Development and Performance of the Portable Skid-Resistance Tester

Abstract The portable skid-resistance tester can carry out a wide variety of measurements on the road and in the laboratory. This paper outlines the basic principles underlying the design of the tester and describes the laboratory and field trials conducted during the development of the instrument. The factors influencing its performance are emphasized. In its performance, the instrument behaves as a patterned tire skidding at 30 mph. It is particularly well suited for testing rough-textured surfaces, and readings are independent of gradient, camber, or crossfall on the test surface.