The smoothness of new pavements constructed for the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is accepted on the basis of Profile Index (PI), as measured by California Profilographs. Since these 7.6 m long devices are difficult to handle, operated at walking speeds (3-5 km/hr) and can only measure one wheelpath at a time, the MTO and the hot mix industry have been looking for an alternative device that would be easier and safer to operate. This paper summarizes the results of two field studies which were conducted using laser inertial profilers consisting of "lightweight" profilers, operated at speeds of 15 to 20 km/hr and "high speed" profilers which can be operated at highway speeds. Both kinds of devices can also measure both wheelpaths simultaneously in units of both Profile Index (PI) and International Roughness Index (IRI). Since inertial profilers take measurements much faster than California Profilographs, they cause less disruption to traffic and are inherently much safer to operate. Based on the results of these studies, inertial profilers can be used to replace California Profilographs for the acceptance of new pavement construction and IRI measurements can also be integrated into the long term monitoring of Ontario's new pavements. For the covering abstract of this conference see ITRD number E216597.
Abstract