Measuring chip seal surface texture with digital imagery

This paper details the results of analysis of chip seal surfaces in New Zealand and the USA using digital imaging techniques. A two-dimensional Fourier transform of an image allows computation of the volume of information contained in that image. The information content is governed by the amount of texture present in a chip seal. Thus, a road that is badly flushed will have measurably different information content than one that is in satisfactory condition. The test takes some time to perform, and is normally done in live traffic conditions with varying levels of traffic control. Correlating the image information content with a sand circle measurement taken at the same spot promises to improve the method for evaluating the condition of chip sealed surfaces by enhancing the reproducibility of the test as well as greatly reducing the time that technicians are exposed to live traffic during data collection. Skid resistance is highly dependent on macrotexture. This paper proposes that the results of this research be extended beyond mere texture measurement to the characterization of skid resistance. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E212865.

• Authors:
  • GRANSBERG, D D
  • Pidwerbesky, Bryan Dale
  • STEMPROK, R
  • Waters, J
• Publication Date: 2005-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 12P (SESSION 4)
• Monograph Title: International Surface Friction Conference: roads and runways: improving safety through assessment and design, 1-4 May 2005, Christchurch, New Zealand
• Serial:
  • INTERNATIONAL SURFACE FRICTION CONFERENCE, 2005, CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND
  • Publisher: TRANSIT NEW ZEALAND

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Chippings; Conferences; Data collection; Image processing; Properties of materials; Sand; Seal coats; Skid resistance; Surfaces; Test procedures; Texture
• ITRD Terms: 4585: Chippings; 8525: Conference; 8623: Data acquisition; 8633: Image processing; 5925: Properties; 4105: Sand; 3031: Skid resistance; 6438: Surface; 2984: Surface dressing; 3053: Surface texture; 6288: Test method
• Subject Areas: Highways; Materials; Pavements; I23: Properties of Road Surfaces;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01026740
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ITRD, ATRI
• Created Date: Jul 5 2006 12:06PM