LTPP Weigh-in-Motion Field Calibrations and Validations

completed

A core objective of the Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) Specific Pavement Study (SPS) is to understand and quantify the relationship between pavement performance, truck volumes, and axle loadings. The objective of this project is to improve the quality and increase the quantity of monitored traffic data (volumes, classifications, and weights) at the SPS-1, -2, -5, -6, and -8 test sites. There are a total of 64 SPS-1, -2, -5, and -6 test sites and 20 SPS-8 sites throughout North America. This multiyear study will attempt to collect research quality data by installing a bending plate, load cell, or quartz sensor at as many of these SPS sites as economically possible. For the purpose of this study, research quality data is defined to be at least 210 days of data (in a year) of known calibration meeting LTPP's precision requirements for steering and tandem axles, gross vehicle weight, speed, and axle spacing. This is a two-phase project that runs concurrently. This contract represents Phase I, and it involves performing annual field calibrations and validations of weigh-in-motion systems according to LTPP field procedures. Information on the Phase II activities for this project can be found under the title "Installation, Maintenance and Repair of Weigh in Motion Systems" at LTPP sites.