A new procedure for analysis of ride quality in roads using multi-body dynamic simulation

One of the essential parts of a pavement management system (PMS) is the correct prioritization of different segments of the pavement network for maintenance. Prioritizing based on the international roughness index (IRI) is a classic and common method for PMSs. This study aims to study the IRI based on a new procedure. The authors analyzed the dynamic response of the vehicle while passing on rough pavement. For this purpose, a multi-body dynamic simulation was performed using ADAMS/Car. The authors considered a fixed value for Roughness Shape Factor (RSF) and shifted variations in other parameters, including wavelength, amplitude, and speed. The vertical displacement in the suspension system and pitch angle were used as the main criteria in ride quality analysis. Eight 100-m segments with different wavelengths were constructed and tested under eight passing speeds. The results showed that there is a specific critical wavelength for any given speed. The critical wavelength causes the maximum vertical displacement and the maximum pitch angle. Therefore, the ride quality of all segments is not the same. In fact, these segments must take various priority in maintenance programs. Accordingly, by determining the critical wavelength, engineers can identify the most critical segments of the pavement network that will have the most adverse effect on ride quality and should be given priority for repair. This method will save on road maintenance costs as well as improve the quality of service to users.