REPRESENTATION OF PAVEMENT SURFACE TOPOGRAPHY IN PREDICTING RUNOFF DEPTHS AND HYDROPLANING POTENTIAL

The sensitivity of the prediction of runoff depths and hydroplaning potential to variations in the elevation information used to define the pavement surface topography has been investigated. Different grid densities of elevation points, ranging from 8-in. to 36-in. spacing, and different levels of elevation data precision, ranging from 0.0003 ft to 0.05 ft, were evaluated. Topographic data, with elevation readings to 0.1 mm, were collected at a grid density of 4 in. over a 12ft by 50-ft section of severely rutted roadway pavement. Runoff depths were computed using a one-dimensional, steady state computer model, employing a kinematic wave approximation. Maximum water depths for the severely rutted section were approximately 1 in. Predictive equations based on recent hydroplaning studies were used to estimate hydroplaning speeds. The results for the single section of pavement show that for a state-of-the-art prediction of runoff depths and hydroplaning potential, it appears adequate to collect elevation data points at a precision of 0.01 ft with a grid spacing of 36 in., being sure to include elevation points in the wheelpaths. It is recommended that additional test sites be observed and analyzed, especially under the conditions where maximum water depths range between 0.01 and 0.1 in. In this range, a more refined elevation precision and grid spacing may be required under certain circumstances.

• Record URL:
  http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1984/1000/1000-010.pdf
• Summary URL:
  https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=REPRESENTATION+OF+PAVEMENT+SURFACE+TOPOGRAPHY+IN+PREDICTING+RUNOFF+DEPTHS+AND+HYDROPLANING+POTENTIAL&author=G.+Marks&author=R.+Huebner&author=J.+Reed&publication_year=1984
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• Supplemental Notes:
  • Publication of this paper sponsored by Committee on Surface Properties-Vehicle Interaction. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved
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• Authors:
  • Marks, G Warren
  • Huebner, Richard S
  • Reed, Joseph R
• Publication Date: 1984

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 49-54
• Monograph Title: SURFACE PROPERTIES-VEHICLE INTERACTION
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record
  • Issue Number: 1000
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Depth; Equations; Forecasting; Hydroplaning; Motor vehicles; Pavements; Runoff; Simulation; Speed; Surface course (Pavements); Texture; Traffic speed
• Subject Areas: Highways; Hydraulics and Hydrology; Pavements; Safety and Human Factors; I23: Properties of Road Surfaces;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00450726
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 030903809X
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-039 028
• Files: HSL, TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Dec 31 1985 12:00AM