Optimization of Road-Surface Characteristics: A Concept for a Research Program in the Federal Republic of Germany

In recent years, the research activities in the Federal Republic of Germany in respect to road-surface characteristics have concentrated mainly on maximizing or minimizing single road-surface characteristics. Now the optimization of all road-surface properties as a whole has priority as an actual aim within a research program. This paper describes the influences, basic characteristics, derived characteristics, and objectives for an optimization process and their many mutual relationships. A ranking of these relationships is also given.