Winterthur, February 2020 – Kistler is presenting its new Weigh In Motion (WIM) system KiTraffic Digital to the public at Intertraffic 2020 (Amsterdam 21-24 April, booth 10.308). It is the first system of its kind without an induction loop: the sensor itself registers when a vehicle needs to be measured. This reduces installation efforts and increases the reliability of the WIM site. With an accuracy of +/- two percent, KiTraffic Digital is the most accurate Weigh In Motion system to date.
The entirely new sensor used in KiTraffic Digital incorporates multiple quartz crystals that autonomously deliver data via a digital interface. This allows for the individual calibration of each crystal. Mechanical irregularities therefore do not impact on the accuracy of the measurement. The digital signal is also very robust against noise (e.g. from high voltage power lines), which allows robust signal transmission. Sophisticated algorithms calculate the wheel, axle and total weight of the vehicle. KiTraffic Digital works independently of almost all external factors, such as driving maneuvers or road conditions, which further improves the accuracy of the measurements.
Improved robustness and simplified installation
Reducing the hardware in a measuring chain reduces the likelihood of component failure or uncertainties. The quartz WIM sensors themselves are generally extremely robust and maintenance free; the reliability of the system depends on the operation availability of the electronics. The new Weigh In Motion System does not require induction loops and works with only one robust cable per sensor. The same ethernet cable that transmits the digital signal from the WIM sensors also provides them with power. This simplifies the installation and improves the overall robustness of the system.
Finding the ideal spot for the WIM site
Road surface, underground structure and geometry have a significant influence on the accuracy and robustness of Weigh In Motion systems. A new service offered by Kistler, the Structural Road Analysis (SRA), identifies the ideal location for a planned WIM installation on any given road, improving measurement quality and ensuring the longest possible lifespan for the WIM installation. As part of this service, Kistler evaluates the geometry of the site and the road itself. Next, the road surface and deeper underground structure are measured using advanced methods to detect even minor irregularities. Road engineers at Kistler consolidate and process the assembled data with the help of a specialized simulation software to find the ideal spot for the installation. Following this in-depth road and pavement inspection, the generated data can also be taken into account to calibrate the KiTraffic Digital sensors more precisely.
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