DEVELOPMENT OF A NONCONTACT PAVEMENT SMOOTHNESS MONITOR FOR USE DURING CONSTRUCTION

A pavement smoothness monitor has been developed for use in road construction to allow pavement smoothness defects to be corrected while the pavement is uncured and to allow for better control of subsequent paving operations. The device operates within the paving train and measures the smoothness using an array of noncontact sensors. The operator is provided with profile traces, defect information, and a profile index number for use in assessing needed corrective action. A description of the device is given along with its specifications and a discussion of measurement method, sensor characteristics, and profile computer design.