Videogrammetry in highway roughness measurement

A videogrammetry scheme for road roughness measurement is proposed. The formula for road elevation calculation is given. Two marks were included in the scheme. The difference between them was used so as to remove the vibration of the reference platform, instead of measuring the platform vibration by accelerometers in the traditional instruments. Simulation and preliminary experiment indicate that the method can effectively remove the vibration of the reference platform and accurately measure the relative elevation of vertical section. Although it has accumulative errors in the absolute elevation of vertical section, it will not affect international roughness index (IRI) significantly. In conclusion, it reduces the cost by using fewer sensors and overcomes the limitations and shortages caused by the acceleration sensors used in traditional instrument. It was proved to be an effective and robust method for such applications in China.