Ames Engineering is at the forefront in the development of sensor technology for pavement measurements. Over the years, we have worked side-by-side with
the paving industry and government agencies to develop systems that yield exceptional data accuracy and performance. Recent research reports are listed
below, and we invite you to review them.
Validation of ODOT's Laser Macrotexture System
ODOT Office of Pavement Engineering (OPE) has been operating an inertial road profiler with a laser macrotexture subsystem, and collecting a large amount of data using the profiler. Recent advances in technology have allowed for the use of laser-based systems that can directly measure pavement macrotexture, not only statically, but also at highway speeds. The volumetric, or sand patch method (ASTM E 965), has historically been used as the main technique for measuring macrotexture. These different methods do not all measure the same surface properties and often generate different measurements. Because of these differences, it is crucial to determine the most suitable method for measuring pavement macrotexture. Thus, there is a need to validate the laser Mean Profile Depth (MPD) estimate of macrotexture against the sand patch test data. Knowing whether the laser MPD data is right in line with the sand patch estimates of macrotexture, overestimating or underestimating the macrotexture, or knowing on what types of surfaces the system provides reliable data, would allow ODOT to use the laser MPD data for proactive safety purposes on the Ohio highway network.
2008 ODOT MacroTexture Study Summary
2008 ODOT MacroTexture Study Full Report
FHWA Reference Profiler Research Study at MN Road 2007
In the fall of 2007 the Federal Highway Administration sponsored a study researching the accuracy and repeatability of reference profilers at the Minnesota Department of Transportation's research facility in Albertville, MN. Ames Engineering was invited to participate in the study with our lightweight profiler equipped with a TriODS and RoLine sensor. The results of the study show the TriODS and RoLine sensor have excellent accuracy and repeatability with two of the reference profilers. These continued strong results of Ames Engineering profilers again demonstrate how well we achieve the highest level of quality for our customers. Please take a few minutes to read through the FHWA's full report listed below.
2007 FHWA Reference Profiler Full Report
2007 FHWA Reference Profiler Highlights
ACPA Profiler Repeatability 2005
We at Ames Engineering understand that the purchase of a road-profiling device can be an expensive and confusing proposition. Published device comparisons can be difficult to find and understand, particularly when it comes to the issue of textured surfaces. In 2005 the American Concrete Paving Association (ACPA) funded a study conducted by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI). UMTRI has been involved in transportation research issues for over 40 years and has been very involved in the development of improvements in road profiling technology. In this study, manufacturers of profiling equipment were invited to test their equipment on four different textured concrete road surfaces. Four manufacturers participated in collection of test data during this study and the results have been published. We encourage you to read this report and make your own informed decision.
2005 ACPA Profiler Repeatability Tests
The construction industry has been using stringless technology for elevation and steering
control of equipment for a number of years. To date however, the use of this technology in
the concrete paving market has been limited to the grading operation and is not typically
used for the actual paving where stringline is still the preferred method of guiding the
steering and elevation controls on these machines. This is due to stringline having been
traditionally more reliable for paving operations than a stringless system when it comes to
meeting the strict smoothness specifications often found on highway projects. In a
business where smoothness reigns supreme, contractors can't simply throw caution to
the wind and pave with a system in which the reliability has not been proven.
Flynn Co Inc. paved up to 18 fpm achieving smoothness on zero blanking band as low as 6 in per mile and averaging in low teens for the project which earned them full bonus incentive. Flynn utilized Ames Engineering's Model 7000 Real Time Profiler to monitor smoothness measurements in real time. Please click on the magazine to review the article.
Flynn Co Inc. paved up to 18 fpm achieving smoothness on zero blanking band as low as 6 in per mile and averaging in low teens for the project which earned them full bonus incentive. Flynn utilized Ames Engineering's Model 7000 Real Time Profiler to monitor smoothness measurements in real time. Please click on the magazine to review the article.
800-205-6355
Ames Engineering was recently featured in Asphalt Contractor Magazine's quality
control technology guide. The article is titled "Achieving a Better Profile" and authored
by columnist Rick Zettler. This report details how inertial profilers can be used as
in-process tools during construction, enabling personnel to make critical decisions
throughout the paving process. Please click on the magazine to review the article.
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