Theoretical Influence of Load Distribution on ADAS Performance in Commercial Vehicles
Abstract
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are increasingly integrated into heavy-duty commercial vehicles to improve road safety, mitigate accident severity, and enhance operational efficiency. In the context of braking systems, however, a significant gap remains between system calibration practices and real-world operating conditions, where most evaluations and validations of ADAS and braking performance are conducted under nominal or standardized load assumptions, which fail to represent the wide variability of payload magnitude and distribution typically observed in trucks, semi- trailers, and buses. Variations in vehicle mass and load distribution directly affect braking efficiency, axle load transfer, center of gravity (CG) position, and stability limits, posing critical challenges to both conventional brake systems and brake-related assistance functions. This paper presents an exploratory qualitative study based on a systematic literature review addressing the influence of variable loading on braking performance and the operation of ADAS in commercial vehicles. Scientific publications, experimental investigations, and technical reports from both academia and industry were thoroughly analyzed, with emphasis on service brake efficiency, load-dependent braking behavior, rollover propensity, and the performance of the ADAS systems. The reviewed studies demonstrate that longitudinal, lateral, and vertical CG displacements significantly modify braking force distribution, actuator effectiveness, and stopping distances, particularly under emergency braking and downhill driving conditions. Improper load distribution was consistently associated with reduced braking margins and increased instability risk. The findings further indicate that integrating load-aware strategies into braking control and ADAS calibration can improve braking consistency, reduce component stress, and enhance overall vehicle safety. As a contribution, this work emphasizes the need to incorporate variable load conditions into braking system evaluation, ADAS development, and certification procedures for heavy commercial vehicles, ensuring robust and reliable performance under real operating conditions.