The purpose of this work was to determine the average axle, bogey and total weights
of heavy vehicles. Measurements were conducted at 16 locations in 5 different regions
around Finland. The measurement points were mainly located on class I and II main
roads, but there were a few additional measurement points on smaller regional roads.
The measurements lasted from December 2013 to October 2014. The final data
contains results for 2 372 heavy vehicles. Vehicle type specific load equivalent values
were updated based on the analysed data.
The previous nationwide axle load study in Finland was conducted between the years
of 1998 and 1999. Vehicles and axle configurations have changed remarkably after
the previous study. In addition, the new vehicle regulation was implemented in
Finland in October 2013, which increased the maximum allowed gross vehicle weights
(GVW). The increase in GVWs has been believed to have an effect on the required
resources for road, street, and bridge maintenance and repairing.
The axle weights of heavy vehicles were measured with a dynamic axle balance. The
distance between axles was measured by using a laser sensor as a distance meter. In
addition, tyre types, suspension types, loading grade and load type were registered.