Study of data variability acquired by multiple profilometers

Abstract

The accuracy and reliability of road monitoring data constitute a major concern among road designers, contractors and road administrations. These data may have foremost implications on rehabilitation strategies and, therefore, on costs and service life. For this reason, this paper aims to provide the interested bodies referred with useful information in relation to the variability of data acquired by road profilometers that is usually required. Five road profilometers, which belong to consultancy companies and research institutions, were used. Macrotexture and unevenness was measured on three selected road trials. Five runs were performed by each profilometer in both lanes of the road trials. The mean and the standard deviation were used to study the variability of the results. In relation to the macrotexture no significant differences were registered. For the unevenness the ratio between standard deviation and average MRI is higher than 20% and about twice the one found for macrotexture.