5.1 For inertial profiler technology, measuring vehicular traveled surfaces using an instrumented vehicle with a fluctuating inertial reference elevation provides a satisfactory method for acquiring profile elevation measurements (1).

5.2 The profile data can be processed to produce, by simulation, the outputs of other devices. This can be done in real time or can be computed as a post-process. Some of the devices that can be simulated include road meters (2), various straightedge devices (3), profilographs (4), as well as pavers and grinders. Caution should be taken regarding the nonlinear phase shifts inherent in the measurements of the above simulated devices. Comparisons of various equipment and their profile computer programs are referenced (5, 6) .

5.3 The raw data or the profile data can also be recorded later for data processing and analysis and by more complex data processing procedures.

1.1 This standard is device independent. Measurements may be made by any device capable of producing a suitable longitudinal elevation profile for the vehicular traveled surface. However, cellular phone-based road rating devices are not applicable. The vehicle-based profiling device, commonly described as the “inertial profiler,” is used as an example of one such device.

1.2 Elevation measurements may be used to validate or certify a profiling device or to determine its suitability for a particular application by comparing measurements produced by a profiling device, called a candidate Production Class profiler, with measurements produced by a reference profiling device, called a Reference Class profiler. To conduct profile measurements for a particular application, the calculated profile shall meet the accuracy and repeatability requirements specified herein for that particular application or class. The selection of proper filtering allows the user to obtain suitable wavelength information for the intended application. For example, for application for road roughness evaluation, the precision and bias are determined using the cross-correlation method after filtering using the International Roughness Index (IRI) filter (1).2

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

1.4 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary information is given in Section 7.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.