LTPP Manual for Profile Measurements and Processing

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FOREWORD

The Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) program is a study of pavement performance at nearly 2,500 in-service pavement sections in the United States and Canada. LTPP's goal is to improve pavement performance and cost-effectiveness.

Toward accomplishing these objectives, LTPP is collecting data on in-service pavement sections over a 20-year period. The data collected at the test sections are stored in the LTPP Pavement Performance Database (PPDB). These data are being used and will continue to be used to achieve the goal and objectives of the LTPP program.

This manual describes operational procedures to be followed when measuring longitudinal pavement profiles for the LTPP program using the International Cybernetics Corporation (ICC) road profiler, Face Company Dipstick^®, and the rod and level. This manual also describes procedures to be followed in the office when processing profile data that were collected in the field as well as guidelines for performing interregional comparison tests among the four LTPP profilers.

Gary L. Henderson

Director, Office of Infrastructure Research and Development

Notice

This document is disseminated under the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Transportation in the interest of information exchange. The U.S. Government assumes no liability for the use of the information contained in this document. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation.

The U.S. Government does not endorse products or manufacturers. Trade or manufacturers' names appear in this report only because they are considered essential to the object of the document.

Quality Assurance Statement

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) provides high-quality information to serve Government, industry, and the public in a manner that promotes public understanding. Standards and policies are used to ensure and maximize the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of its information. FHWA periodically reviews quality issues and adjusts its programs and processes to ensure continuous quality improvements.

TECHNICAL REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE

Form DOT F 1700.7 (8-72) Reproduction of completed pages authorized

Metric Conversion Chart

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION

• 1.1 OVERVIEW OF THE LTPP PROGRAM
•  
• 1.2 SIGNIFICANCE OF PAVEMENT PROFILE MEASUREMENTS
•  
• 1.3 PROFILE DATA COLLECTION
•  
• 1.4 OVERVIEW OF THE MANUAL
•  

CHAPTER 2. PROFILE MEASUREMENTS USING ICC PROFILER

• 2.1 INTRODUCTION
•  
• 2.2 OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
  • 2.2.1 General LTPP Procedures
  •  
  • 2.2.2 Test Frequency and Priorities
  •  
  • 2.2.3 General Operations
  •  
  • 2.2.4 Computer System
  •  
  • 2.2.5 Power Up, Booting, and Shutdown Procedures
  •  
  • 2.2.6 Software Setup Parameters
  •  
  • 2.2.7 Field Operations
  •  
  • 2.2.8 Number of Runs
  •  
•  
• 2.3 FIELD TESTING
  • 2.3.1 General Background
  •  
  • 2.3.2 Daily Checks on Vehicle and Equipment
  •  
  • 2.3.3 Daily Equipment Checks
  •  
  • 2.3.4 Data Collection
  •  
  • 2.3.5 Data Backup
  •  
•  
• 2.4 PROFILING SPS AND WIM SECTIONS
  • 2.4.1 Profiling SPS Sections
  •  
  • 2.4.2 Profiling WIM Sections
  •  
•  
• 2.5 CALIBRATION
  • 2.5.1 General Background
  •  
  • 2.5.2 Calibration of DMI
  •  
  • 2.5.3 Calibration of Accelerometers
  •  
  • 2.5.4 Full Calibration Check of Laser Sensors
  •  
  • 2.5.5 Calibration Check of Temperature Probe
  •  
•  
• 2.6 EQUIPMENT CHECKS
  • 2.6.1 Accelerometer Signal Conditioning Test
  •  
  • 2.6.2 ACF Range
  •  
  • 2.6.3 Photocell Offset Determination
  •  
•  
• 2.7 EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
  • 2.7.1 General Background
  •  
  • 2.7.2 Routine Maintenance
  •  
  • 2.7.3 Scheduled Major Preventive Maintenance
  •  
  • 2.7.4 Unscheduled Maintenance
  •  
•  
• 2.8 RECORD KEEPING
  • 2.8.1 LTPP Profiler Field Activity Report
  •  
  • 2.8.2 Status of the Regions Test Sections
  •  
  • 2.8.3 Profiler Log
  •  
  • 2.8.4 LTPP Major Maintenance/Repair Form
  •  
  • 2.8.5 Profiler Calibration Reports
  •  
  • 2.8.6 Profiling of WIM Sites: Data Summary Sheet
  •  
  • 2.8.7 Accelerometer Signal Conditioning Test
  •  
  • 2.8.8 ProQual Reports and Profile Plots
  •  
•  

CHAPTER 3. PROFILE MEASUREMENTS USING THE FACE DIPSTICK^®

• 3.1 INTRODUCTION
•  
• 3.2 OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
  • 3.2.1 General Procedures
  •  
  • 3.2.2 LTPP Procedures
  •  
  • 3.2.3 Footpad Spacing of Dipstick^®
  •  
•  
• 3.3 FIELD TESTING
  • 3.3.1 General Background
  •  
  • 3.3.2 Site Inspection and Layout -Longitudinal Profile Measurements
  •  
  • 3.3.3 Dipstick^® Operation for Longitudinal Profile Measurements
  •  
  • 3.3.4 Site Inspection and Layout -Transverse Profile Measurements
  •  
  • 3.3.5 Dipstick^® Operation for Transverse Profile Measurements
  •  
  • 3.3.6 Data Backup
  •  
•  
• 3.4 ZERO CHECK AND CALIBRATION CHECK
  • 3.4.1 General Background
  •  
  • 3.4.2 Frequency of Checks
  •  
•  
• 3.5 EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
  • 3.5.1 General Background
  •  
  • 3.5.2 Routine Maintenance
  •  
  • 3.5.3 Scheduled Major Maintenance
  •  
  • 3.5.4 Equipment Problems/Repairs
  •  
•  
• 3.6 RECORD KEEPING
  • 3.6.1 Longitudinal Profile Measurements
  •  
  • 3.6.2 Transverse Profile Measurements
  •  
  • 3.6.3 Zero and Calibration Check Form
  •  
  • 3.6.4 LTPP Major Maintenance/Repair Form
  •  
  • 3.6.5 Air Temperature Probe Calibration Check Form
  •  
•  

CHAPTER 4. PROFILE MEASUREMENTS USING THE ROD AND LEVEL

• 4.1 INTRODUCTION
•  
• 4.2 OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
  • 4.2.1 General Procedures
  •  
  • 4.2.2 Equipment Requirements
  •  
  • 4.2.3 LTPP Procedures
  •  
•  
• 4.3 FIELD TESTING
  • 4.3.1 General Background
  •  
  • 4.3.2 Site Inspection and Preparation
  •  
  • 4.3.3 Longitudinal Profile Measurements
  •  
  • 4.3.4 Factors to be Considered During Survey
  •  
  • 4.3.5 Profile Computation
  •  
  • 4.3.6 Quality Control
  •  
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• 4.4 CALIBRATION AND ADJUSTMENTS
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• 4.5 EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE
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• 4.6 RECORD KEEPING
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• 4.7 DATA BACKUP
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CHAPTER 5. PROCESSING OF PROFILE DATA IN THE OFFICE

• 5.1 INTRODUCTION
•  
• 5.2 INERTIAL PROFILER DATA
•  
• 5.3 LONGITUDINAL DIPSTICK^® DATA
•  
• 5.4 ASSIGNMENT OF RCO CODE
•  
• 5.5 TRANSVERSE DIPSTICK^® DATA
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• 5.6 STORING WIM DATA
•  

CHAPTER 6. INTER-REGIONAL PROFILER COMPARISON TESTS

• 6.1 INTRODUCTION
•  
• 6.2 PREPARATORY ACTIVITIES
•  
• 6.3 TEST SECTIONS
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• 6.4 DIPSTICK^® MEASUREMENTS AT TEST SECTIONS
•  
• 6.5 PROFILER COMPARISON TESTS
  • 6.5.1 Full Calibration Check of Laser Sensors
  •  
  • 6.5.2 Bounce Test
  •  
  • 6.5.3 Static Height Sensor Test
  •  
  • 6.5.4 DMI Test
  •  
  • 6.5.5 Profile Testing
  •  
  • 6.5.6 Verification of DMI
  •  
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• 6.6 REPORTS
  • 6.6.1 Submission of Reports and Data by RSCs
  •  
  • 6.6.2 Format of Report
  •  
  • 6.6.3 Data Submission
  •  
  • 6.6.4 Preparation of Report by TSSC
  •  
•  

APPENDIX A. PROFILER PROBLEM REPORT FORM

APPENDIX B. PROFILE TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE

APPENDIX C. STANDARD FORMS FOR PROFILER OPERATIONS

APPENDIX D. STANDARD FORMS FOR DIPSTICK^® MEASUREMENTS

APPENDIX E. PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING DIPSTICK^® FOOTPAD SPACING

APPENDIX F. DATA COLLECTION FORM FOR ROD AND LEVEL PROFILE MEASUREMENTS

APPENDIX G. FORMS FOR INTER-REGIONAL PROFILER COMPARISON TESTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

REFERENCES

List of Figures

Figure 1. Map. LTPP regions

Figure 2. Photo. Laser on/off switch

Figure 3. Photo. Locations of horizontal and vertical photocells

Figure 4. Photo. Position and mounting of horizontal photocell

Figure 5. Photo. Position and mounting of vertical photocell

Figure 6. Photo. Keyboard, video, and mouse (KVM) switch

Figure 7. Photo. Power switch positions

Figure 8. Photo. Inverter switch

Figure 9. Photo. Switches on computer case

Figure 10. Photo. UPS on/off switch

Figure 11. Photo. Monitor on/off switch

Figure 12. Photo. Remote switch for inverter power

Figure 13. Screen shot. MDR main menu (1)

Figure 14. Screen shot. Options menu (1)

Figure 15. Screen shot. ICC system parameters screen

Figure 16. Screen shot. Calibration menu (1)

Figure 17. Screen shot. Sensor calibration menu (1)

Figure 18. Screen shot. Sensor configurations

Figure 19. Screen shot. Sensor spacing submenu

Figure 20. Screen shot. Key rut positions screen

Figure 21. Screen shot. Rutting order screen

Figure 22. Screen shot. Sensor spacing screen

Figure 23. Screen shot. Sensor serial number screen

Figure 24. Screen shot. Run menu (1)

Figure 25. Screen shot. Run options menu (1)

Figure 26. Screen shot. IRI options screen (1)

Figure 27. Screen shot. ProQual system menu

Figure 28. Screen shot. Equipment screen in ProQual

Figure 29. Screen shot. Analysis parameter screen in ProQual

Figure 30. Screen shot. Sensor calibration menu (2)

Figure 31. Screen shot. Calibration check screen (1)

Figure 32. Photo. Laser dot centered on base plate (1)

Figure 33. Photo. Calibration surface plate on top of base plate (1)

Figure 34. Screen shot. Readings taken on base plate (1)

Figure 35. Photo. Block on top of base plate with calibration plate on top of block (1)

Figure 36. Screen shot. Readings being taken on 25-mm blocks (1)

Figure 37. Screen shot. Reading taken on base plate for single block test

Figure 38. Screen shot. Readings being taken on 25-mm block-single block test

Figure 39. Screen shot. Accelerometer calibration menu (1)

Figure 40. Screen shot. Accelerometer calibration screen (1)

Figure 41. Screen shot. MDR main menu (2)

Figure 42. Screen shot. Run menu (2)

Figure 43. Screen shot. IRI options screen (2)

Figure 44. Screen shot. Run options screen

Figure 45. Screen shot. Run screen of MDR program (1)

Figure 46. Screen shot. Adjusting scale of graph in WinGraph

Figure 47. Screen shot. Output from combined bounce test

Figure 48. Screen shot. WinGraph screen after static test has been terminated

Figure 49. Screen shot. WinGraph screen after dynamic bounce test has been terminated

Figure 50. Screen shot. MDR main menu (3)

Figure 51. Screen shot. WinGraph program running in system 1

Figure 52. Screen shot. Options menu (2)

Figure 53. Screen shot. ICC systems parameters screen

Figure 54. Screen shot. Run menu (3)

Figure 55. Screen shot. Run options menu (2)

Figure 56. Screen shot. IRI options screen (3)

Figure 57. Screen shot. Header file list

Figure 58. Screen shot. LTPP parameters screen

Figure 59. Screen shot. Run menu (4)

Figure 60. Screen shot. Run screen of MDR program (2)

Figure 61. Screen shot. End of run note screen

Figure 62. Screen shot. Site files in ProQual

Figure 63. Illustration. Layout of WIM site

Figure 64. Screen shot. Calibration menu (2)

Figure 65. Screen shot. Distance calibration screen

Figure 66. Screen shot. Calibration screen after obtaining six runs

Figure 67. Screen shot. Calibration menu (3)

Figure 68. Screen shot. Accelerometer calibration menu (2)

Figure 69. Screen shot. Accelerometer calibration screen (2)

Figure 70. Photo. Support blocks

Figure 71. Photo. Profiler on top of support blocks

Figure 72. Photo. Laser dot centered on base plate (2)

Figure 73. Photo. Calibration surface plate on top of base plate (2)

Figure 74. Screen shot. Sensor calibration menu (3)

Figure 75. Screen shot. Calibration check screen (2)

Figure 76. Screen shot. Readings taken on base plate (2)

Figure 77. Photo. Block on top of base plate with calibration plate on top of block (2)

Figure 78. Screen shot. Readings being taken on 25-mm blocks (2)

Figure 79. Screen shot. Readings taken on base plate (base plate below sensor #1)

Figure 80. Screen shot. Readings taken with 25-mm block below sensor #1

Figure 81. Photo. Accelerometer test tool

Figure 82. Screen shot. Equipment table in ProQual

Figure 83. Photo. Section starting stripe and bump target placed on the pavement

Figure 84. Photo. Placement of vertical photocell target in relation to section starting location

Figure 85. Screen shot. Photocell target parameters for determining horizontal photocell offset

Figure 86. Screen shot. Photocell target parameters for determining vertical photocell offset

Figure 87. Screen shot. WinReport program menus

Figure 88. Screen shot. Parameters set in the advanced options tab

Figure 89. Screen shot. File selection window in WinReport program

Figure 90. Screen shot. Text format profile data displayed in WordPad window

Figure 91. Screen shot. Profile data displayed in WordPad window-horizontal photocell test

Figure 92. Screen shot. Profile data displayed in WordPad window-vertical photocell test

Figure 93. Illustration. Site layout and measurement procedure for measuring longitudinal profiles with the Dipstick^®

Figure 94. Graph. Spike in profile data (profile data for run 4 has been offset for clarity)

Figure 95. Graph. Data collected with a correctly calibrated and a miscalibrated DMI

Figure 96. Graph. Example of early profile start

Figure 97. Graph. Differences in profile due to rehabilitation of section

Figure 98. Graph. Differences in profile due to maintenance within section

Figure 99. Illustration. Test section layout

Figure 100. Illustration. Location of back footpad of Dipstick^® at start of the section

Figure 101. Illustration. Back end of front footpad is past the end of the test section when last reading is obtained

Figure 102. Illustration. Back end of the front footpad is before the end of the test section when last reading is obtained

List of Tables

Table 1. Allowable closure errors for transverse Dipstick^® measurements

Table 2. Resolution requirement for rod and level measurements

Table 3. Suggested format of RSC office log

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS