Testing of Bridge Weigh-In-Motion System in a Sub-Arctic Climate

Abstract

Abstract Systems for weighing vehicles while they are in motion are in widespread use in many countries. The accuracy of these weigh-in-motion (WIM) systems is strongly influenced by the road profile and vehicle dynamics. Systems based on sensors that are embedded in the pavement or placed on top of the road surface can measure the axle load only for the fraction of a second for which the wheels are present on the sensor. An alternative to pavement WIM systems that increases the length of the load-sensitive element is to use an existing bridge as a weighing scale (Bridge WIM). A major test of a Bridge WIM system at a test site near the Arctic Circle is described in this paper. The test was conducted along-side a larger test of pavement WIM systems. A large number of trucks from random traffic were weighed statically and the results compared to those from the Bridge WIM system. The accuracy of the system is assessed in accordance with the COST 323 WIM specification, which provides a standardized method of accuracy classification. The Bridge WIM system is proven to perform satisfactorily and consistently for a wide range of temperatures in near-Arctic climatic conditions.