The article reports the field testing of a low-cost vehicle weight and classification system which uses piezoelectric cable sensors installed across the full width of a traffic lane. The sensors are connected by coaxial cable to a microprocessor unit which translates the signals into vehicle weights (loads) and determines the classification of the passing vehicles in the traffic stream. The pavement testing facility consists of two 200-ft asphalt concrete pavements which are loaded by the accelerated loading facility (alf) machine. The study which evaluated the piezoelectric weigh-in-motion (wim), attempted to determine the alfs suitability for controlled testing of the pavement-mounted wim device under repeated constant loading and under variable loads, tire pressures, and transverse locations. The study also assessed the durability of the cable assemblies, and determined the accuracy of the piezoelectric system. the results gave a detailed picture of the operation of the wim device and the use of the alf. The wim cables were very durable. System acuracy, however, isstill in question.
Abstract