Weigh-in-motion (WIM) sensor response model using pavement stress and deflection

This article aims at modeling the WIM sensor electrical behavior to provide a better understanding of the mechanical and electrical proprieties of piezoelectric sensors. The model is considered in the frequency domain, supposing any sinusoidal solicitation with constant frequency or any other type of solicitation. Tests, having real WIM sensors placed on the pavement of a test track at IFSTTAR/Nantes was used to verify the nature of the electro-mechanical (EM) behavior of the real sensors over punching, flexural and extension effects. Also, two different pavement numerical simulations deliver the mechanical response using linear elasticity and viscoelastic proprieties. The output of these two simulations are compared with two WIM signals obtained at same load and speed at two different temperature conditions.