Bridge Weigh in Motion systems can collect vast amounts of data, but without appropriate analytical tools they are useless. This document describes how the data obtained from an iBWIM system can be applied. In our examples we draw upon data measured from our Tiffen test station, a description of the test station is given here.
iBWIM measures vehicle dimensions, speed, gross weight and ESAL. You define both the limits for these quantities and the responses should they be exceeded.
iBWIM allows you to protect infrastructure by directing overloaded vehicles to an inspection lane. With our Automatic License Plate Recognition module offending vehicles can be identified and traced. Heavy vehicles can be tolled or even fined--all without disrupting traffic flow. Enforcement authorities can be alerted to vehicles of interest by SMS, email or online information systems. More details.
iBWIM's online tools allow a human operator to review recent traffic over the bridge. Current traffic levels can be compared with expected values for e.g. a typical weekday and unusual patterns identified. Vehicles with unusual parameters, can be identified and investigated. More details.
By measuring vehicle crossings over an extended period iBWIM can build up a statistical model of the bridge traffic. This model is periodically recompiled to give an up-to-date online report .
A bridge is a node in the road network where we can take the pulse of the network. By measuring the traffic across bridges in the network we can build up an understanding of the network.
Road network analysis is a rich field of research, with simulation playing a prominent role. The data obtained from iBWIM can be used to evaluate and correct models. Real-time iBWIM data can be used to provide the initial conditions for predictive traffic models.
Because we can both weigh vehicles and classify them by type, we can make an estimate of the load each vehicle transports. This gives an indication of the economic value of the bridge. By comparing the goods transportation in each direction we can identify asymmetries in the network, i.e the net flow of goods from one location to another.
Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) are a significant source of wear on bridges. The impact of HG traffic becomes particularly important if a bridge is already in a weakened state. For instance a physical inspection may detect a maintenance issue such as corrosion of a structural element. The next question is how long is it safe to operate the bridge? By giving an accurate, up to date picture of the bridge loading, a BWIM system can support the engineer in this decision. More details.
