The goal of the proposed pooled fund study “ is to continue and extend the work of TPF-5(063), which was led by the Federal Highway Administration. The project will enable states and FHWA to: 1) identify data integrity and quality issues associated with measuring and analyzing pavement profiles 2) suggest approaches to addressing identified problems 3) initiate and monitor projects to address identified problems 4) disseminate results 5) assist in solution deployment

1) Deliver sample procurement specification, maintenance guidelines 2) Direct and support development and maintenance of pavement profile analysis software 3) Establish criteria for profile verification and assist with development of validation sites 4) Develop and deploy pavement profile reference device(s) and a traceable verification process 5) Provide technical support for the Road Profile Users’ Group and conduct annual face-to-face meetings in conjunction with the group.

The pooled fund study will enable participants to identify and resolve operational issues common among devices used to measure pavement profiles. The study will focus on data quality issues that arise from the use and operation of inertial profilers and other systems designed to measure pavement profile. Within these broad topic areas, the following issues may be addressed: • Implementation of American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Provision Protocols for Inertial Profilers • Establishing pavement profile reference device(s) • Specifying and establishing equipment certification course(s) • Pavement profiling certification procedures for Construction Acceptance and Highway Network Monitoring & Reporting • Operator procedures and training such as NHI Course 131100 “Pavement Smoothness: Use of Inertial Profiler Measurements for Construction Quality Control”. • Performance of components such as accelerometers, height sensors, distance measurement instruments, inertial measurement devices, digital images, LiDAR, global positioning systems, etc. • Development, maintenance, and training for FHWA ProVAL “Profile Viewer and Analyzer Software” • Highway system performance monitoring, evaluation, and reporting • Appropriate data collection, reduction techniques, and use of alternative indices for low-speed, stop and go, urban environments • Contracting and procurement practices and issues • The use of inertial profilers for construction quality control and quality assurance as per 23CFR 637.205 • Filters such as a tire envelopment.

It is anticipated that this study will require participation by at least 15 state highway agencies providing $20,000 per year for five years.