Research Reports
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.
Indiana DOT and Purdue University Quality Assurance Procedures for Chip Seal Operations
In 2018 the Joint Transportation Research Program between IDOT and Purdue University has released a study titled “Quality Assurance Procedures for Chip Seal Operations Using Macrotexture Metrics” which uses the Ames AccuTexture 100 sensors to study how Mean Profile Depth can be used as a metric to evaluate the quality of chip seal surfaces. This procedure could be used in place of visual inspection procedures in order to increase the reliability of data, the safety of personnel, and save time and money.
2018 IDOT/Purdue University JTRP Chip Seal Quality Assurance Study
Zhao, G., Li, S., Jiang, Y., & Lee, J. (2018). Quality assurance procedures for chip seal operations using macrotexture metrics (Joint Transportation Research Program Publication No. FHWA/IN/JTRP2018/12). West Lafayette, IN: Purdue University. https://doi.org/10.5703/1288284316779
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.
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.
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.