Commercial Vehicle Classification System using Advanced Inductive Loop Technology

Commercial vehicles typically represent a small fraction of vehicular traffic on most roadways. However, their influence on the economy, environment, traffic performance, infrastructure, and safety are much more significant than their diminutive numerical presence suggests. This dissertation describes the development and prototype implementation of a new highfidelity inductive loop sensor and a ground-breaking commercial vehicle classification system based on the vehicle inductive signatures obtained from this sensor technology. This new sensor technology is relatively easy to install and has the potential to yield reliable and highly detailed vehicle inductive signatures for advanced traffic surveillance applications. The Speed PRofile INterpolation Temporal-Spatial (SPRINTS) transformation model developed in this dissertation improves vehicle signature data quality under adverse traffic conditions where acceleration and deceleration effects can distort inductive vehicle signatures. The axle classification model enables commercial vehicles to be classified accurately by their axle configuration. The body classification models reveal the function and unique impacts of the drive and trailer units of each commercial vehicle. Together, the results reveal the significant potential of this inductive sensor technology in providing a more comprehensive commercial vehicle data profile based on a unique ability to extract both axle configuration information as well as high fidelity undercarriage profiles within a single sensor technology to provide richer insight on commercial vehicle travel statistics.