Best Practices for Road Weather Management Version 2.0
Title:
Variable Slip Friction Measurement Techniques for Snow and Ice Operations
Abstract:
Maintenance agencies seek a relatively inexpensive device that can measure roadway friction under winter conditions and tell the operator in real time whether friction is present. This method would assist the operator in determining when and where abrasives or chemicals should be applied during snow and ice control operations under all conditions. Past studies have used braking action friction measurements as an indicator, but this method cannot be used under high-traffic-volume conditions. Field studies have been conducted in Minnesota and Norway using Norsemeter's road analyzer and recorder to determine the applicability of the equipment to snow and ice operations and its reliability and durability. The measuring device, mounted on a smaller trailer, uses an industry-standard pavement friction measuring tire. The measurement is made by employing wheel braking on the road surface and measuring the braking friction force that the road surface exerts against the braking wheel. Each measurement uses a variable slip speed measurement and records peak friction, slip at peak friction, and the friction versus slip shape factor. Data were collected for precipitation, pavement condition, pavement temperature, air temperature, speed of the measuring device, and friction values. The equipment, measurement procedures, and findings are described in detail. This preliminary research study shows that the contaminant conditions can be separated and the friction level can be evaluated to determine whether to salt and whether to salt lightly or heavily. Also, with this method a supervisor can evaluate the effectiveness of applied abrasives and chemicals.
Source(s):
Snow Removal and Ice Control Technology Conference; Minnesota DOT, CRM, Inc., and Norsemeter. For an electronic copy of this resource, please direct your request to WeatherFeedback@dot.gov.
Date: 1997
Author:
Fleege, Wambold, Radó
Keywords:
Pavement condition
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