What is ProVAL?
ProVAL is an engineering software application that allows users to view and analyze pavement profiles in many different ways. ProVAL is an FHWA/LTPP product, originally released in 2001.
What does ProVAL do?
Users can import profiles from various file formats and save them in the Pavement Profile standard file type. Entire analysis projects can be saved, which preserves user information and analysis inputs. After analyses have been performed, the user can print a report of the original profiles and the results of any analyses performed.
What is the latest version of ProVAL?
The latest version of ProVAL is 3.0 which most specifications are referred to. The older version 2.7 or ealier is depreciated, but limited support will continue utill spring 2010.
Is ProVAL Free?
Yes! The development and support of ProVAL is sponsored by the FHWA at the US. You can download the software and install it on your computer for free. However, you will need to agree to the end users’ license agreement during install.
What types of analyses can ProVAL do?
The current version of ProVAL provides the following analyses:
- Standard Ride Statistics;
- Fixed-Interval Ride Statistics;
- Continuous Ride Statistics,
- Power Spectral Density (PSD);
- Profilograph Simulation;
- Rolling Straightedge Simulation;
- Localized Roughness Identification (Tex-1001-S); (Version 2.7 and earlier)
- Cross Correlation;
- Profiler Certification;
- Precision and Bias (ASTM E 950); and
- Smoothness Assurance Module (SAM).
What is the profile standard file format that ProVAL uses?
The Pavement Profile Standard File format (filename extension “ppf”) is a binary-based file format created for ProVAL. It is efficient, portable, stable, and upgradeable. The ASTM International profile data file specification is based on this format.
Can I import other file formats into ProVAL?
Yes! You can import the following ProVAL-compatible file formats:
- UMTRI (.erd, .bin) - both binary and text formats;
- TxDOT (.txt, .dat, .pro);
- KJ Law (.a*, .p*) - both binary and text formats;
- Dynatest (.rsp);
- Ames (.ldf, .adf); and
- Dipstick (.elv) - ProVAL 3.0 and later.
Contact your profiler manufacturers if your data format is not compatible with ProVAL.
Once you save a “project” in ProVAL, the imported files will be automatically converted to the ppf format. The converted files are usually much more compact and efficient than the old formats, especially when the old formats are in text (ASCII).
Are there any Training Workshops for ProVAL?
Yes! We have been offering ProVAL workshops around the U.S. to assist ProVAL users to:
- Familiarize with the current version of the Profile Viewer and Analyzer software,
- Refresh key fundamentals of profiling and analysis methods,
- Gain knowledge on the advantages, limitations, and pitfalls related to analyzing and interpreting pavement profiles, and
- Provide an interactive and hands-on approach throughout the workshop.
See the Workshops page for further details.