RTWIM - Real-Time Weigh-in-Motion of Heavy Goods Vehicles
Overview
Background & policy context:
Weigh-in-Motion (WIM) is the calculation of static axle loads (or gross vehicle weights) of heavy vehicles travelling at highway speeds. Possible application areas include:
- Vehicle taxation;
- Regulatory enforcement / public safety;
- Fleet management;
- Vehicle condition monitoring;
- Point of delivery weighing and billing.
Existing WIM systems can be divided into road-based and vehicle-based solutions. Road-based systems only offer point measurements on a road network, while current vehicle-based systems are expensive and involve long installation times. An ideal solution would be vehicle-based, utilising inexpensive transducers and simple installation processes to create a Real-Time Weigh-in-Motion (RTWIM) system.
Objectives:
The objective of the project is to develop and field test a low-cost, wireless system for Real-Time Weigh-in-Motion (RTWIM) of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs).
The system will be integrated with a commercial 'off-the-shelf' (COTS) unit that provides GPS capability and is interfaced to a Geographical Information System (GIS). Forces will be measured using strain-sensitive Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) transducers mounted on the vehicle axles; these transducers do not require a power supply and are wirelessly interrogated, ensuring simple and fast installation. The integrated system will provide real-time data on loads transmitted to road surfaces.
Methodology:
- Specification of measurement system;
- Sensor design and manufacture;
- Interrogation system design and integration;
- Preliminary testing and validation; and
- Full-scale testing.
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