Want to learn ProVAL in a day? Want to learn everything you’re afraid to ask about profiling?
Join us in a ProVAL workshop! Check out the workshop schedule in the left menu!
Interact with ProVAL developers and profiling experts in our highly interactive, hands-on ProVAL workshops. Check the calendar to see if an upcoming workshop is near you. Feel free to share the ProVAL workshop schedule with anyone who would be interested!
What are ProVAL workshops?
As part of the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) smoothness initiative, ProVAL was developed to provide an efficient, robust way to view and analyze pavement profiles.
As ProVAL adds features through upgrades and agencies and contractors increasingly use the software, the need for customized ProVAL workshops to train users at various levels is growing. To meet this need, we offer workshops around the U.S. that focus on:
- familiarizing users with the current version of ProVAL,
- refreshing users on key fundamentals of profiling and analysis methods,
- sharing knowledge on the advantages, limitations, and pitfalls related to analyzing and interpreting pavement profiles, and
- providing an interactive and hands-on approach to learning ProVAL.
Attendees will either use their own laptop computers or training computers at the host with ProVAL and example files pre-installed before the workshop.
Who should attend?
ProVAL workshops are designed for all levels of professionals in the profiling industry:
- state agencies (construction acceptance, implementation of smoothness specifications, profilers/operators certifications),
- constructors (construction inspection, construction operation, project bidding),
- consultants (profiling services, construction of smooth pavements),
- researchers and equipment manufacturers (improvement of ride quality/indexes, familiarization with the popular profile analysis tool that their clients may use).
How do I (local host) request a ProVAL workshop?
If you are interested in ProVAL workshops, please contact:
Dr. George K. Chang, PE
The Transtec Group, a Terracon Company
6111 Balcones Dr., Austin, Texas 78731, U.S.A.
Phone: +1 (512) 717-9560
Email: GKChang@TheTranstecGroup.com
We typically establish a direct contract with the local host through their procurement or training department. The cost is a lump sum that covers the trainers’ time and travel (if in person). A typical workshop serves up to 40 attendees and is led by two trainers.
How do I (attendee) register for a ProVAL workshop?
Generally, you may register for specific workshops through a local workshop host (either DOT or RPUG conference).
Some local hosts may restrict access to their own staff or contractors.
Are there different types of ProVAL workshops? What is best for me?
To meet the needs of a diverse group of ProVAL users, we offer the following options, in person or online.
Essential In-Person ProVAL Workshop
This workshop emphasizes the fundamentals of pavement profiling and the basic features of ProVAL. We will not present mathematical formulas, and the workshop will avoid complexity. Instead, we will take a more descriptive approach, using images to provide participants with “must-know” concepts. Simple case studies will guide participants through a complete analysis project, illustrating the practical applications of the concepts.
Typical Agenda
- 08:30 am ProVAL program setup and check-up
- 09:00 am Session 1 – Introduction and Overview
- 09:30 am Session 2 – Fundamentals of Pavement Profiling
- 10:00 am Break
- 10:15 am Session 3 – Vehicle Ride and Ride Indices
- 11:15 am Session 4 – Profile Comparison
- 12:00 pm Break
- 01:00 pm Session 5 – Power Spectral Density – PSD
- 02:00 pm Session 6 – Smoothness Assurance Module – SAM
- 03:00 pm Break
- 03:15 pm More Hands-on Exercises
- 04:30 pm Session 7 – Conclusion and Workshop Evaluation
- 05:00 pm Adjourn
Advanced In-Person ProVAL Workshop
To meet the needs of our advanced users, we offer this workshop for a deeper exploration of ProVAL. While we will cover some “back to basics” material as a refresher, we will focus on the technical background behind each ProVAL feature. We will also use more advanced workshop examples to keep profiling specialists engaged throughout. A sample agenda is available upon request.
Online ProVAL Workshop
To accommodate remote training, we offer 3-hour workshops with hands-on exercises. Attendees will need two computer screens: one for watching the lectures & demonstrations, and another one for their own ProVAL software exercises.
Typical Agenda
- Session 1: Basic Topics (80 min.)
- Fundamentals of Pavement Profiling
- IRI Ride Quality Analysis
- Profiler Certification
- Break (10 min.)
- Session 2: Advanced Topics (90 min.)
- Power Spectral Density (PSD)
- Smoothness Assurance Module (SAM) & Grinding Simulation
- Other Modules
- Case Studies
- Adjourn
Free Live ProVAL User Forums
We conduct one to two hours of interactive ProVAL forums, either in-person (at RPUG conferences) or online, to discuss.
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- Selected ProVAL new features, functions, and tips,
- Recent ProVAL bug fixes and their effects,
- Users shared project files and issues (including bugs, questions, etc.),
- Upcoming ProVAL features
- Users’ wish list for future ProVAL enhancements.
Contact us with any questions about ProVAL workshops!