Influence of invalid readings in road texture profiles measured with optical profilometers on the calculation of the mean profile depth and the third octave texture spectrum

Invalid readings or drop outs in a profile, measured with a laser profilometer may cause a deviation from the real values when one calculates the mean profile depth or the texture spectrum. Laser profilometers are described in the standard ISO 13473, which states that up to 10 per cent drop outs is acceptable if they are linearly interpolated between the closest valid readings and 5 per cent if they are not. This paper presents the results of a study, which is meant to verify these rather arbitrary values. To profiles which were measured on real low-, medium- and high-textured road surfaces, gradually artificial invalid readings where added by means of a random number generator. The evolution of the mean profile depth and the third octave texture spectrum was obtained as a function of the percentage of invalid readings, both for the case of linear interpolation of the drop outs and for the case they were not interpolated, but treated in an alternative way. Extremely large deviations from the true values of MPD and texture spectra where found in some cases, even at drop out percentages far below the 5 % limit.

• Authors:
  • Goubert, L
• Conference:
  • Symposium on Pavement Surface Characteristics [of Roads and Airports], 5th, 2004, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Publication Date: 2004

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 12p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Accuracy; Measuring instruments; Profilometers; Reliability; Surface course (Pavements); Texture
• ATRI Terms: Accuracy; Measuring equipment; Profilometer; Reliability; Road surface properties; Surface texture
• Subject Areas: Highways; Materials; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01389588
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ITRD, ATRI
• Created Date: Aug 23 2012 3:35AM