Megatexture is measured using a similar profiling method as when obtaining IRI values, while macrotexture is the measurement of the individual variations of the road within a small interval of a few centimeters. Microtexture cannot currently be measured directly, except in a laboratory. Pavement texture is divided into three categories megatexture, macrotexture, and microtexture. Some profilograph systems include a ground penetrating radar, used to record asphalt layer thickness.ДЄnother type of profilograph system is for measuring the surface texture of a road and how it relates to the coefficient of friction and thus to skid resistance. Yet another common measurement option is cracks. Most profilographs also record the position, using GPS technology. Some profilographs take digital photos or videos while profiling the road. Many road profilographs are also measuring the pavements cross slope, curvature, longitudinal gradient and rutting. The IRI value is used for road management to monitor road safety and quality issues. IRI values range from 0 (equivalent to driving on a plate of glass) upwards to several hundred in/mile (a very rough road).

The data collected by a profilograph is used to calculate the International Roughness Index (IRI), which is expressed in units of inches/mile or mm/m. Modern profilographs are fully computerized instruments. It is used by construction crews or certified consultants to measure the roughness of in-service road networks, as well as before and after milling off ridges and paving overlays. Today many profilographs are advanced high speed systems with a laser based height sensor in combination with an inertial system that creates a large scale reference plane. In the early 20th century, profilographs were low speed rolling devices (for example rolling straight-edges). The profilograph is a device used to measure pavement surface roughness. Profilographs that record texture in both left and right wheel paths can be used to identify road sections with hazardous split friction. Since MiTx has so short waves, it is preferably measured by dry friction brake tests rather than by profiling.

MaTx and MeTx are measured with laser/inertial profilographs. MeTx below 0.2 mm Root-Mean-Square is considered normal on proper roads. Some examples of road damages with much MeTx are potholes, washboards (common on dirt roads) and uneven frost heaves. Megatexture has wavelengths from 50 mm up to 500 mm. Megatexture (MeTx) is a result of pavement wear and distress, causing noise and vibration. Road agencies monitor macrotexture using measurements taken with highway speed laser or inertial profilometers. Macrotexture has wavelengths from 0.5В mm up to 50В mm. While vehicle suspension deflection and dynamic tyre loads are affected by longer waves (roughness), road texture affects the interaction between the road surface and the tyre footprint. Macrotexture is a family of wave-shaped road surface characteristics. Proper roads have MaTx of about 1В mm Mean Profile Depth.

Excessive MaTx increases rolling resistance and thus fuel consumption and CO 2 emission contributing to global warming. MaTx provide wet road friction, especially at high speeds. On the other hand, long wave MaTx increase noise. Short MaTx waves, about 5В mm, act as acoustical pores and reduce tyre/road noise. Macrotexture (MaTx) is partly a desired property and partly an undesired property. However, friction also depends on other surface properties, such as macro-texture.

Typically, road agencies do not monitor mix directly, but indirectly by brake friction tests. The mix of the road material contributes to dry road surface friction. It relates to the surface of the binder, of the aggregate, and of contaminants such as rubber deposits from tires. Microtexture has wavelengths shorter than 0.5В mm. While vehicle suspension deflection and dynamic tire loads are affected by longer wavelength ( roughness), road texture affects the interaction between the road surface and the tire footprint. Microtexture (MiTx) is the collaborative term for a material's crystallographic parameters and other aspects of micro-structure: such as morphology, including size and shape distributions chemical composition and crystal orientation and relationships

Road asphalt texture