Loop- and Length-Based Vehicle Classification, Federal Highway Administration – Pooled Fund Program [TPF-5(192)]

While most vehicle classification currently conducted in the United States is axle-based, some applications could be supplemented or replaced by length-based data. Common length-based methods are more widespread and can be less expensive, including loop detectors and several types of non-loop sensors (both sidefire and in-road sensors). Loop detectors are the most frequently deployed detection system and most dual-loop installations have the capability of reporting vehicle lengths. This report analyzes various length-based vehicle classification schemes using geographically diverse data sets. This report also conducted field and laboratory tests of loop and non-loop sensors for their performance in determining vehicle length and vehicle speed. The study recommends a four bin length scheme with a fifth bin to be considered in areas with significant numbers of long combination vehicles. The field and laboratory testing found that across a variety of detection technologies, the sensors generally reported comparable length and speed data.

• Record URL:
  • https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14153/mndot.2905
• Record URL:
  • https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14153/mndot.4368
• 
• Summary URL:
  • http://www.dot.state.mn.us/research/TS/2012/201233TS.pdf
• Corporate Authors:

  SRF Consulting Group, Incorporated

  One Carlson Parkway, Suite 150
  Minneapolis, MN  United States  55447

  Minnesota Department of Transportation

  Research Services Section, 395 John Ireland Boulevard, Mail Stop 330
  St Paul, MN  United States  55155

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Minge, Erik
  • Petersen, Scott
  • Weinblatt, Herbert
  • Coifman, Benjamin
  • Hoekman, Earl
• Publication Date: 2012-11

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 106p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Detection and identification technologies; Field tests; Laboratory tests; Loop detectors; Sensors; Speed; Vehicle classification; Vehicle length
• Geographic Terms: United States
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting; Vehicles and Equipment; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01516598
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: MN/RC 2012-33
• Contract Numbers: (C) 95029
• Files: TRIS, ATRI, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Feb 28 2014 1:32PM