DOST eyes improved public roads thru weight calibration in trucks

To address overloading as a major cause for the early deterioration of highways and public roads, the Department of Science and Technology–Industrial Technology and Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) shared plans to bridge its improvement through a weigh-in-motion (WIM) calibration system.

From the DOST public archive. Original source publication date: 2026-06-16. Captured 2026-09-04. Read the original DOST source.

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With studies revealing that 36 percent of public roads in the Philippines are impaired in quality due to truck overloading, WIM arises as a solution—yet presently needs standardized calibration system.

“A fully operational WIM calibration system will help ensure the accurate monitoring of vehicle loads, protecting our roads and public infrastructure from premature deterioration. Beyond improving enforcement, it will support evidence-based policymaking, strengthen governance, promote economic efficiency, and reinforce public trust in government services. This initiative demonstrates how science and technology can provide practical solutions to pressing national challenges,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr.

The DOST-ITDI showcased their project on developing a WIM calibration system using artificial intelligence (AI) and a computing-based model in accordance with international best practices.

“[Through WIM], mabibigyan natin ng confidence ang ating citizens, na alam nilang anything that is weighed is [of] the correct measurement. ‘Yung highways natin, yung bridges, we are confident na hindi masisira,” Ahdrian Camilo C. Gernale of the DOST-ITDI’s National Metrology Laboratory (NML) explained.

WIM system is an installed equipment on public roads that estimates the weight of the vehicle axle and gross mass of vehicles while moving over road-mounted sensors or weighing elements.

The Philippines had already implemented WIM, such as portable and dynamic axle weighers, alongside the enactment of the Republic Act 8794, or the Anti-Overloading Act in 2000, which has continuously increased in demand since 2022.

However, Gernale mentioned the need for “a nationally recognized calibration pathway for WIM systems,” especially since users and suppliers apply different verification approaches, and there are no uniformly established standards both in national and ASEAN context.

“Most of the practices, right now, depend on various standards for the calibration of WIM systems. [It is not fully needed] to be followed, but we need to set some constraints in following documentary standards,” he added.

Hence, DOST-ITDI is presently working on the prototype of reference standards for WIM systems, sensor and data mechanism and software, calibration procedure, and quantified uncertainty and traceable reporting framework.

This standardized WIM calibration system is expected to significantly enhance operational efficiency and measurement capability by increasing calibration throughput from 6 pad samples per day to 16 pad samples per day—representing a 167% improvement in turnaround capacity.

The WIM system will also enable higher calibration accuracy classes for both laboratory-based and on-site calibration services.

Furthermore, the establishment of this capability at NML eliminates the need to send calibration equipment abroad for periodic recalibration, resulting in reduced downtime, lower calibration costs, faster service delivery, and strengthened national metrology infrastructure through the availability of local calibration services.

Presently, the DOST-ITDI revealed that they are in communication with the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Philippine Ports Authority, the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), and various stakeholders across the country, regarding the current study.

The proposed WIM calibration system has been in development since 2022, and was approved for funding this year, starting last April 2026, with a budget amounting to 35 million pesos for its first year of conduct and 8-10 million pesos for the succeeding year.

Moreover, in line with its ongoing development, the DOST-ITDI conducted a discussion with various stakeholders, private calibration laboratories, and suppliers, highlighting the scope and technical requirements for the WIM calibration capability for the Philippines.

The Industrial Technology and Development Institute is one of the attached agencies of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.itdi.dost.gov.ph (By Karl Jerome M. del Mundo, DOST-STII)