Optimised autocalibration algorithm of weigh-in-motion systems for direct mass enforcement

Abstract

Dynamic vehicle weighing systems, also known as Weigh-In-Motion (WIM), are sensitive to factors which interfere with the measurement, including weather and climate conditions. This is a result of the sensitivity of the axle load sensors used in the systems. As a result, a significant change in the precision of weighing can be observed over short periods of time (even less than 1 h). This fact is a deterrent to the use of such systems for direct mass enforcement. In this article, we present a solution for this problem using an optimised autocalibration algorithm. We show the results of simulation studies which we conducted on the proposed algorithm. These were then verified experimentally at an in-road site. We demonstrated that autocalibration of the WIM system allows for effective limitation of the sensitivity of weighing results to interfering factors. This is, however, conditioned on a sufficiently high frequency of reference vehicles crossing the WIM site. The required frequency depends on the speed of change in the concentration of influencing factors.