Comparison of 2D and 3D roughness measurements on concrete surfaces

For decades, roughness measurement in construction industry relied on the very simple and limitedly applicable volumetric sand patch method. It was only with the introduction of non-contact laser profile (2D) measurement methods that allowed for progress in this field. Now suitable 3D measurement techniques for on-site applications are available. This article therefore examines the question of whether these can also be used to characterize the texture of concrete surfaces. Compared to the sand patch method and the laser profile measurement method, today there are still no rules for the application and evaluation of 3D surface roughness measurements when used in construction. A significant part of the article therefore deals with the development of a method which allows to achieve with conventional methods comparable results. For verification purposes, a total of five 3D measurement methods are compared with the sand patch method and 2D laser profile measurements in two test periods. • 3D roughness measurements were compared with laser profile and sand patch measurements. • Laser light-section, fringe projection and photogrammetry were used as 3D techniques. • A transferable evaluation method for 3D roughness measurements was developed. • The size of the evaluation area is crucial for the 3D height roughness parameters. • Segmentation of the evaluation area improves the comparability of 3D measurements.