Wavelet-based automatic identification method of axle distribution information

Accurately extracting the axle distribution information of a passing vehicle from bridge dynamic responses experiences a key and challenging step in non-pavement bridge weigh-in-motion (BWIM). In this article, the wavelet transformation is adopted and the wavelet coefficient curve is used as a substitute for dynamic response. The driving frequency is introduced and expanded to multi-axle vehicle, and the wavelet coefficient curve on specific scale corresponding to the driving frequency is confirmed to contain obvious axle information. On this basis, an automatic method for axle distribution information identification is proposed. The specific wavelet scale can be obtained through iterative computing, and the false peaks due to bridge vibration can be eliminated through cross-correlation analysis of the wavelet coefficients of two measure points. The integrand function that corresponds to the maximum value of the cross-correlation function is used to identify the peaks caused by axles. A numerical application of the proposed axle information identification method is carried out. Numerical results demonstrate that this method acquires precise axle information from the responses of an axle-insensitive structure (e.g., girder) and decreases the requirement of sensitivity structure of BWIM. Finally, an experimental study on a full-scale simply supported bridge is also conducted to verify the effectiveness of this method.