Circular Texture Meter (CT Meter)

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Overview

The reference method for determining pavement macrotexture has historically been the volumetric sand patch method (ASTM E965), which is a simple test but its results are operator dependent (Henry 2000). The Circular Texture Meter (CT Meter), also known as the Circular Track Meter, is a road surface macrotexture profiler that uses a charge coupled device (CCD) laser-displacement sensor to measure the vertical profile of a pavement surface. The CT Meter software calculates and reports the Mean Profile Depth (MPD) and Root Mean Square (RMS) statistics that characterize profile macrotexture. Comparison of a surface's MPD and RMSstatistics provide an indication of whether the texture is positive (surface projections) or negative (depressions). The International Friction Index (IFI) can also be computed when using the CT Meter along with the Dynamic Friction Tester (DF Tester), which measures the coefficient of friction (Henry 2000).

The CT Meter is designed to measure the same circular track that the DF Tester measures. The device measures the profile of a circle 284 mm (11.18 in) in diameter, and the circumference (892 mm [35.12 in]) of that circle is divided into eight segments of 111.5 mm (4.39 in) in length. The average MPD and/or RMS are determined for each of segment, and these values are used to calculate the overall average. As illustrated in the figure at the right, two segments (A and E) measure profile in the direction of travel, while two others (C and G) measure it perpendicular to the direction of travel.

CT Meter User Manual

For detailed instructions on how to use the CT Meter, click on the following link:
CT Meter User Manual

Applicable Test Standard

ASTM E2157, Measuring Pavement Macrotexture Properties Using the Circular Track Meter

CCD Laser Displacement Sensor Specifications

• Visible red semiconductor laser (670 nm wavelength).
• Measuring range: 80 +/- 15 mm
• Laser beam spot size: 70 m
• Vertical resolution: 3 m
• Measuring radius: 142 mm
• Number of samples: 1,024 per revolution (128 per segment)
• Sample spacing: 0.87 +/- 0.05 mm
• Tangential velocity: 6 m/minute
• Power supply: 12V DC, 24W car battery or 12V AC adapter
• Operating conditions: 0 - 50 °C (32 - 122 °F); 35 - 85% relative humidity

Dimensions and Weight

References

Henry, J. J., H. Abe, S. Kameyama, A. Tamai, A. Kasahara, K. Saito. 2000. "Determination of the International Friction Index (IFI) Using the Circular Texture Meter (CTM) and the Dynamic Friction Tester (DFT)." Publication No. 109.01.06.B-2000. Permanent International Association of Road Congresses (PIARC). Nantes, France.