Evaluation of WIM data consistency based on temporal axle load spectra

Abstract

It is crucial to evaluate the consistency in weigh-in-motion (WIM) loading over time and quantify the relative accuracy of axle loads based on axle load spectra (ALS) data for different sensor types. This paper presents the temporal evaluation of the ALS from 51 WIM sites and 128 records available in the long-term pavement performance data. Analysis of ALS data over time shows that for single ALS, there is a significant difference in peak loads between the bending plate, and quartz piezo sensor measurements. Also, 100% of the bending plate 86% of the quartz piezo, and 66% of the piezo cables sites exhibited consistent single axle peak loads after 1 year of calibration event. For tandem ALS, significant differences were observed between loaded peaks of bending plate sensor from both quartz piezo and piezo cable sensors. Also, 83% of the bending plate, 78% of the quartz piezo, and 50% of the piezo cable sites exhibited loaded peaks consistently 1 year after calibration. The results show that calibration frequencies longer than 1 year may be acceptable for the bending plate sensors. However, calibration frequencies of at least 1 year for quartz piezo and less than a year for piezo cable sensors are recommended. Pavement designers and analysts should be aware of the changes in WIM data and calibration frequency over time.