Road Surface Quality Assessment Using Fast-Fourier Transform

Abstract

Poor road conditions are associated with further structural damage and vehicular problems that may lead to related accidents. Previous studies have talked about the relationship between vibrations sensed on roads and road conditions - which will be the basis of this study. This project utilizes MATLAB-Mobile's ability to access a smartphone's accelerometer. Transmitting information from smartphone to the internet. Aiming to see the different trends in vibrations between smooth, rough, and bumpy roads. The average accelerations in the x, y, and z-axis were considered in all road surface conditions where x is horizontal, y is vertical, and z is angular acceleration. Using the Fourier analysis data trends between the three road surface conditions were seen and determined. Smooth surface conditions exhibit minor changes in data. The frequencies exhibited by this road classification are evenly distributed with uniformity and minimal differences. Rough surfaces exhibit noticeable peaks in data-protruding and scattering all throughout. Bumpy road surfaces show sudden high changes in acceleration-showing constant changes and seldomly staying at a certain range.