Application of Profile Data to Detect Localized Roughness

The application of profile data to detect areas of localized roughness is illustrated. The approach presented is based on the deviations of the profile from the moving average coupled with the use of a smoothness statistic, computed from the profile, to estimate the change in pavement smoothness with correction of surface irregularities. In this way, the significance of a surface defect is evaluated on the basis of its contribution to the overall roughness of a pavement section. The approach is illustrated by using profile data from an in-service pavement. By simulating the response of the profilograph to the measured profile, the peak deviations from the moving average were observed to track the bump locations from the simulation.