Assessment of Profiler Performance for Construction Quality Control with Simulated Profilograph Index

The simulated California profilograph index (PI) values produced by repeat measurements from 11 profiling devices on four pavement sections are examined. Repeatability and reproducibility of simulated PI by common profiling devices are discussed, and automated profilograph trace reduction procedures adopted in profilograph simulations are reviewed. The results of profilograph simulations show that the low-pass filter and minimum scallop width are important aspects of trace reduction and should be retained as standard components of simulated profilograph trace reduction. However, criteria are needed to help remove narrow, downward spikes, such as those found in profiles of jointed concrete. The results also show that existing profilers do not agree on PI values sufficiently when a zero blanking band is used.