Implementation of vibration-based dynamic Weigh-In-Motion on a deteriorated prestressed concrete bridge

Although commercial Bridge Weigh-In-Motion (B-WIM) systems have demonstrated high accuracy in estimating Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), their implementation faces challenges related to the ideal structural conditions required for proper operation. In addition, these systems rely mainly on strain measurements, which involve more complex and costly instrumentation. In contrast, the methodology proposed in this study is based solely on vibration measurements, which can be obtained using more portable equipment capable of covering larger areas with fewer sensors. The proposed approach was evaluated through simulations in a finite element model (FEM), considering different vehicular loading scenarios to analyze the influence of factors such as vehicle speed and transverse load position. Subsequently, it was implemented and experimentally validated on a deteriorated vehicular bridge characterized by cracked girders, rough deck surface, and a steep access slope. The results obtained show differences in GVW estimation below 3% for a two-axle truck and below 15% for a three-axle tandem truck, demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed methodology for estimating vehicle weights under various speed conditions.