 SSI Technology Overview
SSI offers a variety of custom test equipment and mobile technology
solutions. SSI manufactures a proprietary line of test equipment and
serves as a reseller of industry leading mobile technology solutions. For
an overview of the technology designed and built into SSI’s various products,
choose from the following core SSI product groups:
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►Rugged Computers/Vehicle
Mounts◄
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Toughbook Computers
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SSI is a reseller of the full line of Panasonic
Toughbook rugged and semi-rugged computers. Each Toughbook model
is built to sustain the level of durability required by particular work
environments. All Panasonic Toughbook computers are designed for shock
resistance, vibration
resistance, magnesium
casing, spill
resistance, and dust
resistance. The most rugged Toughbooks are proven under the
rigorous environmental reliability test of the U.S. government’s Military
Standard 810F. The rugged class of Toughbooks are subjected to a
battery of reliability tests, including drop testing, vibration,
low/high temperatures, humidity, altitude, dust and water resistance,
and thermal shock. For details concerning the MIL-STD-810F testing,
click here.
SSI also supplies all models of Getac rugged
computers and Vehicle
Mount Parts to create an in-vehicle work station inside of many
automobiles and trucks.
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►Road, Bridge and
Floor Surface Test Equipment◄
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SSI offers a
full line of test equipment devices for testing the surface attributes
of road, bridge and floor surfaces. These devices include computerized
profilographs, a full line of lightweight,
high speed,
specialty and
concrete profilers, hybrid multiple
purpose profiling systems for asphalt and concrete road surfaces.
SSI also produces a walking profiler
for testing commercial and factory floor surfaces, in addition to roads
and bridges. SSI’s devices are designed through custom engineered and
built to exceed end user requirements and to withstand the harsh work
environment in which the devices are used. All of SSI’s surface
profiling systems are available for purchase or rental. Below
is an overview of the hardware platforms for each of SSI’s surface
profiling devices and the industry leading electronics and software
instrumented onto those systems.
►SSI’s Profiling System
Device Hardware Platforms◄
High Speed Profiling Systems: Collect surface profile data
safely at speeds from 5 mph to 70 mph with SSI’s ASTM E950 certified
Class I Profiler. Guaranteed to meet or exceed agency specifications
and certification requirements (including TXDOT Test 1001-S and AASHTO
PP51-02). SSI’s high speed profiler is proven to be more accurate than
any profiler in the industry in re-creating actual surface profile and
the physical dimensions of localized roughness. The SSI high speed
profiling system is offered in a variety of configurations, including
(1) a robust
front mount installed on the front or rear of industry standard
vehicles, (2) a portable
rear mount system that transmits profile data by RF radio,
requiring no wiring other than a 12V power supply, or (3) a custom
mid-mount system with data collection modules embedded between the
cab an rear wheels of standard pick-up trucks. SSI representatives
assist with installation and configuration of the high speeds systems,
which consist of collection sensors (lasers and accelerometers), a distance
measurement subsystem, proprietary data collection computer, and an
in-cab operator station (Panasonic Toughbook computer and onboard
printer). Windows based software routines can be safely operated by one
person using Touchscreen controls. On screen viewing of data collection
and immediate test results. Single laser systems can display dual wheel
paths (patented). The optional GPS subsystem correlates profile data
with GPS coordinates. The system allows easy transfer of electronic
format data for downloading in field or viewing on desktop computer.
Lightweight and Multiple Purpose Profilers: SSI offers a
lightweight profiler and a hybrid multiple-purpose profiling system
(works as a lightweight or a high speed system. Both systems are
certified as an ASTM E950 Class I Profilers and comply with DOT
specifications and certification requirements (including TXDOT Test
1001-S and AASHTO PP51-02). Single laser systems can produce dual
wheel path reports (patented by SSI). For concrete pavements,
special configurations of the lightweight
profiler (for concrete) and the multiple
purpose profiler (for concrete) are available with the Selcom
RoLine 100 point laser (with a 4 inch/100mm footprint to eliminate
affects of grooves and coarse texture on ride values). SSI can prove
that its lightweight and multiple purpose profiling systems are more
accurate than other systems in recreating the actual surface profile
and detecting the exact physical dimensions of localized roughness.
SSI’s lightweight systems have a patented Windows operating system.
The systems allow quickest access to recently paved asphalt or concrete
surfaces for swift corrective measures to minimize costly grinding or
corrective measures. Test from 5-25 mph with the lightweight profiler
and 5-60 mph with the multiple purpose systems. Immediate on-screen
results in all common indexes (IRI, PI, RQI, HRI, etc.). Touchscreen
controls with menu driven routines for calibration, data collection,
and analysis ease operator training and field use. Easy electronic
storage and transfer of data files. Self-installing software updates
by email or internet download. All sensors and instrumentation are
portable and replaceable by express shipping.
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Computerized Profilograph
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Road and Bridge Computerized
Profilograph Systems:
In partnership with James Cox
& Associates (Auburn, CA), the inventor of the commercial
profilograph, SSI offers the only true California type profilograph
system. Computerized systems with SSI’s patented Windows operating
system are available in 25’ road or 12’ bridge configurations.
Mechanical systems and optional trailers are also available. SSI’s
profilographs are widely accepted by DOT agencies and are guaranteed to
pass certification requirements. The computerized systems feature
patented technology with bi-directional data collection and dual trace
profile reports. The Windows operating system and Toughbook computer with
a touchscreen greatly ease training and field operation. Raw profile
data is encrypted and can be re-analyzed, avoiding any costly
recollection of profile data after operator errors. Profile data can be
exported to PDF images and Excel spreadsheets, with automatic bonus and
penalty calculations. The weatherized detachable housing runs on AC or
DC power supplies and can be used in the field or office.
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Profilograph Retrofit
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Comprehensive Upgrades to
Existing Profilographs:
All the benefits of the new
SSI-Cox Windows profilograph operating system can install as a retrofit
item on any model of mechanical or computerized profilograph. On-screen
menu-driven software routines for calibration, data collection, and
data analysis. Real time views of profile traces and PRI values, as
well as an audible and visual display of the dimensions of must grind
bumps and dips in real-time. Instant viewing profile traces and test
results. Easy electronic storage and transfer of data files. View/print
data in the field or office. Optional GPS coordinates display in
correlation with profilograph stationing.
ProScan
Automated Scanning System for Mechanical Profilographs.
SSI also offers
The ProScan system, which scans mechanical profilograph
traces into a digitized raw data file equivalent to a computerized
profilograph output. The new Windows version of ProScan allows users to
quickly determine PI values and precise locations of must-grind bumps
and dips. ProScan reduces data analysis time to a small fraction of
the labor involved with hand reduction of profilograph traces.
User-selectable and re-writeable data analysis parameters. ProScan is
widely accepted by DOT agencies and the FHWA.
Walking Profiler: SSI’s CS8800 determines surface profile
ride indexes (including floor flatness/floor levelness) and has
optional instrumentation for high resolution surface texture
measurements. The CS8800 surface profiling instrument offers an
adjustable sampling interval as low as 1” (25mm)(or 1 mm for texture).
The CS8800 generates numerous ride quality statistics (IRI, PRI, Floor
Flatness[FF]/Floor Levelness [FL], etc.) and precise depictions of
localized roughness. Distilled from SSI’s profilograph and inertial
profiling system technology, the CS8800 records surface profile by
measuring precise movements of distance and elevation changes that are
processed with SSI’s proprietary data collection electronics and
advanced digital filtering methods. Localized roughness is also precisely
captured both in its longitudinal location and height dimensions.
Powered by a Windows XP computer with a wireless interface, the CS8800
pairs cutting edge electronic technology with SSI’s feature rich
profiling application software. Raw data exports to commonly used
formats, including ERD, PRO, ASCII and Excel. The CS8800 collapses into
a portable container that can be safely stored and easily shipped. As
an option for precise texture measurements, the SSI walking profiler
can be instrumented with the Selcom RoLine laser sensor that scans a
100 point line (4 inches/100 mm) of the pavement surface.
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►SSI Custom
Software for Profiling System Devices ◄
SSI’s custom software applications
for surface profiling offer industry leading technology that is both
patented and feature rich. Read on for an overview of the key features
of SSI’s intelligent software for road surface test equipment (laser
profiling systems, computerized profilographs, and walking profilers).
SSI Offers the Profiling Industry’s First and Longest Running
Windows Based Data Collection and Analysis Software. The data
collection and analysis software supplied with SSI’s profiling systems are
custom built programs with an easy to use Windows interface. The
profiling system software suite includes menu-driven (computer
instructed) modules for calibration, data collection, and extensive data
analysis functions. Data files are organized and easily copied or
transferred using the standard Microsoft Windows file management system.
SSI Profiler Data Analysis Engine is used on SSI’s entire line
of profiling system products. The SSI Profiler data analysis software
program can also be used to read data from non-SSI profiling systems
(e.g. ERD format data). Extensive information about the profile data
being evaluated by the system operator is available on the main display:
Key Features of SSI Profiler Data Analysis Software
include:
- Easy to learn, easy to
use Windows software program that works on both profiling system
Toughbook computer and desktop computers.
- Main program window displays
profile data file details, including summary
roughness values, localized roughness totals, and GPS or text
Section notes for each segment within entire data file.
- Quick-Print profile summary
reports or individual trace segments directly from main screen.
- Ability to
infinitely change rewrite profile data analysis parameters without
altering integrity of encrypted raw profile data. View
profile results in IRI (inertial and walking systems), PRI, RQI, RN,
etc.). Intelligent display of data analysis parameters (with only
relevant parameters visible for selected ride index—PRI, IRI, RQI,
etc.).
- Adjustable summary
reports, with roughness values averaged and highlighting of profile index values above or
below user specified thresholds.
- Numerous custom fields
for streamlined entry of customer specific data analysis parameters,
project settings and specific data file notes.
- Plot dual wheel paths with single sensor systems (e.g.
single laser profilers, walking profilers and profilographs (note:
wheel paths collected separately)
—Patented by SSI.
- “Jump To” feature for quickly
viewing user specified locations within profile data file..
  
- Colorized traces, reports and bump/dip results for
color viewing within Profiler software and color printing of PDF
images or hard copies on color printers.
- One-button creation of PDF images
for summary reports, profile traces, and localized roughness
(bumps/dips) data.
- Enhanced data exporting
to Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, with
automatic calculation of bonus and penalty amounts. SSI
supplies text file and Excel templates with assistance available for
programming direct exports of profile data into customer specific
spreadsheets.
- One-button export routines within Profiler
software for exporting profile data to ERD and various other
electronic data formats, (e.g. PRO, text, and raw
strip trace output for ProScan).
- Simulation routine for
predicting profile results after corrective -grinding or overlays.
- Calculation and display of exact dimensions of
localized roughness, including maximum peaks (for bumps) and troughs (for dips).
- Separate Defects-Only reporting for
viewing/printing localized roughness (bumps/dips) information by
station number or separate wheel path.
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SSI’s Data Collection
and Calibration Routines are designed for safe, easy one-person
operation. System training typically requires less than one day. The
profiling system is operated through Touchscreen controls (no external
mouse or keypad) on the Toughbook military specification rugged computer
simplify operation of the system and enhance the safety of one-person
operation. Before initiating data collection, system operators simply
create a file name, enter the data file parameters (or load the
parameters from the last data file by default). Since the raw data is
re-writable, errors in entry of data analysis parameters do not
invalidate the profile data, since most errors can be corrected in
post-processing. As illustrated below, the Profile trace, longitudinal
positioning (i.e. stationing or chainage), and the profiling device’s
current speed appear in real time on the computer display. A real time,
wheel path specific event marker is also supplied.
Key Features of SSI Collector Data Acquisition Software
include:
- Designed for easy, safe one person operation
(touchscreen controls, no external mouse, keyboard or event marker).
- Easy, user-friendly
Windows software (on-site training often not required).
- Computer instructed calibration routines
for distance, height (all systems) and proprietary laser/accelerometer
static calibration and bounce test (laser systems).
- During data collection, real time
display of longitudinal position, vehicle speed, profile trace and
GPS coordinates (for GPS equipped systems).
- Laser profiling systems
have multiple data collection triggers (SSI proprietary reverse
direction trigger for starting/stopping on exact stations without
reflective tape, electric eye, and on-the-fly).
- Laser profiling
systems suspend collection system when vehicle stops without loss of
profile data.
- Real time event markers
with separate tags for each wheel path (dual wheel path systems).
- Create new data files
without exiting collection software or re-initiating sensors or
electronics.
- Real-time back
up of profile data during collection.
- Background diagnostic
routines for real time detection of system malfunctions
(e.g. defective sensors, broken cables, loss of power, etc.).
- Results of previously
collected data available during subsequent data collection.
- Odometer mode and real
time display of GPS coordinates (if equipped) for re-locating events
of interest.
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SSI’s Surface Profile Test Machines are Fully Reversible and
Bi-Directional.
SSI’s laser profilers, walking profiler and profilographs offer the
patented feature of being fully reversible and bi-directional, allowing
the operator to record separate test runs without backing up or returning
the machine to the same starting station. On profilographs, walking
profilers, and single laser inertial systems, the intelligent software
keeps track of the direction travel and physical stationing, and plots dual
profile traces in the same direction according to the parameters entered
by the operator. This feature lowers the time required for testing,
which may substantially reduce the contractor's labor costs; it also
lowers the cost of a laser profiling device, as the single sensor system
generates the same output as a dual sensor system. SSI’s Profiler data
analysis software automatically inverts the second (or third) run for same-direction
reporting of multiple collection runs, allowing a cross-lane testing
capability.
►SSI Profiling Device Accuracy in Pin-Pointing
Exact Location and Dimensions of Localized Roughness◄
Historically, laser
profiling systems have had a limited ability to accurately measure and
report the physical location and dimensions of localized roughness with
exacting precision. The design of SSI’s data collection system, and the
advanced filtering techniques developed by SSI’s PhD level engineers,
have resulted in an unprecedented ability to characterize the
longitudinal location and physical dimensions of localized roughness,
regardless of the speed that the profiling vehicle is driven. To prove
the ability of its lightweight and high speed profiling systems in
detecting localized roughness, SSI developed a set of artificial bumps
with defined changes in bump heights. SSI’s profiling systems and
several competitor devices were run across the artificial bumps during
initial tests in 2004. A summary of the research and results is
presented below. Figure 1 shows one of the artificial bumps—an eight foot
long surface with equally spaced .25” bumps that increase up to a
thickness of 1.75” and then decrease on the back side of the bump to the
initial .25” thickness.
Figure 1:
Artificial
Bump Created for Testing Profiling System Accuracy in Detecting Location
and Dimensions of Localized Roughness
SSI’s lightweight and high
speed profiling systems were run across the artificial bump at various
speeds. Figure 2 shows the dimensions of the bump as measured by SSI’s
systems. The blue line represents the actual dimensions of the bump,
with the “X” axis showing the longitudinal station of the bump
(positioned from station 293 to 301), and the “Y” axis showing the height
of the bump in .25” increments from 0 to 1.75 inches. The green, red and
turquoise graphs depict the profile of the bump as reported by SSI’s
system over three consecutive data collection runs. Figure 2 shows that the
profile generated by SSI’s system precisely tracks the bump dimensions
and longitudinal location of the artificial bumps. Also note the precise
repeatability of the SSI’s systems multiple runs over the same surface,
as demonstrated by the tight clustering of the trace lines on top of one
another.
Figure 2:
Actual
Location and Dimensions of Artificial Bump as Detected by SSI Laser
Profiling System
SSI acquired competing
profiling systems and ran those systems over the artificial bumps and
other SSI test track surfaces using the manufacturer’s recommended
instructions for normal data collection and data analysis. Figures 3 and
4 below show some examples of he results from competitor systems.
Figure 3:
Actual Bump
Height Dimensions Detected by Competitor Laser Profiling System
Figure 3 shows the results
of a competing system run across the artificial bumps. Again, blue line
represents the actual dimensions of the bump, with the “X” axis showing
the longitudinal station of the bump (positioned from station 293 to
301), and the “Y” axis showing the height of the bump in .25” increments
from 0 to 1.75 inches. The green, red and turquoise graphs depict the
profile of the bump as reported by the competitor system over three
consecutive data collection runs. As apparent from Figure 2, from the
peak of the bump throughout the end of the defects, the height of the
bump is misstated by as much as 1.” The competitor system also
demonstrates less repeatability than the SSI profiler, as is apparent
from the gaps between each of the profile traces run over the same
surface. While the differences between the competitor runs may appear as
an insignificant 1-2 foot misplacement, on longer runs on rough
pavements, these errors would likely accumulate into a larger error.
Figure 4:
Error in
Longitudinal Position of Surface Profile Events as Detected by
Competitor’s Laser Profiling System
Figure 4 shows the results
of a competing system run across actual surface roughness on SSI test
tracks on the Kansas State University Football Stadium parking lot in Manhattan, Kansas. Here the blue line represents the actual surface profile measured by a
Dipstick static reference device used to generate independent reference
profile data. The black line shows the profile measurements generated by
SSI’s profiling system run across the same surface. SSI’s profile data
matches nearly exactly the profile generated by the Dipstick reference
device. The red line shows the actual profile generated by the competitor
system run across the same surface as the Dipstick. Notice how the peak
of the actual bump located at station 865 is erroneously detected by the
competitor system at station 810, representing a longitudinal positioning
error of 55 feet, which SSI suspects is due at least in part to the
filtering techniques used by the competitor device. SSI’s profiling
systems are unmatched in the industry for their ability to (1) match the
actual surface profile as generated by independent reference devices, and
(2) to detect the exact location and dimensions of localized roughness.
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►Asphalt & Concrete Tools &
Measuring Wheels◄
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Asphalt & Concrete Tools & Measuring
Wheels
  
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SSI offers
numerous asphalt and concrete finishing tools, such as highway checking
tools, straightedges, lutes, groovers, and other specialty tools. A full
line of distance measurement wheels is also available. For a complete
pats and price list, visit www.smoothroad.com or call SSI at (800)
662-5656.
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►Laboratory Test Equipment◄
SSI offers a variety of material
test equipment, including kneading compactors, presses, rolling thin film
ovens, axial testing systems, and shear testing systems. For
specifications and pricing, visit www.smoothroad.com or call SSI at (800)
662-5656. SSI Rentals SSI’s profiling system products and Toughbook
computers are available for rental on short or long term basis (with or
without a trained operator). Purchase discounts available upon
expiration rental contract.
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►Ingersoll Rand (Club Car) XRT Industrial Utility Vehicles ◄
SSI is an authorized distributor of the Ingersoll Rand (Club Car) XRT line
of compact utility vehicles. A full line of models ranging from the high
end XRT 1550 (gas engine or diesel powered) IntelliTach four wheel drive
vehicle, to the versatile XRT 1200 aluminum framed vehicle (small enough
to fit in a pickup, yet powerful enough to haul a boat), to the XRT
900/810/800 series of compact utility vehicles (gasoline or battery
powered). The XRT Product Line from Club Car is leading the way for a
new generation called Performance Utility Vehicles.
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