The development of a pavement profiling system
Abstract
The main objective of this research was to assist the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) in obtaining a reliable roughness measuring device. First, the important aspects of pavement roughness were reviewed. It was found that roughness is used as a research tool as well as an indicate of pavement maintenance needs. A number of roughness measuring devices have been developed in the last few decades. The capabilities and limitations of a number of existing devices are discussed in detail in this report. Because response type devices have limitations, it was decided to develop a profilometer for INDOT. The idea of buying a commercially available profilometer was not considered seriously because an in-house developed profilometer would be much cheaper and offer more flexibility for future improvements. A profilometer developed in South Dakota was evaluated by the research team. However, the South Dakota profilometer was being modified because of operational problems at the time of the evaluation and was not considered further. Consequently, concept was then developed for building an ultrasonic based profilometer. After designing and preparing the sensor circuit boards, the ultrasonic sensors were tested in a wind tunnel for operating conditions. It was found that the sensors offered a 0.1 inch accuracy for the range of test conditions. A specially designed trailer was then built to carry the sensors. All the other electronic component were assembled and several computer programs were written to drive the hardware. Testing with the INDOT profiler did not produce accurate profiles. Therefore, computer simulation models were developed to verify the algorithms used in determining profile. It was determined that the accuracy of the ultrasonic sensors would have to be improved in order to measure profiles. While the development of the INDOT profiler was underway, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) profilometer was brought to Indiana for evaluation. This profilometer produced accurate profiles for several test sections with different surface types. Because of the difficulties faced with the accuracy of the ultrasonic sensors, it was decided to build a duplicate of the FHWA profilometer to fit INDOT's immediate needs.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
White, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Civil engineering
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