The comparative testing workshop conducted among the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) profilometers in Austin, Texas, during the week of February 12 through 16, 1990, is described. The workshop involved roughness measurements of six test sites at two different speeds by the Law profilometers from the four SHRP regions. The test sections were selected as representative of smooth, medium, and rough sections. The test program consisted of five individual runs by each profilometer for the two speeds on the six test sections. The testing revealed several data anomalies in the results from the profilometers including random and systematic sensor separation and lost lock. The results contain information that can be useful in interpreting the output of the Law profilometer in the development of surface profile data and pavement roughness IRI Law values. Finally, the experimental design used in the comparative testing, analysis performed, results generated by the analysis, approach to consideration of data anomalies, and recommendations for further studies are discussed.
Abstract