Evaluate Methodology to Determine Localized Roughness
Author(s):
E.G. Fernando, R.S. Walker
Publication Date:
March 2016
Abstract:
The Texas Department of Transporation implements a smoothness specification based on inertial profile surface based on measured surface profiles. To identify defects, the existing methodology uses the deviations between the average of the left and right wheel path profiles, and its moving average as determined using a 25-ft base length. Stations where the deviations exceed 150 mils in magnitude are considered defect locations. While this methodology provides an objective approach for evaluating localized roughness based on profile data, some districts have introduced an additional step to determine the need for corrective work. Specifically, these districts have used a bump rating panel to select, from among the defects identified using the existing procedure, those bumps and dips that will require correction based on the panel's opinion of the severity of the defects from a ride quality point of view. Clearly, a standard methodology needs to be developed so that consistency in ride quality assurance testing can be maintained. Otherwise, differences in results of quality assurance tests between projects within a district and between districts can easily arise because of differences in road user perception of ride quality. Consequently, this project examined the existing methodology foe evaluating localized roughness to develop recommendations for an improved methodology that engineers can use to objectively decide where corrective work is necessary so as to maintain consistency in quality assurance testing of pavement smoothness.
Report Number:
0-6610-2
Electronic Link(s):
Document/Product
http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/0-6610-2.pdf
Publication/Product Request
TTI reports and products are available for download at no charge. If an electronic version is not available and no instructions on how to obtain it are given, contact the TTI Library.