Evaluation of Ride Specification Based on Dynamic Load Measurements from Instrumented Truck (0-4863-2)

The Texas Department of Transportation is implementing a ride specification that uses profile data collected with inertial profilers for acceptance testing of the finished surface. This specification is based primarily on ride quality criteria. The objective of the present project is to establish whether the current specification permits frequency components of surface profile to pass that are potentially detrimental to pavement life based on the induced dynamic loading. To carry out this objective, researchers in this project conducted measurements of surface profiles and vehicle dynamic loads on recently completed TxDOT paving projects. For these tests, researchers instrumented a truck with sensors for measurement of dynamic loads and put together an inertial profiling system for measurement of surface profiles. This research report documents the instrumentation and test programs carried out by researchers as well as the analyses of the test data and the findings thereof.