A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF ROADMETER ROUGHNESS NUMBER WITH RIDING COMFORT FOR INDIANA PAVEMENTS. FINAL REPORT

This study is the third of a series done by IDOH that investigates the relationship between pavement rideability and roadmeter roughness number (RN). It was found that the public rates jointed and unjointed concrete surfaces similarly. It also rates asphalt overlays over concrete and full-depth asphalt similarly. For a given RN, motorists are more tolerant of concrete pavements than asphalt pavements. The differences in rideability between compact cars, mid-size cars, full-size cars, small trucks, and large tandem axle dumptrucks were determined. It was found that there is no difference between a person's rating technique based on type of occupation. Ten regression models, one for each vehicle type and main pavement type were developed, estimating PSI as a function of RN. From these models, it was found that the average motorist in this study was more lenient in rating pavements than in the past several years. Roughness testing of fabricated forms to determine the calibration of a roadmeter (7) did not prove to be an adequate method. The frequent testing of an actual pavement site proved to be a better method for determining the calibration of a roadmeter. It was found that the odometer calibration should be checked at least every two weeks. Equations were developed that convert RN30 to RN50. The force of the spring on the displacement transducer has a major effect on the RN. It was found that the fuel tank level does not affect the RN significantly. The hot tire air pressure should be monitored frequently. Radial and bias tires produce significantly different RN's. Different grades of shock absorbers produce significantly different RN's.

• Corporate Authors:

  Indiana Department of Highways

  Indianapolis, IN  United States 

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Harness, M D
  • Gulen, S
  • Anderson, V L
  • Kercher, K J
• Publication Date: 1985-8

Media Info

• Pagination: 298 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Asphalt pavements; Bias ply tires; Calibration; Concrete pavements; Inflation; Oedometers; Pavements; Radial ply tires; Regression analysis; Riding qualities; Road meters; Roughness; Serviceability; Shock absorbers; Smoothness; Tire pressure; Tires; Vehicle size
• Uncontrolled Terms: Serviceability Index
• Old TRIS Terms: Pavement smoothness; Radial tires
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Design; Highways; Pavements; Vehicles and Equipment; I23: Properties of Road Surfaces;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00462230
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA/IN/DRT-85/1
• Contract Numbers: 1(21), Part II
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Feb 28 1987 12:00AM