Evaluation of variability of macrotexture measurement with different laser-based devices

The comparison of macrotexture values estimated from different measuring techniques, usually provides poor agreement and unsatisfactory confidence on the real macrotexture estimates by means of the Mean Texture Depth (MTD) Index. For this reason a new algorithm, to evaluate a more reliable 3D macrotexture index evaluated directly from 2D profile, has been proposed. This algorithm includes a profile data cleaning process, developed to detect and remove invalid laser readings present on pavement profile data recorded by means of a high speed laser device (HSLD). Preliminary results obtained on pavements of Virginia Smart Road seem promising.