Harmonization of Macrotexture Measuring Devices

This paper will compare pavement macrotexture measurements obtained using the volumetric method and three laser-based devices. The study used data from a controlled experiment conducted at the Virginia Smart Road, as well as samples of in-service highway and airport surfaces. The data collected at the Virginia Smart Road, a controlled-access two-lane road that includes various hot mix asphalt (HMA) and concrete surfaces, were used for the main analysis. The other two sets of data were used for verification and validation of the model developed. The analysis of the data collected at the Virginia Smart Road showed that the Circular Texture Meter (CTMeter) mean profile depth (MPD) had the highest correlation with the volumetric (Sand Patch) mean texture depth (MTD). Models for converting the laser-based texture measurements to an estimated MTD were developed. The developed model was tested using measurements collected on several other highway and airport surfaces and with positive results.