SAE J3057_202302

This SAE Recommended Practice describes the test procedures for conducting quasi-static modular body strength tests for ambulance applications. Its purpose is to establish recommended test practices which standardize the procedure for Type I and Type III bodies, provide ambulance builders and end-users with testing procedures and, where appropriate, provide acceptance criteria that, to a great extent, ensures the ambulance structure meets the same performance criteria across the industry. Descriptions of the test set-up, test instrumentation, photographic/video coverage, and the test fixtures are included. This SAE Recommended Practice was developed by members of the SAE Truck Crashworthiness Committee in support of the ambulance industry’s need to apply science to the design and testing of the ambulance Modular Body for Type I, Type I-AD, Type III, and Type III-AD bodies. The Recommended Practice was validated collaboratively by industry and government partners through extensive testing funded and managed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the Department of Homeland Security and the Ambulance Manufacturers Division of the NTEA. An independent analysis of the testing methodology and resulting data was performed by government and private members of the automotive and commercial vehicle testing community. SAE J3057 has been reaffirmed to comply with the SAE Five-Year Review policy.