Determination of Improved Pavement Smoothness When Using 3D Modeling and Automatic Machine Guidance

Benefits such as faster construction, more consistent material depths, and savings by better control of material yields have already been noted when automatic machine guidance (AMG) is used in successive pavement-construction activities. Now, the question is whether projects using AMG result in improved smoothness compared with those using conventional construction, with all other factors that affect smoothness being equal. This research attempted to test the null hypothesis that AMG for grade control can also improve smoothness outcomes by comparing projects constructed using AMG on successive pavement layers to projects that did not make use of AMG for grade control, with all other factors influencing smoothness for a given project being equal. The research also documented the survey equipment used by contractors to control the positioning of the AMG systems and attempted to gather data in real time during paving to improve smoothness. The results of the documentation were used to develop general guidance for leveraging AMG technology to optimize smoothness outcomes.

• Record URL:
  https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/pavements/21059/21059.pdf
• Summary URL:
  https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/pavements/21059/index.cfm
• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/57262
• Corporate Authors:

  Weris, Incorporated

  Sterling, VA  United States 

  Federal Highway Administration

  Office of Infrastructure Research and Development
  6300 Georgetown Pike
  McLean, VA  United States  22101
• Authors:
  • Mitchell, Alexa
  • Suriyanarayanan, Sadasivam
  • Chang, George K
  • 0000-0002-4945-8827
  • Mallela, Jagannath
  • 0000-0001-9464-7937
  • McLaughlin, Katharina
• Publication Date: 2021-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Maps; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 116p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alternatives analysis; Automated vehicle control; Case studies; Pavers; Paving; Smoothness
• Subject Areas: Construction; Data and Information Technology; Highways; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01781892
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-HRT-21-059
• Contract Numbers: DTFH6114D00009 TO 0003
• Files: NTL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
• Created Date: Sep 20 2021 2:52PM