Pavement smoothness or roughness has been used as a performance indicator for decades. The first smoothness tests were performed by the Bureau of Public Roads (today known as the Federal Highway Administration [FHWA]) in the 1920’s. Since then, transportation agencies have used smoothness as a quality indicator and construction specification.

For many years, researchers have explored the relationship between smoothness and fuel efficiency of vehicles. The National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) at Auburn University in Alabama found that smooth roads use less fuel; this results in a savings to the driver and a reduction in greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.

Visit NCAT to review the report:

http://www.ncat.us/files/reports/2011/rep11-05.pdf