PBS Vehicle Approval explained - Combination Matrix

Combination Matrix

A PBS Vehicle Approval (VA) may contain multiple combinations. A Combination Matrix is a visual representation showing compatibility between specific hauling and trailing units.

Example of a PBS VA Combination Matrix
Figure 1: Example of a Combination Matrix

VIN tables

VIN tables list specific vehicles identified by their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Example of a PBS VA VIN table
Figure 2: Example of a VIN table

Each VIN or group of VINs is assigned a label indicating the type of unit it represents, such as ‘Truck 1' or 'Trailer 1'. This label is used consistently throughout the VA document.

When multiple VINs appear in the same table, it signifies that these VINs share the same dimensions and the as-built drawing.

Trailer sets

Trailer sets apply to multi-trailer combinations such as A-double, B-double and road train, as well as select truck and dog combinations where a dog trailer consists of two separate vehicle units – a dolly and semitrailer.

Trailer sets indicate which individual trailers and dollies are compatible for use together as a trailer set.

Example of a PBS VA A-double trailer set
Figure 3: Example of an A-double trailer set

Combination Matrix

A combination Matrix is a visual representation showing compatibility between hauling units (prime mover or truck) and trailing units (trailer or trailer sets) that have been approved to operate together as a combination.

Each cell in a Combination Matrix contains the following information:

Example of a PBS VA Combination Matrix requirements
Figure 4: Example of a Combination Matrix inputs
  1. Drawing Number - The as-built drawing number that shows the specific combination.
  2. Dimension Set – Serves as an identifier for the Dimension Set specified in the corresponding PBS Design Approval.
    Each PBS combination is certified under a specific Dimension Set contained in a PBS Design Approval. A Dimension Set is a vehicle variant that contains specific aspects of the combination that need to be met to meet the PBS standards.
    The Dimension Set may determine the appropriate payload heights and/or list of approved tyres that can be fitted to that combination. Dimension Sets can be referred to differently on different VAs, such as ‘Variant 1’, ‘Original’, ‘Layout 1’ etc.
  3. Mass table number/s - these are reference numbers for the mass table associated with the combination. Mass tables provide information on maximum approved masses, including axle group masses, total combination mass, the Level of PBS approval, and the bridge assessment requirement.
Example of a PBS VA mass table
Figure 5: Example of a PBS VA mass table

Non-compatible combinations

If a combination is marked as "NA" in the Combination Matrix, it signifies that the hauling unit and the corresponding trailing unit cannot be used together. Such combinations are not approved and must not be used.

Example of a non-compatible combination
Figure 6: Example of a non-compatible PBS combination

Interpreting a Combination Matrix example

Example of interpretation of a Combination Matrix
Figure 7: Example of interpreting a Combination Matrix
  1. Prime mover 1 (PM1) and Trailer set 1 (TS1) compatibility: PM 1 and TS 1 are suitable to be used together as a combination.
  2. Drawing Number: For PM 1 and TS 1 the drawing number showing the combination of PM 1 and TS 1 is 'Drawing 1'. 
  3. Approval under 'Dimension Set 2' of DA: Both PM 1 and TS 1 fall under 'Dimension Set 2' in the corresponding PBS Design Approval. This 'Dimension Set' label is crucial for identifying the applicable maximum Payload Heights and the approved Tyre List for this combination.
  4. Non-compatible combination: PM 1 and TS 2 (Trailer Set 2) are not compatible for use together as a combination.

Payload heights

In some cases, the dimension set label dictates the maximum payload heights applicable to a combination. In the example below, different payload height limits apply to combinations approved under 'Dimension Set 1' and 'Dimension Set 2'. Specific combinations approved under these dimension sets are specified in the Combination Matrix.

Example of payload heights on a PBS VA
Figure 8: Example of payload heights

Tyre list

In the example below, different tyre options apply to combinations approved under 'Dimension Set 1' and 'Dimension Set 2'.

Example of approved tyre options for dimension set 1
Figure 9: Example of approved tyre options for dimension set 1
Example of approved tyre options for dimension set 2
Figure 10: Example of approved tyre options for dimension set 2

NHVR PBS contacts

  • For questions about PBS Design Approvals, contact our PBS Designs team at pbsdesigns@nhvr.gov.au
  • For questions about PBS Vehicle Approvals, contact our PBS Vehicle Approvals team at pbs@nhvr.gov.au
  • For questions about access and permits to operate your PBS vehicle on the road, contact us.
www.nhvr.gov.au