Portable Weigh-in-motion System Evaluation

Portable Weigh-in-motion System Evaluation
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 43
Release: 2015
Genre: Automatic data collection systems
ISBN:

The Minnesota Local Road Research Board, MnDOT, and SRF performed an evaluation of a portable weigh-inmotion (WIM) system at several locations throughout Minnesota. The system was developed at the University of Minnesota-Duluth and offers roadway designers a low-cost method for obtaining vehicle load distribution data across the state's road network. To deploy the system, the weigh pads of the system were temporarily affixed sensors across the roadway lanes. As vehicles passed over the weigh pads, pressure sensors within the pads detected the weight of vehicles and the system recorded the data for later analysis. Traditional methods for travel monitoring generate traffic volume and classification data, but weigh-in-motion systems give designers a more accurate idea of current and projected traffic loading demands. SRF's testing provided implementation refinements that were incorporated into the system. During the two-year deployment process, the portable WIM system was installed under a wide array of environmental conditions to demonstrate the system's capabilities. Data generated by the system was analyzed. The Final Report details system deployment, calibration, and system accuracy.

Evaluation of the Bridge Weigh-in-motion System

Evaluation of the Bridge Weigh-in-motion System
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 96
Release: 1985
Genre: Government publications
ISBN:

This demonstration project allowed Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation to test the overall performance of Bridge weigh in motion equipment as well as develop an entirely new comprehensive and representative truck weight database.

Feasibility Study of Portable Weigh-in-motion Systems for Highway Speed

Feasibility Study of Portable Weigh-in-motion Systems for Highway Speed
Author: Kenneth W. Miller
Publisher:
Total Pages: 17
Release: 2006
Genre: Electronic weighing systems
ISBN:

Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) needs improved traffic monitoring tools to optimally allocate road maintenance and improvement resources. In particular, the department needs a method of including vehicle and axle weights with portable traffic logging equipment. The cost of existing Weigh-in-Motion (WIM) equipment prevents widespread use in locations where only temporary monitoring is needed. This project was a survey of the suppliers of portable WIM systems, allowing a few systems to be moved between locations of interest. There were four candidate systems found and studied, of which two are recommended for further evaluation. Both systems appear to meet the needs Mn/DOT established and local testing will allow a final decision on their suitability.

Evaluation of Weigh-in-motion Systems

Evaluation of Weigh-in-motion Systems
Author: Benjamin H. Cottrell
Publisher:
Total Pages: 106
Release: 1992
Genre: Piezoelectric devices
ISBN:

The objective of this research was to evaluate low cost weigh-in-motion systems. The three systems evaluated were (1) a capacitance weigh mat system, (2) a bridge weighing system, and (3) a piezoelectric cable sensor system. All three systems have a two-lane capability. An evaluation was made of (1) the quality of the data, (2) the performance of the equipment, (3) the applications of the equipment and its ease ofuse, and (4) the format of the data and its usefulness. Although objective data were used when possible, the majority of the evaluation is subjective. The quality of the data from each of the three systems is about the same. The piezoelectric cable system provides slightly lower quality data than the other two systems. The equipment of the capacitance weigh mat performed well; that of the bridge system was adequate; and there was concern about the durability of the piezoelectric cable system. Because of the tradeoffs between the capacitance weigh mat system and the bridge system, it is difficult to rank them. The piezoelectric cable system's sensors are permanently installed; therefore, it is not as portable as the other two systems. With regard to the format of the data and its usefulness (which are dependent mostly on the software and not the sensors), the capacitance weigh mat system is flexible and provides individual truck records in two formats, the bridge system provides the most comprehensive tables, and the piezoelectric cable system is limited and depends on other software to generate additional tables. Suggestions are made about how to use the systems and how to improve their performance.