Statistical analysis of truck loading on Swedish highways.

Abstract: Vehicle over loading, or single axle over loading, is one of the major causes of pavement deterioration. Trafik Verket (TV), the Swedish Transport Administration, recognized that the current process for estimating traffic volume should be reevaluated, and if possible improved. This degree project uses data from the Bridge Weigh in Motion (BWIM) system to study the actual loads applied to Swedish highways. The axle load spectrum is plotted with the conventional frequency distribution plots, and with a new cumulative distribution approach. The paper introduces the maximum allowable potential vehicle weight MAPVW concept, and uses this visual technique to identify overloads for different vehicle geometries. The paper concludes that for 5 and 6 axle trucks the triple axle is frequently overloaded, while for longer trucks one of the dual axles is often over loaded. The highest over loads tend to be on the driving axle, suggesting incorrect loading procedures.