High-speed network level road texture evaluation using 1mm resolution transverse 3D profiling sensors using a digital sand patch model

In order to maximize road maintenance funds and optimize the condition of road networks, pavement management systems need detailed and reliable data on the status of the road network. Over the last 10 years Pavemetrics Systems inc. in collaboration with INO (National Optics Institute of Canada) and the MTQ (Ministere des Transports du Quebec) have been developing and testing a new 3D technology called the LCMS (Laser Crack Measurement System). This article presents the results obtained after analyzing the detailed 3D data collected in order to evaluate road surface texture. Results show that macro-texture can be evaluated over the entire road surface at the network level with accurate and repeatable results.