Americut provides pavement profilograph testing and smoothness verification for DOT, municipal, and aviation projects, often paired with diamond grinding and safety grooving for turnkey correction and acceptance.
Profilograph Testing and Pavement Smoothness (PI/IRI) for Highways, Bridge Decks, and Runways
What Is Pavement Profilograph Testing?
A profilograph measures the pavement’s surface profile along the wheel path and outputs a Profile Index (PI) used for construction smoothness acceptance; agencies may also require IRI using inertial profilers. Profilographs capture wavelengths roughly 1–75 ft and generate a trace from which PI and must‑grind areas are derived.
Standards and Methods for Profilograph Testing
Typical references include ASTM E1274 (profilograph testing), Caltrans CTM‑526 (operation and PI/must‑grinds), and AASHTO R 54 for IRI‑based acceptance with inertial profilers. We work according to the project’s specified method and reporting format.
When to Use PI/IRI Smoothness Testing on Concrete Pavements
- New construction and overlays: acceptance of ride quality and specification incentives/disincentives (PI or IRI).
- Corrective work and tie-ins: Verify that bump grinding and diamond grinding results meet the established thresholds.
- Bridge decks and structures: assess smoothness and identify localized irregularities for correction.
- Airfield pavements: runway/taxiway smoothness acceptance per FAA AC 150/5370‑10 series.
Profilograph Testing Capabilities — PI Calculation, “Must‑Grind” Identification and Reporting
- Traces and PI: collect electronic traces in designated wheel paths and compute Profile Index per spec.
- Localized roughness: identify “must‑grind” bumps/irregularities per the test method (e.g., CTM‑526).
- Deliverables: trace plots, PI summaries, corrective‑action logs, and (when specified) post‑grind verification; IRI reporting coordinated as required.
Applications — Highways, Bridge Decks, and Airfields
Construction acceptance, ride‑quality incentives, corrective grinding verification, and airport runway/taxiway smoothness compliance.
Why Choose Americut for Profilograph Testing and Smoothness Verification
- One accountable team: profilograph testing with diamond grinding and grooving for specification‑compliant results and documentation.
- PI or IRI workflows: We test and report PI, and can coordinate IRI according to AASHTO R 54 agency requirements.
- DOT and aviation experience: highway, bridge deck, and airport projects using agency‑approved methods and submittals.
- Regional coverage and fast mobilization : from Cleveland, OH; Tampa (Largo), FL; Jacksonville, FL; and Fort Myers, FL.
Professional Profilograph Testing Contractors — Our Process
- Spec review and plan: confirm wheel paths, blanking band/filter, acceptance limits, and reporting format (PI or IRI).
- Field collection: Run the profilograph using the CTM/agency method; record electronic traces.
- Analysis and marking: compute PI, flag must‑grind locations, and coordinate corrective grinding.
- Verification and submittal: re‑run the section and deliver final PI/IRI documentation for acceptance.
WHY AMERICUT
Smoothness Testing, Diamond Grinding, and Grooving — All in One Team
Americut pairs profilograph testing with corrective grinding and grooving, as well as profilograph and IRI reporting, to keep projects moving from measurement to acceptance.
SERVICE AREAS
Profilograph Testing in Cleveland, OH; Tampa (Largo), FL; Jacksonville, and Fort Myers, FL
We mobilize quickly from our offices in Cleveland, Tampa/Largo, Jacksonville, and Fort Myers for projects throughout Ohio and Florida.
Related Diamond Grinding and Pavement Services
Diamond Grinding and Grooving
Round penetrations for plumbing, electrical, HVAC, anchors, and testing—vertical, horizontal, or overhead.
Corrective Bump Grinding
Track‑mounted wall sawing for doors, windows, and precision openings in reinforced concrete and masonry.
Bridge Deck Grinding
Walk‑behind and ride‑on slab saws for floors, pavements, and bridge decks—trenching, jointing, and selective removal.
Asphalt Grinding
Diamond wire sawing for thick or heavily reinforced concrete and complex shapes.
Profilograph Testing and Ride‑Quality Reviews
Ready to Talk About Your Concrete Cutting Project?
Attach drawings and notes, sizes/quantities, member thickness, access/interior vs. exterior, water/power, and schedule, and we’ll deliver a written proposal.
Profilograph and IRI Smoothness Testing — FAQs
What’s the difference between PI (profilograph) and IRI (inertial profiler)?
PI originates from a profilograph trace and is widely used for construction acceptance. IRI is computed from an inertial profiler and serves as the basis of AASHTO R 54 acceptance specifications in many agencies. We provide PI testing and can coordinate IRI reporting when specified.
Which specs do you follow for profilograph testing?
We test according to the project specification, commonly ASTM E1274 and CTM-526 for operation/PI, or the agency’s adapted method, and submit the results in the required format.
Do you test bridge decks and runways, or only highways?
All three. We perform smoothness testing on highways, bridge decks, and airfield pavements per FAA AC 150/5370‑10 series and DOT specs.
What deliverables do we receive?
Electronic trace plots, PI summaries, a list of must‑grinds, and post‑correction verification; IRI files/reports if required by the spec.
What is a “must‑grind”?
A localized high point or irregularity exceeding the agency’s threshold that must be corrected, defined by the profilograph method (e.g., CTM‑526 procedures).
Do agencies still allow blanking bands?
Practices vary; some specifications set a zero blanking band, while others use different bands or have transitioned to IRI acceptance. We follow the project’s requirements.
Can you verify the results of the corrective grinding?
Yes, after corrections, we re‑run the section to verify PI (and can coordinate IRI verification if required).
Can the profilograph measure more than roughness?
Some systems can also record cross-slope, support bidirectional runs, and report multiple wheel paths, which are useful for QC and correlation.
Do you offer night or weekend testing windows?
Yes, off‑hours testing is available to minimize traffic and operational impacts.
Where do you provide profilograph testing?
Across Northeast Ohio and Central/Southwest Florida from Cleveland, Tampa (Largo), Jacksonville, and Fort Myers.
