Dynamic weighing systems: what they are and what they’re used for
A technology that helps us better understand heavy traffic
What are dynamic weighing systems? What are they used for? And why can they be useful for road safety, infrastructure monitoring, and heavy vehicle traffic management?
Dynamic weighing technology is still relatively unknown in Italy. That is why it is helpful to take a step back.
In this article, we cover some basics about WIM systems, which stands for Weigh In Motion, i.e., in-motion weighing systems: a refresher for those already familiar with the topic and an introduction for those who have only heard about it.
First of all: What are WIM systems?
WIM systems are designed to detect and record the axle weight and gross weight of a vehicle as it passes over a sensor.
Unlike static weighing systems, in-motion weighing systems collect data while the vehicle is in motion, without having to stop it.
This makes it possible to monitor heavy traffic under real-world conditions, gathering useful information about the loads passing through a given infrastructure.
How are they structured?
From a structural standpoint, dynamic weighing systems can be implemented using various solutions.
In summary, there are systems consisting of high-strength steel plates installed at road surface level, as in the case of our system, or solutions based on so-called “strips” embedded in the asphalt.
In both cases, the system is equipped with sensors capable of detecting the weight of passing vehicles. Depending on the technology used, the sensors may be optical or piezoelectric.
The sensors are connected to a data acquisition and processing unit, which collects, interprets, and makes the detected information available.
Depending on the application, it is also possible to integrate additional sensors and devices, such as license plate recognition cameras.
What are dynamic weighing systems used for?
WIM systems have a wide range of potential applications and offer numerous benefits.
Road Safety
The installation of WIM systems makes it possible to check the weight of passing vehicles and prevent overloading.
Load control helps preserve road conditions and reduce hazards associated with pavement deterioration or the failure of infrastructure components subjected to excessive loads.
Protection of bridges and viaducts
By integrating in-motion weighing technology with sensors for monitoring bridges and viaducts, it is possible to correlate structural deformations with the weight bearing down on the infrastructure.
This provides useful information for managing the project and planning the work to be carried out.
The availability of data on actual loads can also help optimize maintenance activities, protect infrastructure investments, and reduce the risk of delayed interventions.
Support for Law Enforcement
In-motion weighing systems can also be valuable tools for law enforcement agencies.
These systems allow for real-time monitoring of the weight of vehicles on the road, providing officers with useful information for any inspections or interventions.
Real data for more informed decisions
Dynamic weighing allows for the continuous collection of data on vehicles traveling on roads, bridges, and overpasses.
It’s not just about weighing a vehicle; it’s about gaining a better understanding of how the infrastructure is actually being used.
For road operators, public agencies, concessionaires, and maintenance contractors, this data can serve as a valuable tool for improving safety, planning maintenance projects, and supporting monitoring activities.
