Novel Weigh-in-Motion Pavement Sensor Based on Self-Sensing Nanocomposites for Vehicle Load Identification:...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Civil Engineering
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Overloaded vehicles accelerate asphalt pavement degradation, reducing service life.
• Traditional vehicle weighing methods are inefficient and require heavy equipment.
• Existing systems lack durability and efficiency for real-world applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel road-embedded piezoresistive sensor for weigh-in-motion (WIM) systems.
• To overcome the limitations of traditional vehicle weighing technologies.
• To create a durable and efficient sensor for dynamic load monitoring in asphalt pavements.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a piezoresistive sensor using epoxy resin/multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposite.
• Utilizing integrated casting and high-temperature resistant encapsulation for sensor construction.
• Conducting calibration experiments and embedding sensors in asphalt concrete for in-situ validation.

Main Results:

• The sensor's resistance signal demonstrated a clear response to compressive stress, following the GaussAmp formula.
• The developed sensor exhibited excellent survival and functionality within the harsh asphalt concrete environment.
• The system successfully enabled dynamic weighing of vehicle loads, validating its practical application.

Conclusions:

• The novel piezoresistive sensor is effective for dynamic vehicle load monitoring in asphalt pavements.
• This technology offers a promising alternative to traditional, less efficient weighing methods.
• The study paves the way for advanced weigh-in-motion pavement sensors with enhanced performance.