Evaluation of a Laser Road Surface Tester

Report No: 95-R25

Published in 1995

About the report:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and usefulness of pavement distress data derived from a laser road surface tester (RST) operating on Virginia's interstate highway system. The evaluation was conducted by comparing rut depth, roughness, cracking, and macrotexture measurements generated by the Laser RST with those obtained using conventional methods. The study concluded that the laser RST was not adequate as a crack pattern recognition tool. The device was not capable of generating surface macrotexture or rut depth measurements that would be of use to the Virginia Department of Transportation. Roughness information collected by the laser RST correlated well with the May's ridemeter and the K.J. Law 8300 roughness surveyor. It should be noted, however, that several years have passed since the data used in this study were collected, during which time the laser technology changed significantly.

Documents

95-R25

_{Disclaimer Statement:The contents of this report reflect the views of the author(s), who is responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Commonwealth Transportation Board, or the Federal Highway Administration. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. Any inclusion of manufacturer names, trade names, or trademarks is for identification purposes only and is not to be considered an endorsement.}

Authors

Thomas E. Freeman, Kenneth H. McGhee

Last updated: December 18, 2023