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Development of Deceleration-Based Friction Prediction Models and Methods on Semi-Prepared Runway Surfaces

Date and Time: Monday, July 24: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Grand Ballroom C

 

Lead Presenter: Andrew Ward

Research Physicist, U.S. Army ERDC

Speaker Biography

Andrew Ward is a Research Physicist at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center in Vicksburg, MS. Mr. Ward's research focuses on the novel measurement of friction and roughness on paved and unpaved surfaces. Mr. Ward's work also encompasses the remote assessment of bomb-damaged airfield surfaces and unexploded ordnance detection.

Co-Authors 

Presentation Description/Paper Summary

Both civilian and military airfield managers require the safe operation of aircraft on runway surfaces.  It has been shown in numerous research efforts that surface friction is an excellent indicator of runway condition.  While a great deal of work has been done to quantify safe runway conditions for landing and takeoff operations on rigid and flexible pavement structures, limited research exists to extend such efforts to soil-based or semi-prepared runways.  The objective of this research effort was to develop deceleration-based surface friction prediction models on unpaved surfaces with varied moisture conditions and soil types.  Surface friction, in this study, was quantified using the Findlay Irvine Mk2-D GripTester.  Deceleration was measured using four smartphone inertial measurement units (IMUs), one Bowmonk IMU, and one Xsens IMU.  Tests were conducted in three ground vehicles:  high-mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV), civilian ½-ton pickup truck, and civilian full-size sport utility vehicle (SUV).   The various deceleration-based devices tested here adequately correlate (coefficient of determination > 0.6) to Mk2-D GripTester measurements collected on unpaved soil runways.  The models and measurement methods detailed here are of considerable use to semi-prepared runway airfield managers around the world needing to measure safe landing conditions following inclement weather.

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