Portable Skid Resistance Tester EN 1097-8 & EN 13036-4

Introduction

The Pendulum Skid Tester is the high quality skid resistance testing equipment. Originally designed in the 1940s in the US, the instrument was further developed in the 1960s at the UK Transport Research Laboratory for the testing of road surfaces. The pendulum measures the frictional resistance between a rubber slider mounted on the end of a pendulum arm and the test surface. This provides highway engineers with a routine method of checking the resistance of wet and dry surfaces to slipping and skidding, both in the lab and on site. It is based on the Izod principle: a pendulum rotates about a spindle attached to a vertical pillar. At the end of the tubular arm a head of known mass is fitted with a rubber slider. The pendulum is released from a horizontal position so that it strikes the sample surface with a constant velocity. The distance travelled by the head after striking the sample is determined by the friction of the sample surface. A reading of Skid Resistance is obtained.

Standards

BS 812 Pt. 114

BS EN 1097-8 Determination of Polished Stone Value

EN 13036-4Pendulum test for slip/skid resistance

AS/NZS 4586:1999 Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials

BS 6077 Pt 1 Clay and calcium silicate pavers for flexible pavements.

BS 7044 Artificial sports surfaces: person/surface interaction.

BS 7188 Impact absorbing playground surfaces

BS 8204 In-situ flooring, part 3 Code of practice for polymer modified cementitious wearing surfaces.

ASTM E303 Standard Method for - Measuring Surface Frictional Properties Using British Pendulum

BS 7976 Method of operation and calibration of the pendulum tester.

EN 1436 : 1997 Road Marking Materials BS EN 13036-4:2003 Road and Airfield surface characteristics

Uses

Assessment of surface friction and skid resistance properties

Testing of aggregates in the PSV (Polished Stone Value) test

Testing of new road surface materials under development

Testing of pedestrian walkways

Traffic accident investigations

Litigation investigations

Testing of pavers in the Flat Bed Polisher

Parameter

Dimensions mm (W x D x H)：700 x 300 x 700

Volume (packed) cubic metres：0.15

Weight Kg：30

Features

Designed for laboratory and in situ road surface testing

Dispatched calibrated to EN1097-8 (accredited under ISO 9001:2000)

Low friction arm, and lightweight pointer

Comes with integral ‘F’ scale for use with small slider set for 76mm slide length. (PSV test)

Repeatable and reproducible

Supplied with robust carrying case

Made in the United Kingdom

FAQ

1.What is a Portable Skid Resistance Tester?

A Portable Skid Resistance Tester is an essential instrument used to measure the skid resistance of various surfaces, particularly roadways and pavements. This equipment provides a quick and easy means to assess the coefficient of friction, ensuring that surfaces are safe for vehicles and pedestrians. Often used in construction, maintenance, and safety assessments, these testers can be employed in various settings, making them versatile tools for roadway safety professionals.

2.How does a Portable Skid Resistance Tester work?

The operation of a Portable Skid Resistance Tester typically involves dragging a sled or a similar device across a surface at a controlled speed. This device is equipped with measuring instruments that determine the friction force between the test surface and the rubber of the sled. Based on the measurements, the skid resistance can be calculated and reported as a coefficient of friction, which indicates the safety level of the surface under various conditions.

3.What are the benefits of using a Portable Skid Resistance Tester?

Using a Portable Skid Resistance Tester offers several benefits including portability, ease of use, and instant results. These testers allow for on-site evaluations, which can help in immediate decision-making regarding surface safety. They are also valuable tools for preventive maintenance, allowing officials to identify potentially hazardous areas before accidents occur. Additionally, having accurate skid resistance data aids in compliance with safety standards and regulations.

4.Where can I use a Portable Skid Resistance Tester?

A Portable Skid Resistance Tester can be used in various locations including highways, parking lots, airports, and pedestrian walkways. It is ideal for measuring skid resistance on asphalt, concrete, or any surface where traction is vital for vehicle and foot traffic. Furthermore, these testers are commonly employed by civil engineers, traffic safety auditors, and construction professionals to ensure that surfaces meet safety requirements.

5.Are there different types of Portable Skid Resistance Testers?

Yes, there are several types of Portable Skid Resistance Testers available, each designed for specific applications. Some testers are designed for manual operation, while others may be semi-automated or fully automated. Depending on the testing environment, you may find models that cater to different surfaces or provide various testing speeds. It's essential to choose a tester that aligns with your specific requirements such as ease of use, accuracy, and portability.