Potentials of utilizing vehicle weight data for the calibration of national traffic load models for bridges

Hungary is currently in the process of adjusting the traffic loads of the Eurocodes using the German national annex as a benchmark. The Hungarian Public Roads company has weighing data records at its disposal from numerous weighing stations across the country for several years. In the present paper the authors argue that this data could be utilized in calibrating a future traffic load model, which is characteristic for Hungary. The differences between Germany and Hungary in terms of the development of traffic loads in the past, the composition of bridge stock as well as cargo vehicle weight regulations and control systems are discussed. We wish to shed light on the significant differences in regional characteristics, which most likely will have a significant impact on the calibration process, thus highlighting the potentials of utilizing national vehicle weight data for the calibration of the traffic load model for Hungary.