Simplified Portable Bridge Weigh-in-Motion System Using Accelerometers
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 23, Issue 1
Abstract
Monitoring traffic loads is crucial for effective steel bridge maintenance because fatigue damage in steel bridges is caused by the long-term cumulative effect of traffic loads. This article presents a simplified portable bridge weigh-in-motion (spBWIM) system consisting of only accelerometers, which are easy to install because they can be magnetically attached to a painted metal surface without removal of paint. The spBWIM system uses a single accelerometer for all traffic lanes to determine bridge displacement responses attributable to traveling vehicles and two accelerometers for each traffic lane to detect vehicle axles. Field measurements were performed using three different test trucks on an actual in-service bridge to study the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed spBWIM system. The results show that the spBWIM system can be used to estimate gross vehicle weights (GVWs) to within an error of ±15.3% compared with static weighing using a truck scale. Based on the results, the authors believe that the spBWIM system can potentially be developed into a viable alternative to conventional BWIM systems that use strain gauges.
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Acknowledgments
This research was supported by a grant from the Japan Institute of Country-ology and Engineering (JICE) (Grant 16012). This study was carried out as part of the research branding project by Tokyo City University. The field measurements were supported by Mr. Murano and Mr. Hayama of the Highway Technology Research Center. The acceleration measurements were supported by Seiko Epson Co.
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Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 23 • Issue 1 • January 2018
Copyright
© 2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Feb 28, 2017
Accepted: Jul 26, 2017
Published online: Nov 8, 2017
Published in print: Jan 1, 2018
Discussion open until: Apr 8, 2018
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