Austroads Test Method AG:AM/T001

Pavement Roughness Measurement with an Inertial Laser Profilometer

AUSTROADS TEST METHOD AG:AM/T001

PAVEMENT ROUGHNESS MEASUREMENT WITH AN INERTIAL
LASER PROFILOMETER
1

SCOPE

This test method defines the procedure for measuring the roughness of road pavements,
determined from the direct measurement of the longitudinal profile of the road surface using a
vehicle-mounted inertial laser based non-contact device (i.e. a laser profilometer).
Roughness collected using this test method is expressed in terms of the International Roughness
Index (IRI). Conversion of IRI to equivalent NAASRA Roughness Meter (NRM) counts is included.
A single test measurement produced by this method is the average lane IRI of a 100 m length of
road.
Inertial profilometers used in accordance with this Test Method are operated by a designated
operator, who is responsible for all aspects of the test and, usually, a vehicle driver. The driver is
responsible for driving the profilometer vehicle in a safe and legal manner.
This test is often conducted in conjunction with the measurement of road pavement rutting and
surface texture depth.
This test method does not address all occupational health and safety issues associated with its
use. It is the responsibility of the user to operate in accordance with appropriate legislation.
Annex 1 of this Test Method outlines, in general terms only, some of the hazards and precautions
relevant to the use of lasers in road condition measurement. This information has been included to
raise awareness of issues and does not override safety warnings/procedures specified by
equipment suppliers or other relevant work practices or standards. Refer to equipment
documentation and AS 2211:2004 (Standards Australia 2004) for further information.

REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

ASTM E 1926-08, Standard practice for computing International Roughness Index of roads from longitudinal
profile measurements.
Austroads Test Method AG:AM/T002, Pavement roughness validation checks for an inertial laser
profilometer (reference device method), March 2011.
Austroads Test Method AG:AM/T003, Pavement roughness validation checks for an inertial laser
profilometer (loop method), March 2011.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 2007, International vocabulary of metrology - basic and
general concepts and associated terms (VIM), ISO/IEC Guide 99, 3rd edn.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 2005, Quality management systems: fundamentals and
vocabulary, ISO 9000:2005, ISO, Geneva.

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Pavement Roughness Measurement with an Inertial Laser Profilometer

National Association of Australian State Road Authorities 1981, Standard operating instructions for the
NAASRA roughness meter and guide for the serviceability rating of road pavements, Austroads
Publication MEC-4.
Standards Australia 2004, Safety of laser products: equipment classification, requirements and users guide
(IEC 60825-1:2001, MOD), AS/NZS 2211.1:2004, Standards Australia, Sydney, NSW.

3
(a)

DEFINITIONS
Longitudinal profile
Longitudinal profile is the shape of a pavement surface measured as vertical distances from
a datum horizontal plane along the direction of traffic flow.

(b)

Laser profilometer
A laser profilometer (or laser profiler) is a vehicle fitted with a laser-based measurement
system that records the measured longitudinal road profile.

(c)

International Roughness Index (IRI)

The IRI is a mathematical model of the dynamic response of a real vehicle travelling along a
single wheelpath (or wheel track) of longitudinal road profile, referred to as the quarter-car (or
World Bank) model. The IRI is expressed in terms of accumulated displacement of the
simulated suspension in metres per measured kilometre (m/km). IRI can be reported in
different ways, as follows:

Single Track IRI

The IRI based on a quarter-car model run at 80 km/h over a single wheelpath of
longitudinal profile (ASTM E 1926-98 2003).

Lane IRI
This is a composite IRI value representing the roughness of a road lane section. It can
be determined by two methods: profile averaging (also know as the half-car method);
and Single Track IRI track averaging (quarter-car method). Both methods offer a good
correlation with NAASRA Roughness Counts.
With a goal of achieving consistency of practice among road agencies in Australasia,
Austroads recommends use of the Single Track IRI track averaging (quarter-car)
method, and it is this method that is used throughout this Test Method. Further
explanation of these methods is provided in the Guide to Asset Management, Part 5B:
Roughness.
Using the Single Track IRI averaging (quarter-car) method, Lane IRI is determined by
averaging two individual Single Track IRI values obtained separately in each wheelpath
of a lane (at 0.75 m on either side of the centre of the lane mid-track).

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Pavement Roughness Measurement with an Inertial Laser Profilometer

(d)

NAASRA Roughness Meter (NRM)

A standard mechanical device used extensively in Australian and New Zealand since the
1970s for measuring road roughness by recording the upward movement of the rear axle of a
standard station wagon relative to the vehicles body as the vehicle travels at a standard
speed along the road being tested. A cumulative upward vertical movement of 15.2 mm
corresponds to 1 NAASRA Roughness Count. Refer to NAASRA (1981) for further details.
For reporting purposes this test method allows for the determination of NAASRA Roughness
Counts using the following relationship:

NAASRA (counts/km ) 26.49 Lane IRI (m/km) 1.27

(e)

Calibration
ISO (1993) defines calibration as:
[a] set of operations that establish, under specified conditions, the relationship
between values of quantities indicated by a measuring instrument or measuring
system, of values represented by a material measure or a reference material, and
the corresponding values realised by [measurement] standards.

(f)

Validation
ISO (1994) defines validation as:
confirmation, through the provision of objective evidence that requirements for a
specific intended use or application have been fulfilled.

EQUIPMENT

The following equipment is required:

(a)

An inertial laser profilometer consisting of the following:

A vehicular platform capable of transporting testing equipment, mounting the profile

measuring equipment and travelling at a range of speeds up to the limit of the
operating range of the profile measuring equipment.

Accelerometer(s) to establish the inertial reference which enables reference to be

maintained at the level of resolution and accuracy required for the displacement
measurement transducer(s).

A displacement transducer (laser device) which measures the distance between the
accelerometer and the travelled surface. The displacement transducer(s) shall be set
to ensure mid-range operation during normal operation.
Note: When measuring the profile of two wheelpaths simultaneously, a laser
transducer/accelerometer combination shall be used for each wheelpath. The lateral
distance between the displacement transducers to measure in the wheelpaths shall be
1.5 m (i.e. 0.75 m from the centreline of a lane).

A distance measuring transducer capable of measuring the distance travelled to an

accuracy of 0.1%. The transducer shall provide input to the data logger to record the
distance travelled from the start of the collection survey.

A data logger capable of capturing the output data from the transducers at known equal
intervals, not greater than 50 mm, within the range of wave lengths of 0.5 m and 50 m.

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Pavement Roughness Measurement with an Inertial Laser Profilometer

A processing computer to analyse the profile data, and by applying the quarter car
model obtain IRI for a single wheelpath and Lane IRI.

(b)

Manufacturers User Manual.

(c)

Flat base plates, gauge blocks and any other equipment required by the manufacturers User
Manual for the calibration of the laser displacement transducers.

CALIBRATION AND VALIDATION

5.1

Equipment Calibration

5.1.1

Distance Transducer

(a)

The distance transducer must be calibrated in accordance with the manufacturers

specification.

(b)

The calibration factor and associated information, such as the date and time of calibration, is
then stored and used for all subsequent testing until such time as a new distance calibration
is performed.

(c)

Distance calibration must be performed whenever a distance transducer is fitted on the

vehicle and immediately following any change to the distance transducer or change to any
part of the host vehicle that may interfere with the existing calibration constant (e.g. change
of wheels or tyres).

5.1.2

Accelerometers

Calibration and checking of the accelerometers must be undertaken in accordance with the
manufacturers requirements and procedures (refer manufacturers User Manual).
5.1.3

Laser Displacement Transducers

(a)

The laser displacement transducers must be calibrated in accordance with the

manufacturers requirements (refer to manufacturers User Manual).

(b)

The transducers must be calibrated immediately following any change to the laser
transducers or a change to any part of the host vehicle that may interfere with the existing
calibration.

5.2

System Validation

A system validation must have been undertaken. In the absence of other specified requirements,
the following must be applied:
(a)

Validation of distance measurement must be conducted in accordance with AG:AM/T005.

(b)

Validation of roughness measurement must be carried out in accordance with Austroads

Test Method AG:AM/T002 or Test Method AG:AM/T003.

(c)

At any stage during a data collection exercise the last successfully passed validation must be
within the last 12 months.

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Pavement Roughness Measurement with an Inertial Laser Profilometer

PROCEDURE

6.1

Pre-test Set-up

(a)

If the laser equipment is of a demountable design, calibrate the vertical distance transducers
using the step gauge block and flat plates each time the lasers are refitted to the vehicle.

(b)

Ensure that the serial numbers (or other information that allows traceability to calibration
documentation) are recorded for all sensors.

(c)

Perform manufacturers operational validation procedure (bounce test) (refer to 6.2, and
manufacturers User Manual).

6.2

Operational Validation Procedure (Bounce Test)

(a)

A manufacturers operational validation test (commonly known as a bounce test) must be

performed before the start of each days testing (refer to manufacturers User Manual).

(b)

This test verifies the correct operation of the laser displacement transducers, the
accelerometers and their associated electronics. The test simulates a bouncing vehicle
travelling along a completely flat surface. The measured profile should be zero, as
movement of the vehicle is expected to be cancelled out by the accelerometers. However,
due to electronic noise and other factors a negligible roughness value is usually recorded,
i.e. less than 0.15 m/km.

(c)

Throughout the bounce test, roughness readings greater than 0.15 m/km are unacceptable,
and survey testing must not commence until the causes for the high reading have been
identified and corrected.

6.3

Profile Survey

(a)

The operator shall follow manufacturers instructions for use of the equipment (refer
manufacturers User Manual).

(b)

The lane to be surveyed is called the test lane. For routine network surveys, unless
otherwise directed, the test lane shall be that lane that is used by the majority of the traffic.
For most roads this coincides with the outer/slow/kerb lane. The median lane shall be tested
if parked vehicles obstruct the outer lane; this must be noted and reported.

(c)

The vehicle must be driven in the usually trafficked wheelpaths.

(d)

Throughout the survey the vehicle must be driven in a smooth manner, and care must be
taken to ensure that the speed of travel is within the manufacturers operating range
wherever possible.

(e)

Data must be collected with reference to the pre-specified referencing system, and the
location of any reference points measured during the survey noted in the data reporting. The
start point of the survey must be defined prior to commencing the survey.

(f)

Following the instructions in the manufacturers User Manual, measure the surface profile
along each wheelpath in the test lane, travelling at a relatively constant speed, with the
centre of the vehicle coinciding with the mid-point between the wheelpaths of the lane being
surveyed.

(g)

Testing must be terminated if conditions are such that difficulty is encountered maintaining
the required test lane and/or minimum test speed resulting in the collection of invalid data.

(h)

No attempt should be made to avoid pavement defects unless they are likely to damage the
vehicle and/or jeopardise safety.
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Pavement Roughness Measurement with an Inertial Laser Profilometer

(i)

Testing must not be performed during periods of rain or where the road surface is wet. If a
localised section of wet road is encountered it must be noted and/or flagged (Section 6.4).
Arrangements shall be made to test the section when weather conditions are more
favourable, if required.

6.4
(a)

(b)

Factors Affecting the Test

There are a range of factors that may affect roughness measurements, and when
encountered during surveys, the relevant test result must be marked and reported with a
note or flag. Example factors include:

deviation from the test lane

test speeds outside the operating range of the equipment, especially low speeds

hard acceleration/deceleration/cornering

tortuous road geometry

bridge abutments/expansion joints

cattle grids

timber/grid bridge decks

rail tracks and crossings

access pit covers

local area traffic management installations, e.g. speed humps, roundabouts, etc.

localised areas of free standing/flowing water on the road surface

localised areas of contamination of the road surface, e.g. mud, debris, etc.

Record any unusual features and events that might influence the results.

CALCULATIONS

Calculate the following:

(a)

the single track IRIqc using the quarter car model for each wheelpath for each 100 m section
being tested

(b)

the lane IRI for each lane for each 100 m section being tested is as follows:

Lane IRI

qc

IRI qc L IRI qc R
2

where
Laneqc IRI Lane Roughness (IRI m/km)
IRI qc L Roughness of left wheel path profile (IRI m/km)
IRI qc R Roughness of right wheel path profile (IRI m/km)
the lane IRI for each 100 m section represents a test result
(c)

if required, the NAASRA roughness for each lane for each 100 m section being tested using
the following equation:

NAASRA (counts/km ) 26.49 Lane IRI qc (m/km) 1.27 .

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Pavement Roughness Measurement with an Inertial Laser Profilometer

REPORTING

For each test run, the following data must be recorded but not necessarily reported:
(a)

survey title/contract number

(b)

date and time

(c)

survey device identification

(d)

operator

(e)

driver

(f)

road number/reference

(g)

road name if applicable

(h)

test direction

(i)

test lane

(j)

start and end references

(k)

intermediate features and/or reference points if applicable

(l)

any unusual occurrences (e.g. lane changes, bridge abutments, end of seal, etc.).

For each 100 m test result:

(a)

left wheelpath IRIqc (to the nearest 0.01 m/km)

(b)

right wheelpath IRIqc (to the nearest 0.01 m/km)

(c)

lane IRIqc (to the nearest 0.01 m/km)

(d)

NAASRA Roughness Count, if required (to the nearest whole number)

(e)

vehicle speed during test

(f)

error or event flags

(g)

operator comments where applicable.

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Pavement Roughness Measurement with an Inertial Laser Profilometer

AUSTROADS TEST METHOD AG:AM/T001

PAVEMENT ROUGHNESS MEASUREMENT WITH AN INERTIAL
LASER PROFILOMETER
ANNEX 1 LASER SAFETY
INTRODUCTION
Lasers used in road condition measurement systems can present a risk of injury if they are
operated incorrectly.
This Annex outlines, in general terms only, some of the hazards and precautions relevant to the
use of lasers in road condition measurement. This information has been included in order to raise
awareness of issues. It does not override safety warnings/procedures specified by equipment
suppliers or other relevant work practices, requirements or standards. Refer to AS2211:2004
(Standards Australia 2004) for further information.
The lasers used in profilometers are classified as Class 2, 3B and 3R lasers (Standards Australia,
2004) and may be visible (having a wavelength less than 700 nm) or invisible/infrared (wavelength
greater than 700 nm).

PERSONNEL
Only trained personnel should operate laser equipment. Personnel unfamiliar with laser safety
procedures must be kept away from operating lasers by verbal instruction or by use of warning
signs, screens or other hazard warning devices.

RISKS
The extent of damage that lasers can cause to the eye or skin is dependent upon the duration of
exposure. Due to its concentrated nature, laser light, whether visible or invisible, can cause
damage to the eye before the eye can avoid exposure by blinking or looking away.
The major difference between exposure to the eye or skin is that the eye focuses the laser light
onto the back of the eye.
There are two types of eye injury that can result from exposure to laser light:
(a)

thermal injury heat from the laser light causes a change in proteins in the eye, similar to the
change in egg white that occurs when an egg is cooked; this damage may or may not be
permanent

(b)

thermal-mechanical injury heat from the laser light causes blood vessels in the eye to
rupture; this damage cannot be repaired.

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Pavement Roughness Measurement with an Inertial Laser Profilometer

LASER IDENTIFICATION
Lasers are identified by a number of warning labels, including warning symbols, class identifiers,
wavelength labels and aperture markers.
The laser aperture marker indicates the aperture through which the laser is emitted. Before
testing, calibrating or using a laser system it is important to be aware of the location of all laser
apertures.
Wavelength labels indicate the wavelength (nm) of the emitted laser light. Laser safety glasses
and laser indicator cards must be selected to match the wavelength of the laser with which they will
be used.
Laser indicator cards must be used when determining the direction of a laser beam. Cards used
must be appropriate for the wavelength of the lasers. Safety glasses, suitable for the wavelength
of the lasers, must be worn when using laser indicator cards.

JEWELLERY AND OTHER REFLECTIVE OBJECTS

It is important that reflective objects not be put in the path of an operating laser beam. When
checking, testing or calibrating a laser all jewellery (watches, rings, etc.) must be removed from the
hands and wrists.

CALIBRATION BLOCKS AND PLATES

Laser system manufacturers usually supply calibration blocks/plates with their equipment, and it is
important that only these blocks/plates be used for calibration. The surface finish of these blocks is
manufactured to provide a diffuse reflection of laser beams, reducing the risk of exposure to
damaging levels of laser radiation.

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Pavement Roughness Measurement with an Inertial Laser Profilometer

AMENDMENT RECORD
Amendment No.
1 (Initial release)
2 (Revised release)
1

Sections amended

Action (1)

All (Michael Moffatt, ARRB)

All (Richard Wix, ARRB, project AT1484)

New
Substitution

Key:

Format

change in format

Substitution

old section removed and replaced with new section

New

insertion of new section

Removed

old section removed

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Date
26 March 2007
2 March 2011