Measuring, Achieving, And Promoting Smoothness Of Virginia's Asphalt Overlays

763197PDFResearch PaperVirginiaVirginia. Dept. of TransportationMcGhee, KKVirginia Transportation Research CouncilNTL-HIGHWAY/ROAD TRANSPORTATION-HIGHWAY/ROAD TRANSPORTATIONNTL-HIGHWAY/ROAD TRANSPORTATION-Pavement Management and PerformanceUS Transportation CollectionThis study was initiated with the goal of identifying the predominant factors affecting the achievable smoothness of asphalt overlays. In addition, the researcher chronicles the evolution of Virginia's innovative special provision for smoothness, which was developed specifically for maintenance-type resurfacing. The study also assessed the non-traditional equipment and methods used to comply with this smoothness special provision. Finally, the researcher provides a rational economic justification for the continued and expanded use of the pilot specification. Among the notable findings relating to achievable smoothness were the identified significant associations with functional classification, original surface roughness, and the use of the smoothness special provision. Factors that were found not to relate significantly to achieved smoothness include surface mix type, the use of additional structural layers, the use of milling, and time-of-day restrictions on construction activities (i.e., night paving). The dramatic increase in correlation between original and final surface ride quality when milling was used on the original surface was another interesting finding, as were the additional costs and corresponding additional benefits associated with the use of the specification