Analysis of international roughness index. Application to Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport in Medellín, Colombia

Abstract

The international roughness index surges as the need to worldwide unify criteria to measure terminated pavement quality, where transportation management is a very critical aspect within the logistic system, and where any error may result in great economic consequences; therefore, several roadways have been awarded nationwide, and more recently, several airports of Colombia. One of these concessions is the Center North regional, managed by Airplan company, and which includes Enrique Olaya Herrera airport, in Medellin city. The term ‘roughness’ refers to imperfections of rolling surface, which impact velocity, operation cost, roadway safety, and user comfort when circulating on pavement; however, within the context of this article, the term ‘surface regularity’ will be used as a more suitable adjective. The purpose of the analysis is to show that this method may be adopted either as an acceptation or rejection criterion in airstrips awarded on concession in Colombia, and in this manner ensure users a determined level of safety, comfort, and airstrip efficiency.