Estimating Characteristic Bridge Loads On A Non-Primary Road Network

When collecting truck loading data on a primary road network a common, approach is to install a large network of permanent pavement based Weigh-In-Motion systems. An alternative to this approach would be to use one or more portable Bridge Weigh-In-Motion systems which could be moved between bridges at regular intervals to determine the traffic loading throughout the network. A data collection strategy is needed to put such a system to best use. This paper details the data collection strategies which were examined for the National Roads Authority in Ireland. The use of urban economic concepts including Central Place Theory are discussed as methods for analysing which roads are expected to experience the greatest truck loading.