Determination of Improved Pavement Smoothness When Using 3D Modeling and Automatic Machine Guidance

Benefits such as faster construction, more consistent material depths, and savings by better control of material yields have already been noted when automatic machine guidance (AMG) is used in successive pavement-construction activities. Now, the question is whether projects using AMG result in improved smoothness compared with those using conventional construction, with all other factors that affect smoothness being equal. This research attempted to test the null hypothesis that AMG for grade control can also improve smoothness outcomes by comparing projects constructed using AMG on successive pavement layers to projects that did not make use of AMG for grade control, with all other factors influencing smoothness for a given project being equal. The research also documented the survey equipment used by contractors to control the positioning of the AMG systems and attempted to gather data in real time during paving to improve smoothness. The results of the documentation were used to develop general guidance for leveraging AMG technology to optimize smoothness outcomes.