Real-Time Paving Smoothness Measurement System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing pavement smoothness are limited to post-curing measurements, making it costly to identify and correct surface irregularities during the paving process, as modifications are only made after the surface has set.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for real-time surface profile measurement during the paving process using a computer system with sensors and a display for instantaneous streaming data, allowing operators to make adjustments to paving machine settings and transmit data for remote monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surface profile measurements are taken after the paved surface has cured, then the measurements can be taken with standard equipment, but modifications to the road surface become costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs surface profile measurements during the paving process itself, before the pavement cures and before any modifications are needed. This preliminary measurement action allows operators to detect and correct surface irregularities while the pavement is still pliable, avoiding costly post-curing modifications while maintaining measurement capability
2Productivity
If surface profile measurements are taken during the paving process, then prospective corrections can be made to paving machine settings, but real-time measurement and display capabilities are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously measuring surface profile during paving and immediately displaying the data to operators. This feedback loop enables operators to see the effect of paving machine settings in real-time and make prospective corrections to achieve desired smoothness specifications
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional post-curing mechanical measurement methods with electronic sensors and digital display technology. This substitution enables real-time measurement and visualization capabilities that were not available with conventional mechanical profilographs, allowing immediate detection and correction of surface irregularities
3Ease of operation
If real-time streaming data is sent to remote computing devices, then remote monitoring is enabled, but data transmission and processing capabilities are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces data transmission devices as intermediaries that bridge the measurement system and remote computing devices. These intermediaries enable seamless real-time data streaming to remote locations, allowing operators to monitor surface profile measurements from anywhere without requiring complex direct connections between all system components
Data Source
AI summary
A system for measuring a surface profile during the paving process includes a smoothness processor and a single directly connected elevation sensor to produce streaming, real-time smoothness data and a short term trend line so that the operator can make prospective corrections to paving machine settings. Real-time smoothness data is sent to a remote device. The smoothness processor may also receive additional sensor data from one CAN connected sensor and up to five sonic sensors and display the CAN connected sensor data to the operator.