OVERVIEW OF THE INTERNATIONAL PIARC EXPERIMENT TO COMPARE AND HARMONIZE TEXTURE AND SKID RESISTANCE MEASUREMENTS: THE INTERNATIONAL FRICTION INDEX

The PIARC Technical Committee on Surface Characteristics decided to undertake the International Experiment to Compare and Harmonize Texture and Skid Resistance Measurement. The overall objectives of the experiment were to compare the many different measuring methods used around the world and to develop relationships for converting results produced by the different devices to a common scale, the International Friction Index (IFI). As a result, international standardization and harmonization could be achieved. The International Friction Index (IFI) consists of two parameters: F60 and S (sub p). Most of the macrotexture measures were found to be excellent predictors of S (sub p). However, it is desirable to standardize the reduction of profile data by calculating a Mean Profile Depth (MPD), which proved to be the best predictor. IFI then can be calculated from the results of any friction measurement and S (sub p). Using IFI, practitioners also can calculate the friction level at any speed of interest. This paper summarizes the final report of the experiment for practitioners. Researchers are encouraged to refer to the final report. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see IRRD abstract no. 878344.