Profilograph Specification Study

Pavement smoothness is probably the single most important indicator of pavement performance according to the traveling public. Rough or uneven pavements adversely affect driver safety, ride quality, fuel efficiency, and vehicle wear and tear. Rough pavements also lead to decreased pavement durability as rough pavements are proven to deteriorate faster than smooth pavements. Under the current specification the Mississippi Department of Transportation uses the Profile Index for highway pavement smoothness acceptance. This report covers the activities that were performed to enhance the current Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) ride specification for pavements. The project team reviewed the MDOT ride specification for flexible and portland cement concrete pavements and compared it with current literature and state of practice. This report provides information on the review of MDOT current ride specification, literature review, and recommendations for improvements. The recommendations cover the proposed improvements to the current ride specification, tolerances, project classification levels, analysis tools and indices, and methods of acceptance.