Shuichi Kameyama

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.

STUDIES FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF A VISUAL INSPECTION OF THE COMMUNITY ROAD PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE AT MINOKAMO

In “Overhaul Procedures for Pavement” issued to the local governments from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, a visual inspection for pavement is used. Minokamo city is carrying forward a plan by senior human resources to introduce a visual inspection of community road pavement maintenance in which road surface texture measuring vehicle is difficult to apply. The purpose of this study, is to conduct verification tests of visual inspection in Minokamo roads and to examine the method for training inspectors in order to improve accuracy of visual inspection. In conclusion, the authors found that ever though senior human resources do not have knowledge of pavement the accuracy of the visual inspection can be improved significantly by adopting pavement engineer led training method evaluation points in the field. Furthermore, the authors have developed a visual inspection support system that has function required upon introduction to practice. 国土交通省から全国の自治体に向けて出された総点検実施要領（案）【舗装編】では，舗装の点検に目視点検を採用している．美濃加茂市は，路面性状測定車の適用が困難な生活道路の舗装維持管理にシルバー人材による目視点検を導入する計画を進めている．本研究は，美濃加茂市道において目視点検の実証実験を行い，目視点検の正解率及びそれを向上するための点検者の訓練方法について検討した．その結果，舗装に関する知識を有さないシルバー人材であっても，舗装技術者が現場において評価ポイントを指導する訓練方法を採用することで，目視点検の正解率が大きく向上することが分かった．さらに，実務への導入に当たって必要となる機能を有する目視点検支援システムを開発した．

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.

THE ANALISYS OF RUTTING OF THE LTPP PROGRAM IN THE UNITED STATES

Since 1987, theLTPP (Long Term PavementPerformance ) program had been implemented in theUSaspartofthe SHRP (Strategic Highway Research Program ). After the termination of the SHRP in 1992, the FHWA (Federal Highway Administration) continued the research and collection of data on the LTPP program, as this program isa 20-year-term plan. This report focuses on the rutting of asphalt pavement, as recorded on the DATA PAVE97compiling achievements obtained by the FHWA during this program - and presents results of study regarding the real status of rutting and relevant factors.