Rutted pavement surfaces may have an adverse influence on vehicle handling characteristics and may impede surface drainage, which may reduce friction properties and contribute to hydroplaning. Rutting indicates deformation or wear of materials in the pavement and may be indicative of problems such as asphalt flow, consolidation, shear, or loss of pavement materials.

The rut-depth value obtained using this test method may not correlate well with values obtained using other methods.

1.1 This test method describes the procedure for the measurement of the depth of the rut at a chosen location in a pavement surface using a straightedge and a gauge.

1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the inch-pound units are shown in parentheses. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the specification.

1.3 This standard 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 standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.