Standard Practice for

Certification of Inertial
Profiling Systems

AASHTO Designation: R 56-141

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

444 North Capitol Street N.W., Suite 249
Washington, D.C. 20001

© 2014 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

All rights reserved. Duplication is a violation of applicable law.
Standard Practice for

Certification of Inertial Profiling Systems

AASHTO Designation: R 56-14 1

1. SCOPE
1.1. This practice describes a certification procedure for test equipment used to measure a longitudinal
surface elevation profile of highways based on an inertial reference system that is mounted on a
host vehicle. The minimum requirements stipulated herein are intended to focus on the need for
accurate and repeatable profile measurements for construction quality control/quality assurance,
acceptance and network-level data collection.

1.2. This practice describes minimum performance requirements for inertial profiling systems to be
used on Owner-Agency paving projects where a profile-based smoothness specification is
applicable and for network data collection programs.

1.3. The filtering methods and threshold values recommended in this document were established to
ensure adequate determination of the International Roughness Index (IRI) and the profile features
that affect it. An Owner-Agency planning to use an index other than the IRI should filter the
profile and set thresholds accordingly. In particular, replace the preprocessor filter in Step 3,
Appendix X.1 with a filter that corresponds to the relevant waveband for the alternative index.

1.4. If any part of this practice is in conflict with referenced documents, such as ASTM Standards, this
practice takes precedence for its purposes.

1.5. This practice does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use.
It is the responsibility of the user of this practice to establish appropriate safety and health
practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations related to and prior to its use.

2. REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
2.1. AASHTO Standards:
 M 328, Inertial Profiler
 R 57, Operating Inertial Profiling Systems

2.2. ASTM Standard:

 E 1926, Standard Practice for Computing International Roughness Index of Roads from
Longitudinal Profile Measurements

2.3. Other Documents:

 Karamihas, S. M. Development of Cross Correlation for Objective Comparison of Profiles.
International Journal of Vehicle Design, Vol. 36, Nos. 2/3 (2004), pp. 173–193.
 Karamihas, S. M. Benchmark Test Evaluation Report. Federal Highway Administration
Project. “Improving the Quality of Pavement Profile Measurement,” University of Michigan
Transportation Research Institute, September 2011. [Link]/Details/Study/280

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  Sayers, M. W. “On the Calculation of International Roughness Index from Longitudinal Road
Profile.” Transportation Research Record 1501. Transportation Research Board, National
Research Council, Washington, DC, 1995.

3. TERMINOLOGY
3.1. Definitions:

3.1.1. high-pass filtering—reduces the effect of long wavelengths that are associated with gradual
elevation changes such as hills.

3.1.2. International Roughness Index (IRI)—a statistic used to determine the amount of roughness in a
measured longitudinal profile. The IRI is computed from a single longitudinal profile using a
quarter-car simulation at 50 mph (Sayers 1995). Computer programs to calculate the IRI from a
longitudinal profile are referenced in ASTM E 1926.

3.1.3. line laser—a line laser obtains a series of data points along a line, which is typically perpendicular
to the travel direction, with the line typically being 4 in. long. A single, bridged elevation value is
computed from this data.

3.1.4. longitudinal profile— the vertical deviations of the pavement surface taken along a line in the
direction of travel referenced to a horizontal datum.

3.1.5. report interval—the longitudinal distance between the outputs of a profile index value.

3.1.6. sample interval—the longitudinal distance between data capture points. The data include location,
height, and accelerometer values. These data points are combined to create one profile data point.
These points, in turn, may be combined to create a final value in the reported profile.

4. SIGNIFICANCE AND USE

4.1. This practice outlines standard procedures for certifying and verifying the operational accuracy
and repeatability of inertial profiling equipment. It also provides guidance for qualifying the
equipment operators.

5. EQUIPMENT
5.1. Minimum Requirements—The inertial profiling system must meet all requirements and
specifications found in M 328.

5.2. The profiler software must be able to calculate and report the IRI (in in./mile or appropriate SI
units) from the corresponding measured true profile and permit the operator to:

5.2.1. Automatically trigger the start of data collection at the designated location;

5.2.2. Provide the measured true profiles in electronic text files following the formats prescribed by
R 57, in addition to any binary data file storage provided. These profile data are necessary to
evaluate profiler accuracy and repeatability and to verify the height and distance measurements as
described herein.

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6. EQUIPMENT CALIBRATION VERIFICATION
6.1. General—The first step of profiler certification is evaluating the ability of the profiler to pass the
block check and the bounce test criteria. The certifying agency may require the operator to provide
documentation that the profiler has successfully passed these tests within the past week, or the
certifying agency may ask the operator to perform these tests in the presence of the inspector.
Perform the block check and bounce test in accordance with the procedure described in
Section [Link] of R 57. The profiler must pass the block test and bounce test criteria in order to
proceed with the equipment certification procedures outlined in Section 8 of this standard. If
equipment fails the block check, bounce test, or both tests, the operator should work with the
manufacturer to adjust or repair the equipment such that the equipment will be able to pass both of
these tests. It is highly recommended that operators perform these procedures and calibrate their
distance measurement instrument (DMI) immediately prior to certification using the procedures
specified in R 57.

6.1.1. Calibration Verification Log—Maintain a log that is to be kept with the inertial profiler to provide
a verification of calibration history. The results of the routine bounce tests and verification runs
should also be included in this log. The log should contain a record of any repairs, replacement of
components, and changes in native software versions. If the log is electronic, a backup copy shall
be kept in a secure location.

7. OPERATOR CERTIFICATION
7.1. Operators of inertial profilers used for pavement ride quality measurements must pass a
proficiency test and be certified to operate an inertial profiler. Applicants for certification will be
tested on the following:
 Operating inertial profilers,
 Collection of profile data, and
 Evaluating the quality of the data collected and the IRI value calculated.

Applicants for certification shall undergo a practical examination and a written examination
depending on the Owner-Agency’s practice. Prior to taking the proficiency test, applicants should
have completed a profile training course such as NHI Course 131100 and must have undergone
training on the use of the specific inertial profiler they will be operating in the field. Applicants
must know how to perform profiler checks and collect profile data with the inertial profiler.
Applicants must bring the inertial profiler with them at the time of testing.
Upon passing the proficiency test, successful applicants will be given documentation that will
verify that they are certified to operate the inertial profiler. The documentation shall identify the
specific type or brand of inertial profiler the operator is certified to operate. The initial duration
and requirements for renewal of this certification shall be set by the Owner-Agency. Renewal
should be required at least every three years.

8. EQUIPMENT CERTIFICATION
8.1. Certification frequency shall be as specified by the Owner-Agency. The inertial profiler must
successfully perform and pass certification tests to establish compliance with the minimum
requirements for accuracy and repeatability set forth in this procedure. An inertial profiler shall be
recertified after any major component repairs or replacements as identified in R 57.

8.2. Dynamic Certification Testing—Certification testing shall be conducted at a site approved by the
Owner-Agency, and involves test sections, reference profiles, and devices used to establish
reference profiles as described in the following:

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8.2.1. Test Sections—Perform dynamic certification testing on sections over a range of roughness. The
reference profiles on the smooth section shall have an average IRI within the range of 30 to
75 in./mile while the corresponding reference profiles on the medium-smooth section shall have an
IRI within the range of 95 to 135 in./mile. An Owner-Agency may elect to perform testing only on
the smooth section for a profiler that is used for QC/QA testing. If pavements with considerable
distress are to be measured, as in network data collection, a third, medium-rough, site should be
selected with roughness up to 200 in./mile.
The surface macrotexture of the test sections should reflect common Owner-Agency specifications
for the pavement surfaces to be evaluated. It is recommended that all the surface types on which
the profiler will be expected to collect data be included in this process since single-point (dot)
height sensors remain sensitive to some surface features.
Note 1—Coarse surface textures, such as those found on open-graded surface mixes, chip-sealed,
tined (transverse or longitudinal), or grooved pavement, for example, are very challenging to
inertial profilers with single-point (dot) height sensors. Coarse texture is likely to adversely affect
the repeatability and accuracy of the profile and the calculated index. Adherence to the
requirements of this standard on smooth-textured surfaces does not guarantee acceptable
performance of inertial profilers on coarse-textured surfaces. When profiling pavements with
rough macro texture, a height sensor with a large footprint is needed. A line laser that utilizes a
bridging algorithm is an example of a sensor with a large footprint. The consequence of not using
a large footprint sensor may be an upward bias in the IRI as measured by an IPS with a single-
point (dot) conventional point laser. An IPS with a single-point laser can also collect inaccurate
data on longitudinally tined, longitudinally grooved, or diamond ground pavements. A line laser
that utilizes a bridging algorithm is recommended for such pavements. Certification testing on
surfaces with the same texture type expected in the final application is recommended.
Each test section shall be at least 528 ft in length, with proper lead-in distance and a safe stopping
distance available. If an index other than the IRI is evaluated, the test section length should
approach four times the length of the longest wavelengths of interest of that index; however, the
minimum length of the test section shall be 528 ft.
Test sections should not include significant grade or grade change. Also, significant horizontal
curvature or superelevation should be avoided. If any lateral g forces or vehicle roll are sensed
during testing at the highest speed employed, the course has too much curvature or single wheel-
path elevation changes.

8.2.2. Reference Profiles—It is recommended that a reference profiling device that can meet the
repeatability and accuracy criterion for measuring IRI that is specified in the Benchmark Test
Evaluation Report (Karamihas, 2011) be used to collect the reference profile data. A reference
device that can collect data at 1-in. intervals or less is recommended for collecting the reference
profiles. Reference profile measurements shall be made on the designated profile trace of each test
section. In jointed concrete pavements, the profile of the pavement can change because of slab
curling due to temperature effects. Therefore, on jointed concrete pavements, reference profile
measurements shall be obtained immediately before measurements are made by the inertial
profiler.
Note 2—It is recommended at least three repeat runs be performed along each trace with the
reference device. After performing the runs, evaluate the repeatability using cross-correlation of
the filtered output as described in Section [Link]. It is recommended that the average repeatability
value and average accuracy value for the three runs should be at least 0.98 for the reference data to
be acceptable if the index of interest is the IRI. Any one of the reference runs can be used to
evaluate the accuracy of the profiler using the procedure described in Section [Link].
Devices that measure and integrate differential elevations, such as the Dipstick® and Walking
Profiler, may be used to establish the reference profiles using multiple staggered runs as required
to meet the interval requirement. However, the measurements from these devices must be checked
with the rod and level at distances along the test profile trace that are multiples of the reporting
interval for these devices. The rod-and-level measurement locations shall be no more than 100 ft
apart. Reference profile measurements shall be made on the designated profile trace of each test

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 section as well as on the lead-in to the section. The measured lead-in distance shall be at least
equal to the longest wavelength of interest (150 ft for the profiles used to collect IRI). The total
lead-in should be at least two times the longest wavelength of interest, with four times being very
desirable.

8.2.3. Five repeat runs of the candidate inertial profiler shall be made at each test speed on the
designated profile trace of each test section in the prescribed direction of measurement. Make five
runs at the maximum desired certification speed and five runs at the minimum desired certification
speed. Data collection shall be automatically triggered at the starting location of the section, and
reported so that a longitudinal position of zero occurs at the starting location. An automatically
detected mark at the end of the section may be used to verify the DMI repeatability and accuracy.
The profiler should have an adequate lead-in distance as recommended by the manufacturer prior
to the start of the test sections to attain a constant speed and also for the filters to stabilize. The
typical filter stabilization distance should be at least equal to the upper wavelength filter cutoff
value. However, a filter stabilization distance that is twice the length of the upper wavelength filter
cutoff value is desirable.

8.3. Test Data—Profile data shall be reported in a format specified by the Owner-Agency.

8.3.1. During the certification tests, the same trace(s) is measured for all runs on a given test section.
There will be twice as much data collected and analyzed when dual-path inertial profilers are
tested. To facilitate the analysis of the data, the following is a suggested practice for naming the
data files:

[Link]. The first three characters of the file name are reserved for identifying the profiler tested. This
identification will be established by the testing agency and given to the operator of the profiler on
or before the day of testing.

[Link]. The fourth character shall be S for runs made on the smooth section or M for runs on the medium-
smooth section and R for runs made on the medium-rough section.

[Link]. The fifth character shall be L or H for low- or high-speed runs. G is used for governed runs on
lightweight profilers.

[Link]. The sixth character shall designate the trace or wheelpath tested. For dual-sensor profilers, the
letter B shall be used to indicate that both wheelpaths were profiled in the same run. For single-
sensor profilers, the designation for the test trace will be given by the testing agency to the
operator of the profiler on or before the day of testing.

[Link]. The seventh and eighth characters shall designate the run number (01 to 10).

[Link]. The file extension shall be the one appropriate for the data type being transmitted and shall be
specified by the agency.

[Link]. The performance of the profiler is evaluated by analyzing the test data using cross-correlation as
described in the following sections to establish the repeatability and accuracy for the application of
the device. The profiles are filtered to focus the evaluation on the profile features critical to the
index being subsequently applied to the collected data. The available free software ProVAL can
perform the calculations specified below. The method employed is described in Karamihas (2004).
Note 3—The Profile Viewer and Analysis (ProVAL) software program developed for the Federal
Highway Administration, which can be used to import, display, and analyze the characteristics of
pavement profiles from many different sources, is available at [Link].

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[Link]. Equipment Repeatability—Evaluate repeatability using the cross-correlation of the filtered output
as described in Section [Link]. Calculate the repeatability agreement score of each trace. For
single-sensor profilers, one score for each path will be determined: one for the path in the smooth
section, one for the medium-smooth section, and one for the medium-rough section as defined in
Section 8.2.1. For dual-path profilers, twice as many scores will be determined, two for each test
section.
When the IRI is applied to the profile, the IRI filter should be used. On each trace, cross-correlate
each of the ten profiles to each of the remaining nine. (Since all of the profiles have the same
reporting interval, 45 comparisons will be needed rather than 90 because the process has
reciprocity.) The repeatability agreement score for each trace is the average of all 45 values. For
IRI, experience has shown that on pavements with IRI values less than 150 in./mi, an agreement
score of 0.92 or greater is required on all traces to provide IRI values within 5 percent with a
95 percent confidence level. A lower agreement score may be acceptable for the medium rough
section that has an IRI greater than 150 in./mile, which is not used to evaluate profilers that collect
data for construction quality control and acceptance.
If an index other than the IRI is used, a filter appropriate to that index should be applied and
suitable thresholds established based on independent analysis.

[Link]. Equipment Accuracy—Evaluate accuracy using the cross-correlation of the appropriate filtered
output as described in Section [Link]. On each trace, cross correlate each of the ten profiles to the
reference profile. The accuracy agreement score for each trace is the average of the ten individual
cross-correlation values. Based on the same rationale as in Section [Link], a score of 0.90 or
greater is required on all traces to provide IRI values within 5 percent with a 95 percent
confidence level. A lower agreement score may be acceptable for the medium rough section that
has an IRI greater than 150 in./mile, which is not used to evaluate profilers that collect data for
construction quality control and acceptance.
If an index other than the IRI is used, a filter appropriate to that index should be applied and
suitable thresholds established based on an independent analysis.

[Link]. Cross-Correlation—Cross-correlate profiles as described in Appendix X1. When cross-correlating

two profiles, the following processing steps are required:

[Link].1. Apply the filter associated with the application to both traces before cross-correlating them. For
profiles used to determine the IRI, the IRI filter should be applied.

[Link].2. When comparing a profile from a candidate device to a reference profile, interpolate the candidate
profile to the recording interval of the reference profile. (It is important that this step is performed
after the filter is applied.)

[Link].3. Cross-correlate the two profiles several times by shifting one profile over every possible offset up
to 3 ft in either direction. When comparing a profile from a candidate device to the reference
device, shift the candidate profile.

[Link].4. The cross-correlation of the two profiles is the maximum (best) value found over the 6-ft range.

8.3.2. Verification of Computed Ride Statistics (IRI)—The test equipment software must be capable of
computing and reporting the IRI of each profile trace tested. The performance of the calculation
software is verified by comparing the calculated values with the values determined by a program
of known accuracy. An example of such a program is ProVAL. Each IRI value should be
comparable to the value from the reference program with an error not greater than 2 percent. Other
ride indexes may be verified in a similar fashion.

8.4. Distance Measurement Index Test—The Owner-Agency may elect to test the accuracy of the DMI
on one section using the procedure specified in this section. It is recommended this test be

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 performed before the profiler obtains data at the test sections because an error in the DMI can
cause the profiler to fail the Equipment Accuracy criteria described in Section [Link].

8.4.1. Distance Measurement Index Test Section—Provide a section for DMI testing. The test section
shall be at least 1000 ft in length, with proper lead-in distance for the vehicle to attain a constant
speed before the start of the section and a safe stopping distance after the end of the section. This
test section may incorporate the test sections that are used for accuracy and repeatability testing.
Clearly mark the starting and ending points of the test section. Measure the distance between the
starting and ending points with a measurement tape, pulled taut but still following the pavement
contour.
Note 4—The same runs may be used for verification of DMI accuracy as are used for testing
accuracy and repeatability of the collected profile. The ideal test of DMI accuracy would be
performed over a known but undisclosed length of pavement.

8.4.2. At least three auto-triggered runs at the lowest and highest test speeds of the candidate inertial
profiler shall be made on the designated length of pavement in the prescribed direction of
measurement. At the end of each run, record the reading from the profiler’s DMI. For high-speed
profilers, this results in at least six values. Collection speed-governed devices should make at least
five runs.

8.4.3. Distance Measurement Index Accuracy—Compute the absolute difference between the DMI
readings and the known distance of the path tested for each run. The average of the absolute
differences for both the high-speed and low-speed runs, if applicable, must be less than
0.15 percent to pass the test.

8.5. Test Results—The results of the certification tests shall be documented by the testing agency. The
distribution of the results of the certification shall be determined by the testing agency. Results of
certification shall include the following information:

8.5.1. Identification of the profiler tested (i.e., make, model serial number, software version,
owner, etc.);

8.5.2. Date of last certification;

8.5.3. Operator of the profiler;

8.5.4. Name of the individual from the testing agency who conducted the test;

8.5.5. Date of test;

8.5.6. Number of paths the profiler can measure in the same run;

8.5.7. Filter type, name of the filter program, and the applicable program version number used to
evaluate the profiler accuracy;

8.5.8. Overall determination from the test: Pass or Fail;

8.5.9. Known longitudinal distance of the DMI test section; and

8.5.10. Average absolute difference between the DMI readings and the known distance, expressed in
distance unit and as a percentage of the known longitudinal distance.

8.5.11. The following information is to be provided for each trace:

[Link]. Overall repeatability score;

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[Link]. Overall accuracy score; and

[Link]. The average percent difference of the IRIs computed from the profiles and those from the
reference software.

8.6. The report shall also label each test result with a Pass or Fail depending on whether the given test
value meets or fails to meet the prescribed criterion. The profiler must pass all tests to be certified.
A decal or other approved marking shall be placed on the profiler as evidence of certification. This
decal shall show the expiration date (month and year) of the certification.

9. KEYWORDS
9.1. Inertial profiler; IRI; International Roughness Index; pavement ride quality; profiler certification.

10. REFERENCES
10.1. ASTM Standard E 867, Standard Terminology Relating to Vehicle Pavement Systems, ASTM
International, West Conshohocken, PA.

10.2. ASTM Standard E 950, Measuring the Longitudinal Profile of Traversed Surfaces, ASTM
International, West Conshohocken, PA.

10.3. NHI Training Course 131100. Pavement Smoothness: Use of Inertial Profiler Measurements for
Construction Quality Control. March 2002.

10.4. Sayers, M. W., T. D. Gillespie, and W. D. O. Paterson. “Guidelines for Conducting and
Calibrating Road Roughness Measurements.” The World Bank Technical Paper, Number 46. The
World Bank, Washington, DC, 1996.

10.5. Sayers, M. W., and S. M. Karamihas. The Little Book of Profiling. University of Michigan
Transportation Institute, Ann Arbor, MI, 1998.

APPENDIX
(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. CROSS-CORRELATION

X1.1. Cross-correlate any pair of profiles using the following steps. When cross-correlation is performed
for repeatability analysis, either profile may be selected as the reference.

X1.1.1. Step 1: Identify a reference profile (q). It will also be considered the location reference..
The profile will have a recording interval ∆x.

X1.1.2. Step 2: Identify a segment of the correlated (or candidate) profile (p). Using auto-triggering, the
profiler should place the section starting point at a longitudinal location of zero.

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X1.1.3. Step 3: Preprocess the reference profile and the candidate profile by applying the IRI filter to
them. This includes the 9.84-in. moving average, the conversion to slope, and the quarter-
car simulation. 2

X1.1.4. Step 4: For a section length of Lq, the number of samples within the section of interest for the
reference profile is Nq + (Lq/∆x + 1). Offset the profile to have a mean of zero. Calculate
the standard deviation of the preprocessed and shifted reference profile (q), and
the result is σq.

X1.1.5. Step 5: Rewrite the preprocessed candidate profile (p) to the recording interval of the reference
profile (q). Calculate the value at each location using linear interpolation of the
surrounding points. Offset the resulting profile to have a mean of zero. The preprocessed,
interpolated profile (p) will be cross-correlated to the reference profile.

X1.1.6. Step 6: Cross-correlate the reference profile (q) to the candidate profile (p) several times, over a
range of longitudinal offsets from a lead of 3 ft to a lag of 3 ft. For a sample interval of
∆x, cross-correlation will be performed 2M + 1 times, where M = int(3/∆x), where ∆x is
in feet. 3 This produces a correlation function, ρm, where m is an integer subscript that
ranges from –M to M:
Nq
1
ρm =
(
max σ pˆ , σq )
2∑ ( pˆ
i =1
i + m qm )

X1.1.7. Each increment of the subscript m represents a unique longitudinal offset of the candidate
profile of m∆x. At each step (i.e., each increment of the subscript m), the candidate
profile (p) must be conditioned by removing the mean to produce a vertically shifted
( ) must be
profile ( p̂ ) . Note also that the standard deviation of the candidate profile σ p̂
recalculated at each step.

X1.1.8. Step 7: Search the function ρm for its maximum cross-correlation value ρmax.

X1.1.9. Step 8: Calculate the adjustment factor for overall roughness as follows:

f = min(σp, σq)/max(σp, σq)

X1.1.10. Step 9: Calculate the agreement score for the two profiles: f × ρmax.

1
Formerly AASHTO Provisional Standard PP 49. First published as a full standard in 2010.
2
Application of the IRI filter is described in “On the Calculation of International Roughness Index from
Longitudinal Road Profile” (Sayers 1995). Do NOT rectify the signal (i.e., do not take the absolute value of every
point in the signal).
3
The int() function truncates the argument at the decimal point.

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