Exploring the relationship between pavement mean texture depth and mean profile depth: from theoretical derivation to field results

Abstract Pavement mean texture depth (MTD) and mean profile depth (MPD) are common evaluation indicators for characterizing the pavement surface. Clarifying the relationship between the two contributes to coordinate various measurement methods and evaluation criterions. The calculation methods of MTD and MPD were first introduced to trace the similarity between the indicators. Subsequently, the tortuosity area of surface texture was observed using x-ray Computer Tomography (CT). To further determine the model parameter, over 3000 sets of field data in Research Institute of Highway Ministry of Transport (RIOH) track were measured. Meanwhile, the field results of another track and existing recommended model were also used to validate the model. The results show that the shift relationship between MTD and MPD is theoretically unified into a linear model with a slope of 1 and an intercept related to the surface tortuosity. These tortuous areas, the main difference source between the two indicators, would lead to a greater equivalent texture depth under the coarser gradation or lower the compactness of the asphalt mixture. Even for the different track roads, the determined model (MTD = MPD + 0.03) has a lower mean relative estimation error, indicating good applicability. This study provides theoretical explanation and empirical references for the automated laser-based texture detection.