This dissertation proposes a system for weighing commercial vehicles in motion using acoustic emission sensors attached to a metal bar placed across the roadway. The signal from the sensors is analyzed by a computer and the vehicle weight is determined by a statistical model which correlates the acoustic emission parameters to the vehicle weight. Such a system would be portable and low-cost, allowing for the measurement of vehicle weights in much the same way commercial tube and radar counters routinely collect vehicle speed and count. The system could be used to collect vehicle speed and count data as well as weight information. Acoustic emissions are naturally occurring elastic waves produced by the rapid release of energy within a material. They are caused by deformation or fracturing of a solid due to thermal or mechanical stress. Acoustic emission sensors have been developed to detect these waves and computer software and hardware have been developed to analyze and provide information about the waveforms. Acoustic emission testing is a common form of nondestructive testing and is used for pressure vessel testing, leak detection, machinery monitoring, structural integrity monitoring, and weld monitoring, among other things (Miller, 1987). For this dissertation, acoustic emission parameters were correlated to the load placed on the metal test bar to determine the feasibility of using a metal test bar to measure the weight of a vehicle in motion. Several experiments were done. First, the concept was tested in a laboratory setting using an experimental apparatus. A concrete cylinder was mounted on a frame and rotated using a motor. The metal test bar was applied directly to the surface of the cylinder and iv acoustic emission sensors were attached to each end of the bar. As the cylinder rotated, a motorcycle tire was pushed up against the cylinder using a scissor jack to simulate different loads. The acoustic emission response in the metal test strip to the motorcycle tire rolling over it was detected by the acoustic emission sensors and analyzed by the computer. Initial examinations of the data showed a correlation between the force of the tire against the cylinder and the energy and count of the acoustic emissions. Subsequent field experiments were performed at a weigh station on I-95 in Flagler County, Florida. The proposed weigh-in-motion system (the metal test bar with attached acoustic emission sensors) was installed just downstream of the existing weigh-in-motion scale at the weigh station. Commercial vehicles were weighed on the weigh station weigh-in-motion scale and acoustic emission data was collected by the experimental system. Test data was collected over several hours on two different days, one in July 2008 and the other in April 2009. Initial examination of the data did not show direct correlation between any acoustic emission parameter and vehicle weight. As a result, a more sophisticated model was developed. Dimensional analysis was used to examine possible relationships between the acoustic emission parameters and the vehicle weight. In dimensional analysis, a dimensionally correct equation is formed using measurable parameters of a system. The dimensionally correct equation can then be tested using experimental data. Dimensional analysis revealed the following possible relationship between the acoustic emission parameters and the vehicle weight: ! = " # $% &2 , '(, )% *+( , ,% +( , ,-% +( , %3 +( . (/0% , 1% +( 2 v The definitions of these variables can be found in Appendix A. Statistical models for weight using the laboratory data and using the field data were developed. Dimensional analysis variables as well as other relevant measurable parameters were used in the development of the statistical models. The model created for the April 2009 dataset was validated, with only 27 lbs average error in the weight calculation as compared with the weight measurement made with the weigh station weigh-in-motion scale. The maximum percent error for the weight calculation was 204%, with about 65% of the data falling within 30% error. Additional research will be needed to develop an acoustic emission weigh-in-motion system with adequate accuracy for a commercial product. Nevertheless, this dissertation presents a valuable contribution to the effort of developing a low-cost acoustic emission weigh-in-motion scale. Future research needs that were identified as part of this dissertation include: ! Examination of the effects of pavement type (flexible or rigid), vehicle speeds greater than 50 mph, and temperature ! Determination of the best acoustic emission sensor for this system ! Exploration of the best method to separate the data from axles which pass over the equipment close together in time (such as tandem axles) ! Exploration of the effect of repeated measures on improving the accuracy of the system.

The purpose of this research is to provide a theoretical framework for future commercial vehicle user-charging using real-time vehicle weight and configuration information collected using weigh-in-motion (WIM) systems. This work provides an extensive review of both mechanisms and technologies employed for commercial and passenger vehicle user-charging worldwide. Existing commercial vehicle-user charging structures use only broad vehicle classifications to distinguish between vehicles for the pricing of user-fees. The methodology proposed in this study employs highway cost allocation methods for development of an “Axle-Load” toll structure. A theoretical case study, based on information from Texas State Highway 130, is performed to explore the equity improvements that could be achieved through implementation of this proposed structure. Some sensitivity analysis is also performed to examine the potential revenue impacts due to uncertainties in different data inputs under existing and proposed structures. / text

Nas últimas décadas os pavimentos rodoviários brasileiros têm tido seu desempenho comprometido devido a uma série de fatores, entre eles incluem-se não somente o crescente aumento do volume de tráfego de veículos pesados e aumento de sua capacidade de transporte, mas principalmente a circulação com cargas acima dos limites legais estabelecidos, configurando uma situação crítica para a sua adequada durabilidade da estrutura projetada. Paralelamente aos investimentos necessários, é importante também o desenvolvimento de métodos mais racionais de dimensionamento de pavimentos contemplando as especificidades dos materiais empregados e levando em consideração as condições climáticas e, principalmente uma completa e detalhada caracterização do tráfego solicitante. Neste contexto apresentado, a pesquisa insere-se em dois importantes estudos. O acompanhamento construtivo e monitoramento sistemático de desempenho de dois trechos na rodovia BR-448/RS e a continuidade do monitoramento de outros dois na BR-290/RS, trecho em concessão entre Osório e Porto Alegre (Freeway). Estas atividades inserem-se no “Projeto Integrado da Rede Temática de Tecnologia em Asfalto Petrobras/ANP", de abrangência nacional, para desenvolvimento de um novo método brasileiro de dimensionamento de pavimentos O segundo estudo trata-se de um completo monitoramento de cargas na Freeway, através da instalação e operacionalização inédita de um equipamento de pesagem dinâmica de alta velocidade (Hight Speed Weigh-in-Motion – HS-WIM) para determinação do espectro de cargas e posterior análise de sua influência no desempenho de pavimentos. Com ambos os estudos foi possível, além de determinar o espectro de cargas, os carregamentos médios e os níveis de sobrecargas praticados naquela rodovia, verificar como estas cargas influenciam o desempenho do pavimento e confrontar estes dados com as tendências observadas através do monitoramento sistemático dos trechos analisados. Por meio do desenvolvimento do presente trabalho pretende-se contribuir para melhorias na engenharia rodoviária e de tráfego através da inserção de novas tecnologias de monitoramento e fiscalização das cargas transportadas e contribuir com o desenvolvimento de um novo método de dimensionamento de pavimentos flexíveis proposto pela Rede Temática de Asfalto, através do levantamento de dados nos trechos experimentais para desenvolvimento de modelos de desempenho e sua posterior inserção nos modelos de calibração. / In recent decades the Brazilian road pavements have had their performance reduced due to a number of factors, not only the increasing volume of heavy vehicles and increased transport capacity, but mainly the flow with loads above the established legal limits, setting a critical situation for the durability of the designed structure. Alongside the necessary investment, it is also important to the development of more rational methods of pavement design, considering the specificities of the materials used and taking into account the climatic conditions and a complete and detailed characterization of the traffic. In this context, the research was developed to attain two main objectives: the construction monitoring and systematic assessment of performance of two test sections built in BR-448/RS highway and the continuity of assesment of two others previously built in BR-290/RS, between Osório and Porto Alegre (known as Freeway). These activities are part of the "Integrated Project Theme Technology Network Petrobras Asphalt/ANP", a nationwide project aimed at developing a new Brazilian method for pavement design The second objective was to conduct a comprehensive monitoring loads study on the Freeway, by installing and carrying on an unprecedented operation of a dynamic weighting equipment of high speed (High speed weigh-in-Motion - HS-WIM) to determine the loads spectrum and subsequent analysis of the influence on pavement performance. Both studies made possible to determine the loads spectrum, average loads and levels of overloads practiced on that highway, to estimate how these loads affect the pavement performance and to compare these data with the trends observed through the systematic assessment of the analyzed sections. This work aims to contribute to improvements in road and traffic engineering, by introducing new monitoring technologies, monitoring the transported cargo and contributing to the development of a new design method of flexible pavements, a major goal of the Thematic Network of Asphalt, to be achieved through experimental data collection in test sections, the development of performance models and their subsequent insertion in the calibration models.

Nas últimas décadas os pavimentos rodoviários brasileiros têm tido seu desempenho comprometido devido a uma série de fatores, entre eles incluem-se não somente o crescente aumento do volume de tráfego de veículos pesados e aumento de sua capacidade de transporte, mas principalmente a circulação com cargas acima dos limites legais estabelecidos, configurando uma situação crítica para a sua adequada durabilidade da estrutura projetada. Paralelamente aos investimentos necessários, é importante também o desenvolvimento de métodos mais racionais de dimensionamento de pavimentos contemplando as especificidades dos materiais empregados e levando em consideração as condições climáticas e, principalmente uma completa e detalhada caracterização do tráfego solicitante. Neste contexto apresentado, a pesquisa insere-se em dois importantes estudos. O acompanhamento construtivo e monitoramento sistemático de desempenho de dois trechos na rodovia BR-448/RS e a continuidade do monitoramento de outros dois na BR-290/RS, trecho em concessão entre Osório e Porto Alegre (Freeway). Estas atividades inserem-se no “Projeto Integrado da Rede Temática de Tecnologia em Asfalto Petrobras/ANP", de abrangência nacional, para desenvolvimento de um novo método brasileiro de dimensionamento de pavimentos O segundo estudo trata-se de um completo monitoramento de cargas na Freeway, através da instalação e operacionalização inédita de um equipamento de pesagem dinâmica de alta velocidade (Hight Speed Weigh-in-Motion – HS-WIM) para determinação do espectro de cargas e posterior análise de sua influência no desempenho de pavimentos. Com ambos os estudos foi possível, além de determinar o espectro de cargas, os carregamentos médios e os níveis de sobrecargas praticados naquela rodovia, verificar como estas cargas influenciam o desempenho do pavimento e confrontar estes dados com as tendências observadas através do monitoramento sistemático dos trechos analisados. Por meio do desenvolvimento do presente trabalho pretende-se contribuir para melhorias na engenharia rodoviária e de tráfego através da inserção de novas tecnologias de monitoramento e fiscalização das cargas transportadas e contribuir com o desenvolvimento de um novo método de dimensionamento de pavimentos flexíveis proposto pela Rede Temática de Asfalto, através do levantamento de dados nos trechos experimentais para desenvolvimento de modelos de desempenho e sua posterior inserção nos modelos de calibração. / In recent decades the Brazilian road pavements have had their performance reduced due to a number of factors, not only the increasing volume of heavy vehicles and increased transport capacity, but mainly the flow with loads above the established legal limits, setting a critical situation for the durability of the designed structure. Alongside the necessary investment, it is also important to the development of more rational methods of pavement design, considering the specificities of the materials used and taking into account the climatic conditions and a complete and detailed characterization of the traffic. In this context, the research was developed to attain two main objectives: the construction monitoring and systematic assessment of performance of two test sections built in BR-448/RS highway and the continuity of assesment of two others previously built in BR-290/RS, between Osório and Porto Alegre (known as Freeway). These activities are part of the "Integrated Project Theme Technology Network Petrobras Asphalt/ANP", a nationwide project aimed at developing a new Brazilian method for pavement design The second objective was to conduct a comprehensive monitoring loads study on the Freeway, by installing and carrying on an unprecedented operation of a dynamic weighting equipment of high speed (High speed weigh-in-Motion - HS-WIM) to determine the loads spectrum and subsequent analysis of the influence on pavement performance. Both studies made possible to determine the loads spectrum, average loads and levels of overloads practiced on that highway, to estimate how these loads affect the pavement performance and to compare these data with the trends observed through the systematic assessment of the analyzed sections. This work aims to contribute to improvements in road and traffic engineering, by introducing new monitoring technologies, monitoring the transported cargo and contributing to the development of a new design method of flexible pavements, a major goal of the Thematic Network of Asphalt, to be achieved through experimental data collection in test sections, the development of performance models and their subsequent insertion in the calibration models.

Nas últimas décadas os pavimentos rodoviários brasileiros têm tido seu desempenho comprometido devido a uma série de fatores, entre eles incluem-se não somente o crescente aumento do volume de tráfego de veículos pesados e aumento de sua capacidade de transporte, mas principalmente a circulação com cargas acima dos limites legais estabelecidos, configurando uma situação crítica para a sua adequada durabilidade da estrutura projetada. Paralelamente aos investimentos necessários, é importante também o desenvolvimento de métodos mais racionais de dimensionamento de pavimentos contemplando as especificidades dos materiais empregados e levando em consideração as condições climáticas e, principalmente uma completa e detalhada caracterização do tráfego solicitante. Neste contexto apresentado, a pesquisa insere-se em dois importantes estudos. O acompanhamento construtivo e monitoramento sistemático de desempenho de dois trechos na rodovia BR-448/RS e a continuidade do monitoramento de outros dois na BR-290/RS, trecho em concessão entre Osório e Porto Alegre (Freeway). Estas atividades inserem-se no “Projeto Integrado da Rede Temática de Tecnologia em Asfalto Petrobras/ANP", de abrangência nacional, para desenvolvimento de um novo método brasileiro de dimensionamento de pavimentos O segundo estudo trata-se de um completo monitoramento de cargas na Freeway, através da instalação e operacionalização inédita de um equipamento de pesagem dinâmica de alta velocidade (Hight Speed Weigh-in-Motion – HS-WIM) para determinação do espectro de cargas e posterior análise de sua influência no desempenho de pavimentos. Com ambos os estudos foi possível, além de determinar o espectro de cargas, os carregamentos médios e os níveis de sobrecargas praticados naquela rodovia, verificar como estas cargas influenciam o desempenho do pavimento e confrontar estes dados com as tendências observadas através do monitoramento sistemático dos trechos analisados. Por meio do desenvolvimento do presente trabalho pretende-se contribuir para melhorias na engenharia rodoviária e de tráfego através da inserção de novas tecnologias de monitoramento e fiscalização das cargas transportadas e contribuir com o desenvolvimento de um novo método de dimensionamento de pavimentos flexíveis proposto pela Rede Temática de Asfalto, através do levantamento de dados nos trechos experimentais para desenvolvimento de modelos de desempenho e sua posterior inserção nos modelos de calibração. / In recent decades the Brazilian road pavements have had their performance reduced due to a number of factors, not only the increasing volume of heavy vehicles and increased transport capacity, but mainly the flow with loads above the established legal limits, setting a critical situation for the durability of the designed structure. Alongside the necessary investment, it is also important to the development of more rational methods of pavement design, considering the specificities of the materials used and taking into account the climatic conditions and a complete and detailed characterization of the traffic. In this context, the research was developed to attain two main objectives: the construction monitoring and systematic assessment of performance of two test sections built in BR-448/RS highway and the continuity of assesment of two others previously built in BR-290/RS, between Osório and Porto Alegre (known as Freeway). These activities are part of the "Integrated Project Theme Technology Network Petrobras Asphalt/ANP", a nationwide project aimed at developing a new Brazilian method for pavement design The second objective was to conduct a comprehensive monitoring loads study on the Freeway, by installing and carrying on an unprecedented operation of a dynamic weighting equipment of high speed (High speed weigh-in-Motion - HS-WIM) to determine the loads spectrum and subsequent analysis of the influence on pavement performance. Both studies made possible to determine the loads spectrum, average loads and levels of overloads practiced on that highway, to estimate how these loads affect the pavement performance and to compare these data with the trends observed through the systematic assessment of the analyzed sections. This work aims to contribute to improvements in road and traffic engineering, by introducing new monitoring technologies, monitoring the transported cargo and contributing to the development of a new design method of flexible pavements, a major goal of the Thematic Network of Asphalt, to be achieved through experimental data collection in test sections, the development of performance models and their subsequent insertion in the calibration models.

This research focuses on the data quality control methods for evaluating the performance of Weigh-In-Motion (WIM) systems on Oregon highways. This research identifies and develops a new methodology and algorithm to explore the accuracy of each station's weight and spacing data at a corridor level, and further implements the Statistical Process Control (SPC) method, finite mixture model, axle spacing error rating method, and data flag method in published research to examine the soundness of WIM systems. This research employs the historical WIM data to analyze sensor health and compares the evaluation results of the methods. The results suggest the new triangulation method identified most possible WIM malfunctions that other methods sensed, and this method unprecedentedly monitors the process behavior with controls of time and meteorological variables. The SPC method appeared superior in differentiating between sensor noises and sensor errors or drifts, but it drew wrong conclusions when accurate WIM data reference was absent. The axle spacing error rating method cannot check the essential weight data in special cases, but reliable loop sensor evaluation results were arrived at by employing this multiple linear regression model. The results of the data flag method and the finite mixed model results were not accurate, thus they could be used as additional tools to complement the data quality evaluation results. Overall, these data quality analysis results are the valuable sources for examining the early detection of system malfunctions, sensor drift, etc., and allow the WIM operators to correct the situation on time before large amounts of measurement are lost.