The static weight carried by an individual axle This determined the routes over which vehicles (especially locomotives) might run taking into account the strength of the infrastructure, that is bridges and track work From the 1930s it was realised that the dynamic axle load (allowing for the “hammer blow” effect of reciprocating parts) was more relevant and significant
The weight that is applied by one axle, on a carriage or engine, to the track Generally axle load refers to the maximum weight permitted on a single axle
the load borne by one axle of a traffic vehicle, a movable bridge, or other motive equipment or device and transmitted through a wheel or wheels to a supporting structure See also wheel concentration