Correlation between Whole Body Vibration Exposure and I-KazTM 3D Coefficient for Malaysian Army 3-Tonne Truck Drivers

Abstract

Exposure to high levels of whole body vibration (WBV) from the seat can present risks to health and safety and cause injuries to drivers. This study presents a study on WBV exposure to Malaysian Army 3-tonne truck drivers using the method defined in International Standard ISO 2631-1:1997. The vehicle that was chosen for this study was based on the highest number of vehicles available within the Malaysian Army services. 3-tonne truck is the most widely used in Malaysian Army services. WBV from the drivers were measured using tri-axial accelerometer and was connected to Brüel & Kjær Vibration Analyser Type 3649, which is capable to produce raw data to calculate the vibration dose value (VDV). The raw data from each axis were analyzed using statistical analysis method, Integrated Kurtosis Algorithm for Z-notch Filter (I-kazTM) 3D to determine the vibration values in relation to varying speed of the vehicle. Based on the results, WBV experienced by the drivers can be presented in VDV and I-kazTM 3D coefficient which the value will increase proportional to the truck speed.