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PUBLICATION NOTICE: Development of Deceleration-based Runway Friction Measurement Methods

US Army Engineer Research and Development Center
Published July 8, 2019

The US Army Engineer Research and Development Center has published the report/note described and linked below. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Report Number:

ERDC TR-19-10

Title:

Development of Deceleration-based Runway Friction Measurement Methods 

Author(s):

Andrew B. Ward, Craig A. Rutland, and Jeb S. Tingle

Purpose/Abstract:

Runway surface friction is a critical safety concern on all airfields; however, current friction measurement equipment is expensive. Airfield managers have identified a need for contingency friction assessment tools that are cost-effective and commonly found. The current Air Force standard for pavement friction measurement is a high-speed continuous friction measuring equipment (CFME) device, the Findley Irvine GripTester. Operation of the GripTester is both labor-intensive and cost-prohibitive. This report details the development of an alternative, more economical measure of a surface's frictional characteristics using accelerometers. Accelerometers were standard friction assessment tools in the late 20th century before CFMEs became standard practice. Accelerometer-based friction testers measure the peak deceleration of a vehicle during the braking motion. The vehicle's deceleration is proportional to the surface's friction coefficient. This report documents research conducted to evaluate the use of smartphone accelerometers and vehicle engine control units (ECUs) having sufficient accuracy and precision to function as deceleration-based friction assessment tools. Findings herein show that smartphone accelerometers, given sufficient experimental controls, can operate as deceleration-based friction assessment tools. This report also details unsuccessful attempts to extract usable deceleration data from vehicle ECUs and the potential future of such efforts. Regressions are presented that show correlation between smartphone deceleration measurements and high-speed GripTester measurements.

85 pgs / 7.9 mb

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED


ERDC is a diverse research organization with approximately 2,000 employees operating more than $1 billion in world class facilities at seven laboratories. Its annual program exceeds $1 billion as it supports the Department of Defense and other agencies in military and civilian projects. Principal research areas include Soldier support, Engineered Resilient Systems, Environmental Quality and Installations, Geospatial Research and Engineering, Military Engineering, and Water Resources. “Discover ▪ Develop ▪ Deliver”   ERDCinfo@usace.army.mil


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