Road Transport and Energy (First Revision)

IRC SP 28: Introduction & Energy Scene - Key Highlights

Energy Scene Overview

• Energy Transition: From wood → coal → oil, gas, electricity.

• Global Energy Mix (approximate shares):

  • Liquid fuels: 45%
  • Solid fuels: 32%
  • Gas: 20%
  • Electricity: 3%

• India's Energy Mix:

  • Solid fuels (coal, firewood): 65%
  • Liquid fuels: 29%
  • Gas: 5%
  • Electricity: 1%

• Fossil Fuel Reserves (Billion barrels oil equivalent):

  Source	Quantity
  Conventional oil	1635
  Gas (oil equivalent)	1897
  Heavy oils	608
  Bitumen deposits	354
  Oil shale deposits	1066
  Total	5560
  Coal (billion tonnes)	7600

• Consumption Trends:

  • 30% of conventional oil consumed.
  • Daily oil use: ~53 million barrels.
  • Liquid fuels may last 3-4 decades at current rates.

Energy Saving Measures in Road Sector

• Road Infrastructure:

  • Widen roads, pave earthen roads with WBM + bituminous surfacing.
  • Four-laning arterial routes, expressways, bypasses.
  • Remove traffic irritants (octroi posts, railway crossings).
  • Use concrete roads for fuel efficiency (5-9% savings for heavy vehicles).
  • Recycling old bituminous mixes.
  • Mechanized asphalt production & quality assurance.
  • Use bituminous emulsions for cold mixes to save heating energy.

• Traffic Management:

  • Improve public transport, intersections, parking.
  • Segregate slow traffic, use traffic control devices.
  • Road pricing in congested areas.
  • Promote non-motorized transport (cycling, walking).

• Vehicle Modernization:

  • Aerodynamic design, efficient engines.
  • Better suspension, braking.
  • Use multi-axle vehicles, radial tyres (3-5% diesel savings).
  • Promote battery-operated vehicles.

• Planning Measures:

  • Land-use planning

Key Formulas, Tables & Specifications for Energy Consumption in Transport Sector (IRC SP 28)

Optimum Speed for Fuel Efficiency

• Optimum Speed (Maruti car): 37.5 km/h (Clause 37.5)

Energy Consumption Insights

• Road transport consumes ~65% of total energy in transport sector (mostly oil).
• Oil accounts for 84% of energy in transport; road transport oil = 77% of total oil in transport.
• Road transport energy share in India: ~24% of total commercial energy.

Vehicle Population Growth (Table 1 excerpt)

Energy Saving Measures (Summary)

A. Road Infrastructure

• Widen roads, pave earthen roads with WBM + bituminous surfacing.
• Four-laning arterial routes, expressways, bypasses.
• Remove encroachments and irritants (octroi, crossings).
• Convert heavily trafficked roads to concrete (5-9% fuel saving for heavy vehicles).
• Recycle old bituminous mixes, mechanized asphalt production.
• Use bituminous emulsions for cold mix to save heating energy.

B. Traffic Management

• Improve public transport, segregate slow traffic.
• Better parking, one-way streets, traffic control devices.
• Encourage non-motorized transport (cycling, walking).

C. Vehicle Modernization

• Aerodynamic vehicle bodies, efficient engines.
• Better suspension, braking, power-to-weight ratio.
• Use of radial tyres (3-5% diesel saving).
• Promote battery-operated vehicles, multi-axle vehicles.

D. Planning Measures

• Land use planning to reduce demand.
• Promote high occupancy vehicles, MRTS.
• Pedestrian malls, driver education on fuel conservation.

Energy Intensity (Passenger & Freight Modes)

• Passenger cars and scooters consume significantly more BTU/passenger-km than buses.
• Diesel and electric railways are far more energy-efficient than trucks.

Fuel Consumption Characteristics of Vehicles (IRC SP 28)

Key Data from Clause 38.8 & Related Clauses:

1. Optimum Speed & Fuel Consumption (Table 4)

2. Idle Fuel Consumption (cc/min) (Table 5)

3. Effect of Grade on Fuel Consumption

• Uphill gradients increase fuel consumption due to gravity.
• Downhill gradients reduce fuel consumption.
• Design vertical profiles to minimize steep grades.

4. Effect of Congestion

• Fuel consumption increases by 40-70% under congested conditions due to stop-and-go traffic.

5. General Formula for Fuel Consumption:

[ \text{Fuel Consumption (cc/km)} = \frac{\text{Fuel burnt (cc)}}{\text{Distance travelled (km)}} ]

At optimum speed, fuel consumption is minimum.

Energy Saving Measures Summary:

• Widen roads to reduce congestion.
• Use concrete roads for 5-9% fuel savings in heavy

Effect of Road and Traffic Conditions on Fuel Use (IRC SP 28)

Key Points & Tables

1. Effect of Gradient on Fuel Consumption (Clause 58.0)

• Vehicles consume more fuel uphill due to gravity; downhill travel saves fuel.
• Fuel consumption increases significantly on upward gradients (see Fig. 27).
• Design vertical profiles to minimize steep grades.

2. Idle Fuel Consumption (Table 5)

• Idling wastes fuel; recommended to reduce stops and educate drivers to switch off engines.

3. Effect of Congestion (Clause 58.8)

• Congestion causes 40-70% extra fuel consumption due to stop-and-go traffic.
• Timely road capacity augmentation reduces fuel wastage.

4. Optimum Speed & Fuel Consumption (Table 4)

• Maintaining optimum speed reduces fuel consumption.

Important Formulas & Concepts

• Fuel Consumption on Grade: [ FC_{grade} = FC_{level} \times (1 + k \times \text{grade%}) ] where (k) is an empirical factor (varies with vehicle type).

• Idle Fuel Loss: [ \text{Fuel wasted} = \text{Idle fuel

Energy Saving Measures in Road Infrastructure (IRC SP 28)

Key Specifications & Measures:

A. Improvement of Road Infrastructure

• Optimum Speed: 37.5 km/h (Maruti car) for minimum fuel consumption.
• Road widening: Avoid congestion → reduces stop-and-go → saves fuel.
• Pavement types:
  • Earthen → WBM + bituminous surfacing.
  • WBM roads → thin bituminous surfacing.
  • Concrete roads → 5-9% fuel saving for heavy vehicles due to reduced deflections.
• Four-laning & expressways: For arterial routes with heavy traffic.
• Bypasses & ring roads: Reduce congestion in towns.
• Removal of irritants: Octroi posts, railway crossings, roadside encroachments.
• Recycling bituminous mixes: Conserves energy.
• Cold mix bituminous emulsions: Save energy by avoiding heating.

B. Traffic Management

• Public transport improvement.
• Intersection improvements.
• Segregation of slow traffic.
• Traffic flow techniques (one-way streets, contra-flow).
• Road pricing in congested areas.

C. Vehicle Fleet Modernisation

• Aerodynamic vehicle design.
• Use of radial tyres → saves 3-5% diesel.
• Multi-axle vehicles.
• Battery-operated vehicles.
• Driver education on fuel-efficient driving.

D. Other Planning Measures

• Land use planning to minimize transport demand.
• High occupancy vehicles.
• Mass Rapid Transport Systems (MRTS).
• Pedestrian malls and non-motorized transport encouragement.

Important Tables & Figures:

Table 5: Idle Fuel Consumption (cc/min)

Fuel Consumption Effects:

• Effect of Grade: Fuel consumption increases on upward slopes; decreases downhill.
• Congestion Impact: Fuel consumption increases 40-70% under congested stop-go conditions.
• Concrete Pavements: Reduce energy loss by limiting

Traffic Management and Regulation for Energy Efficiency (IRC SP 28)

Key Specifications & Measures:

• Optimum Speed for Fuel Efficiency:
  • Maruti car: 37.5 km/h (Clause 37.5)
    Fuel consumption vs. speed plots (Fig. 30) indicate this speed minimizes fuel use.

Recommended Traffic Management Measures:

• Public Transport Improvements:

  • Rationalize bus routes, adopt bus priority measures.

• Traffic Flow Enhancements:

  • One-way streets, contra-flow lanes, side street closures.
  • Turning and entry restrictions.
  • Use of traffic control devices to streamline flow.

• Parking Management:

  • Improve parking facilities, prevent on-street parking.

• Non-Motorized Transport:

  • Encourage cycling and walking by providing facilities.

• Urban Planning Controls:

  • Control ribbon development and remove encroachments.

• Road Pricing:

  • Implement in congested areas to reduce demand.

Energy Saving Impact:

• Efficient traffic flow reduces idling and stop-and-go driving, saving fuel.
• Segregation of slow-moving traffic reduces delays.
• Improved intersections and removal of irritants (octroi posts, level crossings) cut fuel wastage.

Summary Table: Traffic Management Measures & Energy Benefits

flowchart TD
    A[Traffic Management] --> B[Public Transport Improvement]
    A --> C[Traffic Flow Techniques]
    A --> D[Parking Management]
    A --> E[Non-Motorized Transport]
    A --> F[Road Pricing]

    B --> G[Reduced Private Vehicle Use]
    C --> H[Smoother Traffic Flow]
    D --> I[Reduced Parking Search Time]
    E --> J[Lower Fuel Consumption]
    F --> K[Congestion Reduction]

    G & H & I & J & K --> L[Energy Efficiency & Fuel Savings]

Note: For detailed fuel consumption curves and further technical data,

Modernisation of Vehicle Fleet: Key Specifications & Measures (IRC SP 28)

Optimum Speed & Fuel Consumption (Table 4)

Important Measures for Modernisation (Clause 37.5 & 38)

• Aerodynamically efficient vehicle bodies reduce drag and fuel consumption.
• Efficient engine design improves fuel economy.
• Improved suspension and braking systems enhance vehicle performance.
• Increase power-to-weight ratio for better fuel efficiency.
• Promote battery-operated vehicles.
• Use of multi-axle vehicles improves load distribution and fuel economy.
• Use of radial tyres can save 3-5% diesel.
• Driver education on fuel-efficient driving and vehicle maintenance.
• Stricter emission controls to reduce harmful gases.

Idle Fuel Consumption (cc/min)

Fuel Consumption Formula (Approximate)

[ \text{Fuel Consumption (cc/km)} \approx 44 \text{ cc/km for Maruti at optimum speed} ]

flowchart LR
    A[Modernisation of Vehicle Fleet] --> B[Aerodynamic Design]
    A --> C[Efficient Engines]
    A --> D[Improved Suspension & Braking]
    A --> E[Battery Operated Vehicles]
    A --> F[Multi-axle Vehicles]
    A --> G[Radial Tyres]
    A --> H[Driver Education]
    A --> I[Emission Control]

Summary: Modernising vehicle fleets by improving aerodynamics, engine efficiency, and tyre technology, combined with traffic and driver management, significantly reduces fuel consumption

IRC SP 28: Alternative Fuels and Future Prospects - Key Points

Energy Consumption & Transport Sector (Clause 2 & 3 Summary)

• India's energy mix: 65% solid fuels, 29% liquid fuels, 5% gas, 1% electricity.
• Transport energy share in India: ~24% of total commercial energy.
• Road transport fuel: 100% oil-based; petrol (13%) and diesel (87%) with diesel dominant.
• Energy intensity: Rail (diesel/electric) more efficient than road trucks; steam locomotives inefficient.

Alternative Fuels Under Consideration

• Methanol
• Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
• Hydrogen
• Battery-operated electric vehicles

Note: These require extensive research; petroleum fuels dominate currently.

Energy Reserves & Consumption

• Liquid fuels may last only 3-4 decades at current consumption rates.

Energy Saving Measures for Road Transport

• Infrastructure: Widen roads, pave earthen roads, four-lane arterial roads, expressways, bypasses.
• Traffic Management: Public transport improvement, intersection upgrades, parking control, traffic flow optimization.
• Vehicle Modernization: Aerodynamic design, efficient engines, multi-axle vehicles, radial tyres (3-5% diesel savings).
• Planning: Land use planning, high occupancy vehicles, mass rapid transit systems.

Vehicle Population Growth (India)

Formula: Optimum Speed for Fuel Efficiency (Example for Maruti car)

[ \text{Optimum Speed} = 37.5 \text{ km/h} ]

flowchart LR
    A[Energy Sources] -->

Key Points from IRC SP 28 on Planning & Management for Energy Conservation

Fuel Savings by Pavement Type

• Fuel saving of 5-9% for heavy vehicles when flexible pavements are replaced by cement concrete pavements.
• Optimum truck speed for fuel efficiency: ~37.5 km/h.
• Concrete roads reduce vehicle operating costs (tyre wear, maintenance, depreciation).

Energy Conservation Measures

Fuel Consumption vs Speed (Fig. 29 & 30)

• Fuel consumption curve for a 15-ton truck shows minimum fuel use near 37.5 km/h.
• Maruti car consumes ~70% less fuel than Ambassador car at optimum speeds.

Summary Formula (Fuel Saving Estimate)

[ \text{Fuel Saving (%)} = \frac{\text{Fuel Consumption}{\text{flexible}} - \text{Fuel Consumption}{\text{concrete}}}{\text{Fuel Consumption}_{\text{flexible}}} \times 100 ]

Diagram: Energy Conservation Strategy Overview

graph TD
    A[Energy Conservation] --> B[Road Infrastructure]
    A --> C[Traffic Management]
    A --> D[Vehicle Modernisation]
    A --> E[Other Planning]
    B --> B1[Widening & Paving]
    B --> B2[Concrete Roads]
    C --> C1[Public Transport]
    C

IRC SP 28: Case Studies & Data Analysis - Key Formulas, Tables, and Specifications

1. Optimum Speed & Fuel Consumption (Clause 38.8 & Table 4)

2. Fuel Consumption Estimation

• Fuel Consumption (FC) for trucks:
  [ FC = 44 \text{ cc/km} \quad \text{(average for single unit trucks)} ]

• Productivity (tonne-km/litre) and fuel consumption vary with payload (see Clause 1.5, Figs. 19-21).

3. Energy Saving Measures (Summary)

• Road Infrastructure: Widening, paving, 4-laning, expressways, bypasses, removal of encroachments, concrete roads (5-9% fuel saving for heavy vehicles), recycling old mixes.
• Traffic Management: Public transport improvement, intersection upgrades, traffic segregation, parking control, non-motorized transport facilities.
• Vehicle Modernisation: Aerodynamic designs, efficient engines, better suspension, multi-axle vehicles, radial tyres (3-5% diesel saving).
• Planning: Land use planning, high occupancy vehicles, mass rapid transit, driver education.

4. Important Notes

• Optimum speeds vary by vehicle type, influencing fuel consumption.
• Concrete roads improve fuel efficiency for heavy vehicles.
• Management and planning are crucial for maximizing fuel savings.

flowchart TD
    A[Road Infrastructure

IRC SP 28: Conclusions and Recommendations Summary

Key Specifications & Tables

Optimum Speeds & Fuel Consumption (Table 4):

Recommendations for Fuel & Energy Saving:

A. Road Infrastructure Improvements

• Widen roads to reduce congestion.
• Upgrade earthen roads to WBM and bituminous surfacing.
• Four-lane arterial routes & expressways.
• Bypasses and ring roads to reduce city traffic.
• Remove side friction (hawkers, encroachments).
• Replace octroi posts and level crossings.
• Convert heavily trafficked roads to concrete for 5-9% fuel savings.
• Recycle old bituminous mixes.
• Use mechanized asphalt production & quality assurance.
• Employ bituminous emulsions for cold mix to save heating energy.
• Implement comprehensive maintenance systems.

B. Traffic Management

• Rationalize bus routes & bus priority.
• Control ribbon development & encroachments.
• Improve intersections & segregate slow traffic.
• Enhance parking management.
• Promote non-motorized transport (cycling, walking).
• Use traffic control devices & road pricing.

C. Vehicle Fleet Modernization

• Aerodynamic vehicle design.
• Efficient engines, suspension, braking.
• Increase power-to-weight ratio.
• Battery-operated vehicles.
• Use multi-axle vehicles.
• Radial tyres save 3-5% diesel.
• Driver education & vehicle maintenance clinics.
• Enforce stricter emission penalties.

D. Planning Measures

• Land use and transport planning to reduce demand.
• Promote