Circular 46/2023/TT-BGTVT technical requirements and test methods for wheels of motorcycles and mopeds

CIRCULAR

On promulgation of the National technical regulation on technical requirements and test methods for wheels of motorcycles and mopeds

Pursuant to the Law on Standards and Technical Regulations dated June 29, 2006;

Pursuant to Decree No. 127/2007/ND-CP dated August 01, 2007 of the Government detailing the implementation of a number of articles of the Law on Standards and Technical Regulations and its amendments and supplements;

Pursuant to Decree No. 56/2022/ND-CP dated August 24, 2022 of the Government defining the functions, tasks, powers and organizational structure of the Ministry of Transport;

At the proposal of the Director of the Department of Science, Technology and Environment and the Director of the Vietnam Register;

The Minister of Transport hereby promulgates the Circular on promulgation of the National technical regulation on technical requirements and test methods for wheels of motorcycles and mopeds.

Article 1. To promulgate together with this Circular the National technical regulation on technical requirements and test methods for wheels of motorcycles and mopeds

Register Code: QCVN 113:2023/BGTVT

Article 2. Implementation provisions

1. This Circular takes effect on July 01, 2024.

2. This Circular repeals Circular No. 52/2012/TT-BGTVT dated December 21, 2012 of the Minister of Transport on promulgation of 03 National technical regulations on components of motorcycles and mopeds.

3. Transitional provisions

a) For testing documents registered before the effective date of QCVN 113:2023/BGTVT, the test and certification of quality may continue complying with QCVN 44:2012/BGTVT or QCVN 46:2012/BGTVT.

b) Within 01 year from the effective date of this Circular, rims and wheels have the quality certified under QCVN 44:2012/BGTVT or QCVN 46:2012/BGTVT shall not be re-tested or re-certified.

Article 3. Implementation organization

The Chief of the Ministry’s Office, the Chief Inspector of the Ministry’s Inspectorate, Directors, Director of the Vietnam Register, heads of agencies and units affiliated to the Ministry of Transport, and relevant organizations or individuals shall be responsible for implementing this Circular./.

QCVN 113:2023/BGTVT

NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATION ON TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS AND TEST METHODS FOR WHEELS OF MOTORCYCLES AND MOPEDS

Foreword

QCVN 113:2023/BGTVT is compiled by the Vietnam Register, submitted by the Department of Science, Technology, appraised by the Ministry of Science and Technology, and promulgated by the Minister of Transport together with Circular No.….…/2023/TT-BGTVT dated …. 2023.

QCVN 113:2023/BGTVT replaces QCVN 44:2012/BGTVT and QCVN 46:2012/BGTVT of the Ministry of Transport.

NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATION ON TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS AND TEST METHODS FOR WHEELS OF MOTORCYCLES AND MOPEDS

1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

1.1 Scope of regulation

1.1.1 This Regulation provides technical requirements and test methods for rims and wheels of motorcycles and mopeds (including steel and alloy wheels).

1.1.2 This Regulation is not applicable to rims and wheels used for national defence and security purposes.

1.2 Subjects of application

This regulation applies to manufacturers and importers of rims or wheels of motorcycles and mopeds, manufacturers and assembly factories of motorcycles and mopeds as well as authorities and organizations involved in management, testing and certification of quality of rims and wheels of motorcycles and mopeds.

1.3 Interpretation of terms

1.3.1 Rim: part of the wheel on which the tyre is mounted and supported

1.3.2 Wheel disc: Part of the wheel which is the supporting member between the axle and the rim.

1.3.3 Wheel: Load-carrying member between the tyre and the axle, usually consisting of two major parts, the rim and the wheel disc, which may be manufactured as a single unit or composite construction.

1.3.4 Unit construction wheel: Wheel of which rim and disc are manufactured as a single unit.

1.3.5 Composite construction wheel: Wheel of which rim and wheel disc are bound together as a single unit by (detachable) joints.

1.3.6 Type of rim and wheel: A rim and a wheel is considered the same type if they have the same design, brand, manufacturer, manufacturer’s address and there is no difference in the following specifications:

Nominal rim diameter code and nominal rim width code; structure of rim and wheel disc;

Tyre fitted (tube-type or tube-less);

Maximum design load of wheel;

Materials used for rim and wheel.

2. TECHNICAL REGULATIONS

2.1 General requirements

2.1.1 Rims and wheels must be manufactured strictly according to the design or technical documents of the manufacturers;

2.1.2 The surface of rims and wheels must be free from any crack, crazing and other visible defects;

2.1.3 The nominal rim diameter codes and nominal rim width codes (as shown in Appendix A) must be marked on the rim and wheel at positions that is visible after the tyre is fitted thereto;

2.1.4 Rims and wheels must be rust-resistant (plated, painted, or made by anti-rust materials, etc.). This is not required for parts of the rim’s or wheel’s surface that are invisible after the tyre is fitted thereto;

2.1.5 Dimensions and tolerance of rims and wheels must be correct as stated the design or technical documents of the manufacturers. Drop centre rims (WM, MT, LF types) shall have the dimensions with respective tolerance as shown in Appendix A hereto.

2.2. Technical requirements for rims

A rim of a spoked composite construction wheel must meet the following requirements:

2.2.1 Diameter variation

The diameter variation of rim (the difference between the largest and smallest value of the composite construction wheel’s rim diameter) must not be greater than 1.2 mm.

2.2.2 Coplanarity

The coplanarity of the rim is measured by placing the rim on the seating plane as shown in Figure 1. The worst-case height from the seating plane to the rim’s surface shall not exceed 0.8 mm.

Figure 1 - Coplanarity of the rim

2.2.3 Deformation resistance

The rim does not break or crack when a force F is applied to the rim as described in Figure B1. If the deformation of the rim reaches the value specified in Table 1, the applied force must not be less than the value specified in Table 2.

The test methods are described in Appendix B

Table 1 - Deformation

Table 2 - Radial force

2.3 Technical requirements for wheels

Rims and wheels must meet the following requirements (not applicable to spoked composite construction wheel):

2.3.1 Radial load durability

After being subjected to the radial load durability test specified in Appendix C hereto, there shall be no evidence of harmful cracks, significant deformation, or any abnormal looseness at joints.

2.3.2 Radial impact resistance

After being subjected to the radial impact resistance test (single mass or double mass) specified in Appendix D hereto, there shall be no evidence of harmful cracks, significant deformation, abnormal looseness at joints, or any sudden air leakage due to failure of the rim.

2.3.3 Torsional moment

After being subjected to the torsion test as specified in Appendix E hereto, there shall be no evidence of harmful cracks, significant deformation or any abnormal looseness at joints.  This technical requirement applies only to drive wheels. It is not applicable to wheels with in-wheel electric motors.

2.3.4 Air tightness of wheels designed for use with tubeless tyres

Any wheel for tubeless tyre shall undergo air leak test. After being subjected to the air test specified in Appendix G hereto, there shall be no leakage of air as indicated by visible bubbles through the rim of the wheel.

3. MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS

3.1 Test methods

Rims and wheels, wherever manufactured, assembled or imported, must be inspected, tested and approved in accordance with current regulations on technical safety quality and environmental protection.

3.2 Technical documents and test samples

When the test is required, the organization or individual manufacturing or importing rims and wheels must provide the testing agency with technical documents and test samples meeting the requirements specified Article 3.2.1 and Article 3.2.2.

3.2.1 Technical document requirements

3.2.1.1. Engineering drawings of rims and wheels must give details of profile and dimensions following the technical regulations in Article 2 hereof;

3.2.1.2. Technical specifications to be submitted shall include: Rim type; Nominal rim diameter and width codes; Size designation of tyre for the rim/wheel; Tyre air pressure; Location to which it is fitted; Maximum design load of wheel; Wheel structure.

3.2.2. Test sample requirements

02 sample rims for testing as specified at Point 2.2 hereof;

03 samples, including: 01 wheel and 02 other wheels with tyre and tube assembly (if any), rolling bearing and wheel axle for testing as specified at Point 2.3 hereof;

3.3 Testing record

The testing agency shall prepare a testing record with details specified herein.

4. ORGANIZATION OF IMPLEMENTATION

4.1 The Vietnam Register shall implement this Regulation.

4.2. This Regulation is applicable from its effective date.

Appendix A: Drop centre rims

A.1    Drop centre rims are classified in the table below:

Table A.1 - Classification of rims

A.2 Rim designation: 18 x 1.85

Rims may be marked with additional designations (depending on the manufacturers).

A.3 Side profiles and dimensions of rim

A.3.1 Side profiles, dimensions and tolerances of:

- WM drop centre rim as shown in Figure A.1 and Tables A.2, A.3

- MT drop centre rim as shown in Figures A.2 to A.5 and Table A.4 to A.7; Figures A.6, A.7 and Tables A.8 to A.10

- LF drop centre rim as shown in Figures A.8 to A.10 and Tables A.11, A.12

A.3.2 The left and right sections of rim shall be symmetrical. The dimensional difference between the right and the left created when folding the side profile of rim through the symmetry axis should not be more than 0.5 mm.

Figure A.1 - WM drop centre rims

Table A.2 - Dimensions of WM drop centre rims (mm)

Table A.3 - Diameters D and circumferences of WM drop centre rims (mm)

Figure A.2 - MT drop centre rims

Table A.4 - Dimensions of MT drop centre rims (mm)

Notes:

1. The rim contours shown in Figure A.3 can be used for MT 1.85 and MT 2.15 rims.

2. The contours shown in Figure A.4 can be used as well contours.

3. The well contour for MT 2.50 and larger rims be a rounded shape with full radius R, which shall be agreed upon by the interested parties and the manufacturer, as shown in Figure A.5.

Table A.5 - Diameters D and circumferences of MT drop centre rims (mm)

Figure A.3

Table A.6 – Dimensions P and R4 (mm)

Figure A.4

Table A.7 – Dimensions R₅ and R₉ (mm)

Figure A.5

Figure A.6 - MT drop centre rims

Table A.8 - Dimensions of MT drop centre rims (mm)

Notes: The rim contours shown in Figure A.7 can be used for MT 1.85 and MT 2.15 rims.

Table A.9 - Diameters D and circumferences of MT drop centre rims (mm)

Figure A.7

Table A.10 - Dimensions P and R4 (mm)

Figure A.8 - LF drop centre rims

Table A.11 - Dimensions of LF drop centre rims (mm)

Notes

1. In the case where the nominal rim width is 1.85, additional humps as shown in Figure A.9 are permitted.

2. In the case where the nominal rim width is 2.15, additional humps as shown in Figure A.10 are permitted.

3. In the case where the nominal rim width is 1.20 and 1.50 and the nominal rim diameter is 10, allowable H min. is 8.0.

Figure A.9 - Hump dimensions

Figure A.10 - Hump dimensions

Table A.12 - Diameters D and circumferences of LF drop centre rims (mm)

Appendix B

Durability test method

The force shall be applied as follows:

Place the rim vertically on a base with its surface where the rim is placed not less than the horizontal nominal rim width. Apply force slowly in the radial direction of the rim.

Figure B.1 - Principle diagram of rim compression test

Appendix C

Radial load durability test

C.1 Test equipment

The test equipment (an example shown in Figure C.1) shall meet the following requirements:

+ The test equipment shall have a drum, of diameter 400 mm or bigger, with a smooth surface which is wider than the overall width of the tyre used in the test

+ The drum shall rotate at a constant velocity.

+ The test equipment shall permit a radial load (deviation of radial load change in the test is ±5%) to be applied to the wheel in line radially with the centre of the test wheel and the drum. The equipment shall be such that the wheel is maintained in contact with the drum.

Figure C.1 - Radial load durability test equipment

Legend:

1 - Test drum;

2 - Tyre;

3 - Alloy rim;

4 - Radial load.

C.2 Test conditions

C.2.1 Static radial load

The radial load Q_t, in Newtons to be applied shall be determined by the equation:

Q_t = S_r.W

Where: S_r is a coefficient equal to 2.25;

                W is the maximum design load of the wheel (in Newtons).

C.2.2 Tyre air pressure

The air pressure before the test, in kilopascals shall be at least that corresponding to the design maximum load of the tyre to be used in the test. In case of tyre failure, the test shall be continued after replacing the tyre.

C.2.3 Test procedure

The wheel, fitted with a tyre the rated load of which is at least equal to that marked on the wheel, shall be mounted on the test equipment (see Figure C.1) according to the method used for attaching the wheel to the vehicle. The drum shall then be rotated while the radial load Q, determined in accordance with C.2.1, is applied.

The rotating cycles of the drum shall not be less than 5 x 10₅ cycles.

Appendix D

Radial impact resistance test

D.1 Test equipment

The test equipment shall have the following conditions:

+ The wheel with a tyre attached can be mounted on a stand;

+ The stand or the mount on which the wheel is anchored shall have sufficient stiffness and strength;

+ A striker weight which shall be at least 1,5 times the width of the rim shall be dropped freely to strike the wheel/tyre assembly.

An example of such equipment is shown in Figure D.1a or D.1b

Figure D.1a - Single mass radial load durability test equipment

Legend:

1 - Striker weight;

2 - Quick-release mechanism;

3 - Frame of test equipment;

4 - Guide;

5 - Dropping height.

Figure D.1b - Double mass radial load durability test equipment

Legend:

D.2 Test conditions

D.2.1 Impact load and dropping height

D.2.1.1 Single mass radial load durability test equipment

The mass of the striker weight (Q_v) with 2% tolerance shall be pursuant to the following equation:

Where: Q_v is the mass of striker weight in kilograms;

K - is a coefficient, equal to 1 for both front and rear rims;

W - is the maximum design load of the wheel (in Newtons);

g - is the gravitational acceleration (9.8 m/s²);

The dropping height for front rim is 180 mm;

The dropping height for rear rim is 120 mm.

D.2.1.2 Double mass radial load durability test equipment

The total mass of two striker weights (Q_v) with 2% tolerance shall be pursuant to the following equation:

Where: Q_v is the total mass of two striker weights in kilograms;

K is a coefficient, 2.5 for front rims and 1.5 for rear rims;

W is the maximum design load of the wheel (in Newtons);

g is the gravitational acceleration (9.8 m/s²).

(The mass of auxiliary striker weight including the mass of two springs is 40 kg)

The dropping height for both front and rear rims is 150 mm.

D.2.2 Tyre inflation pressure

The tyre inflation pressure before the test (in kilopascals) shall be determined by the following equation: p = (the air pressure corresponding to the design maximum load of the tyre to be used in the test x 1.15) ± 10

D.3 Test procedure

Fit the smallest tyre compatible with the design load of the wheel and mount the combination on the support according to the method used to attach the wheel to the vehicle. The relative position shall be so determined that at the moment of the impact the speed vector passes through the centre of the wheel.

Appendix E

2.3.3 Torsional fatigue test

E.1 Test equipment

The test equipment shall permit a torsional moment to be applied between the hub and the rim. Figures E.1a and E.1b show the examples of such equipment.

Figure E.1a - Torsional fatigue test equipment

Legend:

Figure E.1b - Torsional fatigue test equipment

E.2 Test conditions

The torsional moment, T, in Newton-metres, shall be determined by the following equation:

T = ± W.R

Where: W is the maximum design load of the wheel (in Newtons);

R is the maximum static radius among tyres that can be fitted to the wheel (in metres).

E.3 Test procedure

Fix the flange of the wheel rim to the support and apply the torsional moment, determined according to E.2, repeatedly through the contact face of the hub. The length of the loading arm shall be equal to the radius of the smallest tyre suitable for the wheel.

It is also permissible to fix the wheel to the support through the contact face of the hub and apply the torsional moment to the wheel rim by means of an annular ring rigidly attached to the rim.

The torsional moment shall be applied not less than 10⁵ times.