Pilot test on the suitability of mobile axle load detection systems on bridges

In Germany, a network of axle load measuring stations is operated on the motorways in order to be able to make detailed statements on the pollution caused by heavy goods traffic. Another application is the pre-selection of potentially overloaded vehicles for weight control. The sensors of the axle load measuring points on the motorways are permanently installed in the roadway. Mobile axle load detection systems on bridges (Bridge-WIM) have not been used in Germany in the past and so no information on their accuracy has been available to date. There was also no reliable data available on the expenses associated with the installation and dismantling of the Bridge-WIM systems. On behalf of BASt, DTV-Verkehrsconsult GmbH in Aachen therefore accompanied a BASt pilot project to assess the possible applications of Bridge-WIM. The results of the pilot project provide a summary assessment of whether mobile Bridge-WIM systems are suitable for recording the necessary parameters with sufficient accuracy. The results, including the determined time requirement values, can be used to develop a new survey concept which includes mobile, temporary measurements on bridges in addition to the stationary axle load measuring point network. In addition to a use in the field of statistics, further applications are generally discussed, for example for pre-selection for weight checks.