Pavement Friction Tester Calibrated with USTB

To verify the accuracy of its self-developed pavement friction coefficient tester, iRoad carried out a joint calibration program with the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB), using the university's national-level laboratory platform.

Background

Pavement friction coefficient is a core indicator of road skid resistance and driving safety. Maintenance decisions depend on friction data being accurate and repeatable, so the measuring equipment itself must be verified against recognized references.

What was tested

Technical experts from iRoad and USTB jointly designed the test plan in line with national and Ministry of Transport standards. The team calibrated and optimized three key parts of the equipment: the lateral force acquisition module, the normal load control system and the dynamic data compensation algorithm. Tests included:- Comparison on standard reference pavements- Ice-water pavement tests, simulating extreme low-friction conditions- Dynamic bump simulation, reproducing vibration on uneven roads

Each test group was sampled repeatedly, and outliers were removed by statistical methods to ensure reliable results.

Results

- Correlation with national reference equipment: 0.99- Standard deviation on ice-water pavement: 0.005

These results confirm the tester's accuracy, repeatability and stability, including under critical low-friction conditions. The measured data also provide a basis for continuous improvement of iRoad's friction testing equipment.

Related product: Pavement Friction Coefficient Tester