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Office of Research, Development and Technology at the Turner-Fairbanks Highway Research Center

Help With Converting Pavement Smoothness Specifications

FHWA-RD-02-112.pdf (261.12 KB)

Publication Information

Publication Type:
TechBrief
Publication Number:
FHWA-RD-02-112
Abstract:

Pavement smoothness is a key factor in determining highway user satisfaction. To adequately represent drivers' opinions of roadway conditions, many highway agencies are transitioning to the International Roughness Index (IRI) or to the Profile Index (PI) using a 0.0-millimeter (mm) blanking band (PI0.0) from the PI using a 5-mm or 2.5-mm blanking band (PI5-mm or PI2.5-mm). This has led to the need for correlation equations to relate the current PI5-mm or PI2.5-mm smoothness specification levels with those to be used in the new specifications. To address this issue, research was initiated to develop a practical tool to assist in the transition from PI5-mm or PI2.5-mm to IRI or PI0.0. Information developed in this research can be used by highway agencies to estimate the level of IRI and PI0.0 smoothness associated with their current pavement smoothness specifications.

Publishing Date:
November 2012
FHWA Program(s):
Research
Infrastructure
AMRP Program(s):
Pavements and Materials
FHWA Activities:
Long-Term Pavement Performance
Subject Area:
Research
Pavements