This study investigated the feasibility of using fiber optic sensors to capture traffic data. Funding from the study was used to develop a prototype sensor using fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) technology. The sensor was tested on a high volume portland cement concrete highway and found to be feasible for use in monitoring light and heavy traffic. Signals from the senor were processed with a demodulator system, and captured on a computer. For testing purposes, the signal was converted to a scaled analog voltage signal and successfully output to a conventional traffic classifier recorder. The sensors have the potential for long-lasting, cost-effective solutions in vehicle classification applications. With modification, the FBG strain sensor shows potential for use in weigh-in-motion applications. The system is sensitive enough to detect adjacent lane traffic, opening possibilities of shoulder area monitoring for less traffic disruption and increased safety. With two sensors, the system can capture speeds as well as weights of both sides of a vehicle. Future development of dedicated demodulator/interfacing electronic hardware and auto-tuning grating system could eventually lead to cost effective solutions for traffic classification and weigh-in-motion applications.


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