needs of tractor-trailer trucks.;The research was conducted at commercial vehicle weigh stations within the states of Arkansas and Missouri. The research was conducted at weigh stations so that the weight of the trucks measured to create the data set could be determined easily.;The data for the research project were collected using weigh-in-motion plates, static scales, video cameras, LIDAR guns, and laptop computers. Relationships between truck weight, freeway volume, truck speed, and grade were examined.
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