Abstract: A method for analyzing roadway information includes receiving a first set of elevation data points defining at least a portion of an existing surface, receiving a second set of elevation data points defining at least a portion of an intended surface, comparing the first set of elevation data points to the second set of elevation data points to determine whether a relative elevation difference exists between corresponding data points of the first set of elevation data points and the second set of elevation data points, and generating an automated report displaying a comparison of the first set of elevation data points to the second set of elevation data points. The report provides information useful for planning pavement projects and/or maintaining the paved road surface.

Abstract: A smoothness indicator analysis system generates a comprehensive report and a graphic user interface display useful for planning pavement projects and future maintenance of a paved road. The smoothness indicator analysis system includes an information handling system for analyzing elevation information collected and measured by a smoothness indicator. The information handling system may be configured to receive user selections and input parameters through a graphic user interface. Based on the user selections and the input parameters, the elevation information is analyzed and various reports are generated. An amount of paving material required for a given portion of the road surface and the pavement thickness of a given portion of the road surface may be estimated.

Abstract: A smoothness indicator for measuring a profile of a road surface includes two or more non-contact elevation distance sensors, such as ultrasonic sensors, laser sensors, or the like. The non-contact elevation distance sensors are arranged in pairs including a trailing non-contact elevation distance sensor and a leading non-contact elevation distance sensor disposed at a known distance from the trailing non-contact elevation distance sensor along the profile. A slope sensor for measuring an angle of incidence of the leading and trailing non-contact elevation distance sensors relative to a horizontal plane is also included. The smoothness indicator generates an elevation profile of the road surface by calculating an elevation for the second location using an elevation assigned to the first location and an elevation difference between the first location and the second location.

Abstract: Knowledge of the profile of a road surface—most importantly its defects—is a must to construct an acceptable road surface in this day of high speed traffic. Measurement and calculation of the surface during the process of forming the road—when the road material is still plastic—provides the opportunity to repair unacceptable defects while the road surface material can still be worked. The benefits include a smoother, more durable surface at a lesser cost than methods used on hardened road surfaces. Shown herein is for a method and apparatus for calculating a surface's elevation profile using measurements taken by non-contact devices at a number of locations. Since non-contact sensors are used, elevation profiles of wet concrete can be measured and calculated. Such an apparatus can be mounted on a road paving machine to provide a real time feedback of the surface so corrections to the surface and to the paving machine's operation can be made as required.

Abstract: Knowledge of the profile of a road surface—most importantly its defects—is a must to construct an acceptable road surface in this day of high speed traffic. Measurement and calculation of the surface during the process of forming the road—when the road material is still plastic—provides the opportunity to repair unacceptable defects while the road surface material can still be worked. The benefits include a smoother, more durable surface at a lesser cost than methods used on hardened road surfaces. Shown herein is for a method and apparatus for calculating a surface's elevation profile using measurements taken by non-contact devices at a number of locations. Since non-contact sensors are used, elevation profiles of wet concrete can be measured and calculated. Such an apparatus can be mounted on a road paving machine to provide a real time feedback of the surface so corrections to the surface and to the paving machine's operation can be made as required.