A Differential Scattering Probe for Monitoring Road Surfaces

This paper describes an approach we suggest to monitor pavements by using an active optical device. Basically, the amount of light received by such sensors depends on superficial conditions, for which studying some specific traits of scattering indicatrices can bring substantial information. With this objective in sight, the major physical processes originating in the observed back-scattering and opposition effect are simulated. It is shown that several estimators, possibly derived from scattering measurement, are strongly correlated to the macro-texture of the surface. A comparison between computed and measured reflectances is followed by a description of the way planed to turn to account this statement to design a roughness-meter.