Shinji Ishida

Evaluation of Sidewalk Unevenness Based on Wheelchair Traveling Resistance

Differences in the levels and the transverse and longitudinal gradients on sidewalks can seriously hinder the mobility of wheelchair users. On sidewalks where such differences and gradients are minor, the mobility of wheelchair users can be seriously hindered by surface unevenness in the case of rough sidewalks. This paper analyzes the longitudinal profiles of sidewalks in service and torque data for traveling wheelchairs with the goal of proposing a method for evaluating the surface unevenness of sidewalks based on the travel resistance imposed on wheelchairs. A test track with variable gradients and unevenness was traveled by panel members, who were then asked to rate the subjective discomfort of the test track. The study revealed a strong correlation between the surface unevenness values calculated by the proposed method and the discomfort rating offered by the panel members.

MEASURMENT OF SAIDEWALK EVENNESS BY A HANDY PROFILER USING SEQUENTIAL TWO ANGLES METHOD

DEKO-BOKO Walk was developed to measure sidewalk profile. It employs the Sequential Two Angles Method that measures the angle of the two connection shafts that connect three wheels located every 25 cm in the running direction.In this study, we developed a method for calculating profiles from the data measured by the DEKO-BOKO Walk, and examined the Root Mean Square Error between true profile and calculated profile. It was found that faulting and slope of the pavement could be obtained from the profile calculated by this method. We also showed that it was possible to obtain an accurate profile from the data measured on bumpy sidewalks including entrance to driveway.