Using Strips to Mitigate the Multiple-Presence Problem of BWIM Systems

The authors discuss inaccurate results from bridge weigh-in-motion (BWIM) system due to their inability to measure more than one vehicle on the bridge, particularly if vehicles are meeting close to the center of the measured span. Errors can result when using traditional linear algorithms and distributing the global loading effect among different vehicles. The authors propose strips that consider the transverse position of the vehicles on the bridge. Unlike two-dimensional influence surfaces, which require complex calculation and system calibration, the proposed method is both computationally efficient and does not require changing the calibration system. The results of the study demonstrate that using strips in the BWIM calculation increases the accuracy of the results.