Framework for axle load management information System for Kenya

Abstract

Road construction is an expensive venture both for Governments and its citizens. A well-constructed road - in good usage - should last for about ten years without major repairs; however most roads in developing countries do not last that long due to several reasons ranging from poor workmanship to overloading which is the major culprit for failure of most roads. In Kenya, most transporters utilise every opportunity available to overload to make more money with few trips. Ironically when the roads are run down they rise up and blame the Government for poor road condition. This necessitates the need for strict axle load control and compliance to protect the road infrastructure. The current axle load control is based on Cap 403. Laws of Kenya and is not effective since it is manually operated. Weighbridges operations are not automated leaving room for all manner of record manipulation. A robust web enabled Axle Load Weigh-In-Motion (ALWIM) computer system connecting all the weighbridges and running on a centralised server and database to monitor the axle load of the transporters ?ver time is the solution to axle load control in Kenya. This project demonstrates how developed AL WIM prototype is a proof of concept and evaluation of its framework. This work was achieved by designing a framework for a computer based axle load control system, design based on framework for axle load at weigh bridges, and creating a repository of past offenders to assist in legal enforcement of the axle load as in Kenyan law. AL WIMS is a deterrent to perennial overloading as transporters can be easily tracked and prosecuted wherever they commit an offence. The system makes overloading virtually impossible since transporters have to be cleared by the system after court process to be able to proceed with the journey. Data retrieval, report generation is made easy due to centralised natured of the system. The envisaged system is no doubt a solution to the overloading problem which has been a headache for decades and a tool for protection of quality roads. Further works is recommended for the full implementation of automation of axle reading as the vehicles step on the scales and captured and stored in the database without human intervention.