Deploying weigh-in-motion installations on asphalt concrete pavements.

Fernando, Emmanuel G.; Middleton, Dan; Carlson, Todd; Longmire, Ryan; Sepulveda, Edward; Ruback, Leonard G.; Freeman, Tom; Oh, Jeongho · 2010 · ROSA P / Texas Transportation Institute

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Summary

This report addresses the challenge of deploying accurate weigh-in-motion (WIM) systems on asphalt concrete pavements as a cost-effective alternative to the preferred but expensive continuously reinforced concrete pavements. The Texas Department of Transportation’s strategic plan for a statewide vehicle weight monitoring network requires high-accuracy data for pavement design, which traditionally necessitates stable concrete foundations. This project aimed to develop guidelines for identifying suitable sections within existing or new asphalt pavements that provide the necessary smoothness, support, and service life for WIM sensors, particularly piezoelectric technology. Additionally, the study evaluated alternative power and communication solutions, such as solar cells and wireless data transmission, to reduce installation costs in remote areas. The research methodology involved a comprehensive evaluation of candidate WIM sites across Texas, including projects on US 77 in Robstown, SH 19 in Trinity, and I-10 in Balmorhea. The team utilized high-speed inertial profile measurements to assess pavement smoothness against established criteria, such as ASTM E1318 Type I standards and Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) indices. Subsurface uniformity and material durability were analyzed using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) tests to backcalculate layer moduli. Pavement life predictions were conducted using reliability analysis based on traffic data and overlay tests on core samples. The study also included field installations of Kistler Lineas sensors and the implementation of solar-powered, wireless communication systems at the Balmorhea site and a test location in College Station. Key findings established specific pavement criteria for WIM site selection on flexible pavements. The research confirmed that asphalt sections meeting strict smoothness thresholds, verified by International Roughness Index (IRI) and other smoothness indices, could support accurate WIM measurements. GPR and FWD data were critical in identifying subsurface uniformity, ensuring that variations in layer stiffness did not compromise sensor accuracy. The study demonstrated that solar power and wireless cellular modems were viable alternatives to traditional electrical and telephone connections, significantly reducing infrastructure costs. Detailed installation, maintenance, and calibration guidelines were developed for piezoelectric sensors, including procedures for slot cutting, sensor grounding, and insulation checks. Furthermore, recommendations were provided for processing and transferring WIM data to meet the needs of various TxDOT divisions, including motor carrier enforcement and pavement management. The significance of this work lies in providing a validated framework for deploying WIM systems on asphalt pavements, thereby expanding the potential locations for the statewide monitoring network without sacrificing data accuracy. By establishing clear evaluation criteria for pavement smoothness, subsurface support, and remaining life, the report enables transportation agencies to identify cost-effective sites for WIM installations. The successful integration of solar and wireless technologies offers a scalable solution for remote deployments, reducing long-term operational expenses. These guidelines facilitate the broader implementation of vehicle weight monitoring, supporting more accurate pavement design and enforcement efforts across Texas and potentially other jurisdictions seeking to optimize their WIM infrastructure.

Key finding

The study established engineering evaluation guidelines for selecting asphalt concrete pavement sections suitable for weigh-in-motion installations based on smoothness, structural uniformity, and predicted service life, while validating the use of solar power and wireless communication for remote site deployment.

Methodology

field_study

Provenance

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