Faulting measurements have traditionally been conducted manually using faultmeters. However, operating any manual device such as a faultmeter close to vehicular traffic is hazardous to the operator and the traveling public. Automated methods like those associated with high-speed profilers, offer a safer more efficient, and cost effective alternative. Therefore, there is a need to develop an automated method for measuring joint faulting using longitudinal profiles from high-speed profilers. A study was initiated with a primary objective of determining an appropriate profiler samplinginterval to accurately locate transverse joints. A second objective was to determine how well faulting estimated from profile elevation compares with faulting measured with a Georgia Faultmeter. An algorithm was developed which can accurately detect joint locations from profile data collected at highway speed. This same algorithm was also adapted to estimate faulting as measured with a Georgia Faultmeter in accordance with the AASHTO R36-04 Protocol.
Abstract