PSI proposes to develop low-cost, compact, self-contained pavement profiling laser based upon optimized high-frequency AM-modulated phase Ladar with digital receiver, recently proven with high power for Rolling Wheel Deflection (25pm accuracy, 1.2MSPS, 7' range). System will have very wide depth-of-field permitting greater mounting location flexibility and operability, compared to triangulation sensors. The nearly coaxial source-receiver arrangement will eliminate nagging surface slope bias problem of triangulation. With range of output power levels, much greater standoff distance is also possible without sacrificing accuracy or depth-of-field. System offers the potential of very high data rates (>1 MSPS), which will be established based on effectiveness of meeting macrotexture and other profiling requirements and the low-cost objective. (<<$8-15K for current technology). Technology is also applicable to testing in other phase of pavement structure life-cycle: subgrade and base course profiling, automation of construction, quality control of new construction and is directly applicable to similar structures such as bridges, damns, tunnels, buildings, railroad rails and bed structure. In broader sense, technology is core of active 3D vision applicable in other diverse fields such as robotic vision, factory automation, large structure assembly, tank and pipe inspection, liquid level sensing, environmental hazard assessment, and parcel sorting.Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications of Results: The proposed measurement system would meet current and future requirements to perform pavement testing research and production testing providing increased performance at reduced cost for a broad range of tests that include pavement profiling: ride quality (longitudinal profile), rutting (transverse profile), faulting, cracking, macrotexture, and aggregate surface condition.
