Analyzing laboratory skid resistance test using finite element modeling

Abstract

This research examines the performance of the British pendulum tester which is widely used to measure skid resistance of pavement surfaces. A finite element model was developed to simulate the British pendulum test and offers a useful tool to analyze the behavior of the device as well as to address the key issues associated with it. The study also explores the feasibility of representing the physical testing with finite element simulation so that laboratories that do not own the device can also determine the British pendulum values of pavement materials. Experimental work and finite element simulation was conducted to address three key issues associated with the British pendulum test, namely, effects of test surface curvature, effects of slider wear as well as unreliable test behavior on coarse-textured surfaces. The model was also used to develop an improved test setup to overcome some of the limitations of the device.