Detection of speed and axle configuration of moving vehicles using acoustic emission

Axle detection is a critical monitoring process that needs to be implemented on bridges so that the number of axles of crossing vehicles can be determined. Most bridge design codes specify bridge design loads based on certain trucks configurations. Reviewing and updating bridge design codes depend on an accurate measurement of the nature of the loads being transported across bridges. Measurement of axle loads and configuration of trucks is also essential for bridge load regulation and enforcement. In this paper, a new method is proposed for the accurate detection of velocity, number of axles, and configuration of moving vehicles on bridges. The proposed method uses the acoustic signals emitted when the tires of moving vehicles hit bridge expansion joints and was tested on a bridge in Morris, Manitoba, Canada. It was discovered that the proposed method accurately predicts the velocity, number of axles, and configuration of moving vehicles on bridges.