Development of Inertial Profiler Airfield Smoothness Models and Measurement Methods

Abstract: The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) has developed a test method and specification for measuring the surface smoothness of newly constructed airfield pavements using an inertial profiler in place of the California-type profilograph. The limitations inherent in the currently accepted measurement system, the California-type profilograph, are also detailed in this work. The effort described herein draws attention not only to the superior repeatability of the inertial profiler but also to the device’s ability to report true surface profile more accurately than the California-type profilograph. Further, the inertial profiler allows for surveys to be conducted in a variety of orientations and on-board full-size and light-weight ground vehicles. Correlations were drawn between the two devices with high (greater than 0.8) goodness-of-fit, and recommendations were made pertaining to the use of inertial profilers in place of California-type profilographs for new construction quality control and quality assurance. Additionally, new models are generated comparing the Profilograph Index (PRI or PI) output from both devices and reveal unique correlations between device type and reported defect geometry. These results and recommendations were not only founded on the data collected and analyzed in this effort but are also consistent with the current state of practice for other federal agencies, such as the Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Highway Administration.