PERFORMANCE OF THE ANALOG AND THE DIGITAL PROFILOMETER WITH WHEELS AND WITH NON-CONTACT TRANSDUCERS. FINAL REPORT

This report describes a correlation study between an analog GM profilometer (the old profilometer) and a digital GM profilometer model 690D (the new profilometer). This correlation is very important because it provides the information necessary to make a smooth transition between the use of these two instruments. Multiple regression analysis is used to obtain Serviceability Index using root-mean-square vertical acceleration (RMSVA). RMSVA indexes are well defined and precisely measurable with the profilometer. A series of regression equations are presented in order to predict RMSVA from the old profilometer using the new profilometer. This report also presents an evaluation of non-contact transducers in the profilometer, which makes possible an increase of the profilometer speed during the profiling process and decreases damage to the profilometer.