Multiple-Sensor Weigh-In-Motion Systems to Enhance Data Accuracy and Reliability

Weigh-in-motion (WIM) systems measure the axle weight of moving vehicles as they traverse WIM measurement sites. WIM data are essential for the design, assessment, and maintenance activities related to pavement and bridge infrastructure and may be used for monitoring and enforcing motor carrier truck weights and dimensions and collecting tolls.  WIM sensors vary from instrumented metal plates to piezoelectric, quartz, and strain gauge strip sensors. Their accuracy is evaluated with reference to static loads referenced in the American Society for Testing and Materials, Standard Specification for Highway Weigh-In-Motion (WIM) Systems with User Requirements and Test Methods, ASTM E1318-09 (2017) and is affected by the interaction between roadway roughness, vehicle dynamics, and speed. The narrow strip-type WIM sensors that sample a smaller part of the dynamic axle loads applied to the road may be strategically spaced to capture more data points of the dynamic axle load waveforms by using multiple strip sensors (two or more). The use of multiple strip sensors will potentially result in increased data reliability and more accurate estimates of the corresponding static axle loads, reduce measurement error, improve data quality, and reduce maintenance costs.   State departments of transportation (DOTs) require accurate and cost-effective WIM technology. Research is needed to assess and optimize multiple-sensor spacing and determine its benefits and feasibility.     The objective of this project is to develop a model to determine the optimal number of WIM strip sensors and array layout, given specified levels of accuracy and reliability considering pavement, environmental, and traffic conditions.  Accomplishment of the project objective will require at least the following tasks. 

• Record URL:
  http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=5509
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Contract to a Performing Organization has not yet been awarded.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Proposed
• Funding: $450000
• Contract Numbers:

  Project 10-128

• Sponsor Organizations:

  National Cooperative Highway Research Program

  Transportation Research Board
  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)

  444 North Capitol Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Project Managers:

  Crichton-Sumners, Camille

• Start Date: 20240520
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Accuracy; Benefit cost analysis; Data collection; Data quality; Monitoring; Sensors; Weigh in motion
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Highways; Motor Carriers;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01898269
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Research Board
• Contract Numbers: Project 10-128
• Files: TRB, RIP
• Created Date: Nov 6 2023 4:33PM