BlogTransport systems
Maintaining weigh-in-motion sensors
By Vicky Ogola, Senior ICT Consultant 1 min read
WIM accuracy depends on the pavement, the sensors and regular calibration. A maintenance plan keeps screening data useful.
Weigh-in-motion sensors work in one of the harshest environments imaginable: embedded in a road carrying heavy trucks every day.
Watch the pavement
Ruts, cracks and bumps near the sensors make vehicles bounce and readings scatter. Inspect the pavement regularly and repair it before it affects accuracy.
Inspect sensors and loops
Check sensor surfaces, sealants and cable connections. Look for loose or damaged sensors after heavy rain or road works.
Calibrate and verify
Run test vehicles of known weight over the sensors at intervals, and after any repair. Compare WIM readings with static weighings of the same vehicles to track drift.
Monitor data quality
Automated checks can flag problems early: sudden changes in average axle weights, missing lanes or unusual error rates.
Look after the roadside cabinet
Keep cabinets clean, dry and ventilated; check power supplies, surge protection and communications.
See our weigh-in-motion systems.
About the author
Vicky Ogola
Senior ICT Consultant
Vicky Ogola writes about network design, connectivity, data centres and the infrastructure that business systems depend on.