Road profile study : final report.

PDFTech ReportResearch Report No. 185Research Project No. 83-1P(B)Pavement performanceRoughnessHot mix paving mixturesAsphalt concretePortland cement concreteAlternatives analysisProfilographsQuality controlSurface course (Pavements)Acceptance testsLouisianaLouisiana Transportation Research CenterCumbaa, Steven L.Louisiana Transportation Research CenterUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationUS Transportation CollectionRough pavements are objectionable to the public and detrimental to the long term performance of the highway. In an effort to obtain smooth highways, states attempt to limit as built roughness. Roughness is measured with a variety of devices ranging in sophistication from relatively simple straightedges to complex electronic instruments. This report documents the evaluation of a moderately complex but non-electronic roughness measuring device; the Rainhart model profilograph.The evaluation was accomplished by comparison testing the profilograph, the 10-foot rolling straightedge, and the Mays Ride Meter on several hot-mix asphalt concrete (HMAC) and portland cement concrete (PCC) pavements. In addition, the surface profiling ability of the profilograph was evaluated by testing it over an induced "artificial" road surface of known horizontal and vertical dimensions. Ease of transport operation and degree of maintenance was also considered.The results of this evaluation indicates that a profilograph type device can be a useable quality control and acceptance tool, especially suited for PCC pavements.Recommendations are made to develop profilograph oriented specifications for use of this type of device for quality control and acceptance of PCC pavements