Inertial Profiling

The Inertial Profiling certification course covers general concepts of smoothness measurements, profiler operation and calibration/verification, and specifications relating to smoothness. While no formal training session is provided for this course, an online review module is available to provide content regarding information that will be necessary for the exams.

Pre-Requisite Requirements

This course is not intended to provide basic training, but rather to serve as an evaluation for certification. Prior to attending the course, participants should have a working knowledge of smoothness concepts and inertial profilers. Completion of the online review module and applicable field experience with inertial profiling is strongly recommended.

No pre-requisite courses are required for Inertial Profiling Certification.

Specifications

The information covered is as documented by the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) Standard Specifications for Highway Construction, and also includes the following:

  • AASHTO M 328 Standard Specification for Inertial Profiler
  • AASHTO R 56 Standard Practice for Certification of Inertial Profiling Systems
  • AASHTO R 57 Standard Practice for Operating Inertial Profiling Systems
  • ARDOT SP Percent Within Limits / Pavement Smoothness (IRI)
  • ARDOT SP PCC Pavement Surface Smoothness (IRI)

The Inertial Profiling certification requires certification of both the technician/operator and the profiling equipment being used. Technician/Operator certification is specific to the type/manufacturer of the inertial profiler, and equipment certification is issued to a specific profiler, as designated by its serial number(s). All acceptance testing for ARDOT must be performed by a certified inertial profiling system, such that the system includes a certified technician/operator and certified equipment.

Supplies and Equipment

For the written exam, participants should bring a pencil and calculator. Calculators may be borrowed from CTTP; however, participants are often more comfortable bringing a calculator with which they are familiar, and routinely use. For the performance exam, course participants will be required to transport all inertial profiling equipment needed for calibration and operation. A quality manual, including calibration records and company information, must also be submitted for review. Participants can access guidance on preparing a Quality Manual and detailed calibration information.

CTTP course participants are required to wear applicable personal protective equipment during the performance exam, including long pants, closed-toe shoes, and a safety vest. Smoking will not be allowed at the performance test site.

Course Location and Schedule

The Inertial Profiling Systems Certification course will be held at CTTP in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Testing will begin at 8:30am on the day of the testing session, with check-in from 8:00 am to 8:30am. The performance exam will be held immediately following the completion of the written exam, at the Profiler Test Site, as shown on the map below. The Profiler Test Site is located in Springdale, Arkansas. The course will conclude by the end of the day, after all performance tests are completed.

Technician/Operator

Inertial Profiling Technician/Operator certification requires a passing score on both a written and a performance exam. The written exam is closed-book, and primarily covers the material presented in the online review module. Two hours will be allowed for the written exam, and a minimum score of 70% is required to pass. The performance exam consists of 4 stations, including:

  • Bounce Test – verify proper operation of accelerometer
  • Block Test – verify proper vertical height measurement
  • Distance Verification – verify longitudinal accuracy
  • Test Section - perform 5 runs of the test section, including asphalt and concrete portions

Performance exams must be performed individually, and are graded on a “pass/fail” basis. Participants must pass each performance station to successfully complete the performance portion of the course.

Equipment

An inertial profiler will be certified if the following criteria are met:

  • Bounce Test – verify proper operation of accelerometer
  • Block Test – verify proper vertical height measurement
  • Distance Verification – verify longitudinal accuracy
  • Test Section - perform 5 runs of the test section, including asphalt and concrete portions

Approval of a Quality Manual with sections pertaining to the profiling equipment

Certification

A Technician/Operator will be certified for a specific type (high-speed, lightweight, etc.) and manufacturer (Ames, SSI, etc.) of profiler. Upon successful completion of the written and performance exams, participants will receive a 3-year certification in Inertial Profiling. Certified individuals will receive a CTTP certificate and pocket card, with identifying information regarding the type and manufacturer of the inertial profiler approved for use, and will be added to the CTTP website list of Certified Technician. Expiration dates occur on a semi-annual basis, and will be either June 30 or December 31 after the 3-year certification period. Note that Technician/Operator expiration dates may not coincide with Equipment expiration dates.

Approved inertial profilers will receive a 3-year equipment certification, with expiration dates occurring on a semi-annual basis, designated as June 30 or December 31 after the 3-year certification period. A separate letter of certification will be issued for each certified profiler, and a copy of this document must remain with the profiling vehicle at all times.

Re-certification in Inertial Profiling may be achieved by successful completion of the 1-day Inertial Profiling Systems exam session and equipment certification.

Participants who do not pass the CTTP Inertial Profiling Systems certification course by failure of either the written or performance exam will be required to repeat the failed exam within one year of the initial attempt. Any attempt after that time will require the participant to complete both the written and performance exams. Written exams may be re-taken at a time and location designated by CTTP. Performance exam re-tests will be held at the Profiler test track on a date designated by CTTP.

Reciprocity requests will not be granted for Inertial Profiling certification.

Registration

ARDOT employees may register for this course by contacting Dorothy Rhodes at dorothy.rhodes@ardot.gov .  All others should Click Here to Register. You will receive further instructions via email for accessing the course in Blackboard. Please allow 1-2 business days to be added to the course. Note that an individual email address is required to log in (i.e., technicians may not share email addresses).

Applicable fees will be assessed.