TRACKS

Testing and Certification

Track Surface Testing Services

The pavement surfaces at test tracks, proving grounds, and motorsports facilities are a valuable and important asset. Ensuring success on a fixed budget leaves no room for error—the project must be done right the first time.

We provide a wide range of track surface test services. We’re also ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited for ISO 10844 and UNECE R117 conformity measurements, further demonstrating our technical competence and adherence to international quality standards for mechanical testing.

Measurement and Certification

We provide acceptance testing of new test tracks and periodic checking of existing tracks at intervals required by the relevant standards. We provide ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited conformity testing to the current ISO 10844:2021 standard and prior ISO 10844:2014, ISO 10844:2011, and ISO 10844:1994 versions of the standard. We also provide accredited test services for certifying Wet Traction Lanes and Wet Braking Lanes in accordance with UN ECE Regulation 117 (UNECE R117). Finally, we provide accredited measurements to certify track conformance to a myriad of regulations and tests standards including those for braking, ADAS, and coastdown (fuel economy).

For surface texture

Many surfaces require surface texture measurements including those certified to ISO 10844 and UN ECE R117. Our most frequently used surface profiler called RoboTex adheres to Class DE of ISO 13473-3, characterization of pavement texture by use of surface profiles. RoboTex is a laser-based texture profiling device that scans along the entire length of the track. We provide specialized measurements of microtexture using a high resolution laser-based system. And finally, accredited texture measurements using “sand patch” in accordance with ISO 10844:1994 Appendix A, EN 13036-1, and ASTM E965.

For irregularities, profile, IRI, and megatexture

Most tracks including automotive test tracks and motorsports tracks should be smooth! Our testing services and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 includes accreditation for testing evenness. We provide straightedge testing in accordance with EN 13036-7. We also use both inclinometer and laser-based profilers according to ASTM E950, EN 13036-5. These results can be used for calculating International Roughness Index (IRI) or also megatexture according to ISO 13473-5 and EN 13036-6.

For Sound Absorption

ISO 10844 testing requires an impedance tube device meeting ISO 13472-2, measurement of sound absorption properties of road surfaces in situ. We use a two-microphone method for acoustical absorption. The measurement is conducted in-situ, without the need for extracting core samples and the associated patching repairs.

Our Track Testing Solutions​

We utilize state-of-the-art testing equipment and industry-proven methodologies to comprehensively evaluate and enhance track surfaces for compliance with SAE, UNECE, EPA, NHTSA and national and other international standards. Our rigorous assessments ensure surfaces meet or exceed stringent requirements for safety, consistency, and performance across multiple regulatory frameworks.

The tests we offer cover everything from braking systems to noise levels, and each requires specific surface conditions to yield accurate results.

Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) tests are widely recognized in the automotive industry. These tests cover a broad range of vehicle characteristics, including:

  • Braking performance on various gradients
  • Fuel economy measurement
  • Vehicle dynamics and handling
  • Noise level assessment
  • Tire performance evaluation

SAE tests often require precise surface conditions, such as specific grades, pavement friction coefficients, and surface uniformity.

We offer testing to certify test surfaces for:

  • SAE J201: In-service brake performance test procedure passenger-car and light-duty truck
  • SAE J229: Service brake structural integrity test procedure – passenger car
  • SAE J266: Steady-state directional control test procedures for passenger cars and light trucks.
  • SAE J293: Truck and bus grade parking performance requirements
  • SAE J294: Service brake structural integrity test procedure – vehicles over 4500 kg (10000 pounds) GVWR
  • SAE J360: Truck and bus grade parking performance test procedure
  • SAE J366: Exterior sound level for heavy trucks and buses
  • SAE J377: Vehicular traffic sound signaling devices (horns)
  • SAE J966: Test procedure for measuring passenger car tire revolutions per mile
  • SAE J986: Sound level for passenger cars and light trucks
  • SAE J1082: Fuel economy measurement road test procedure
  • SAE J1096: Measurement of exterior sound levels for heavy trucks under stationary conditions
  • SAE J1247: Simulated mountain-brake performance test procedure
  • SAE J1263: Road load measurement and dynamometer simulation using coastdown techniques
  • SAE J1452: Trailer grade parking performance test procedure
  • SAE J1470: Measurement of noise emitted by accelerating highway vehicles
  • SAE J1476: Parking brake structural integrity test procedure vehicles over 4500 kg (10 000 lb) GVWR—truck and bus
  • SAE J1477: Measurement of interior sound levels of light vehicles
  • SAE J1491: Vehicle acceleration measurement
  • SAE J1492: Measurement of light vehicle stationary exhaust system sound level engine speed sweep method
  • SAE J1505: Brake force distribution test procedure – trucks and buses
  • SAE J1578: Motorcycle side stand retraction test procedure
  • SAE J1626: Recommended practice for braking, stability, and control performance test procedure for air-brake-equipped truck-tractor
  • SAE J1729: Parking brake drawbar pull test procedure – truck and bus
  • SAE J1846: Characterizing a test surface for motorcycle side stand retraction performance testing
  • SAE J2014: Pneumatic tire/wheel/runflat assembly qualifications for military tactical wheeled vehicles
  • SAE J2118: Braking performance – asphalt pavers
  • SAE J2263: Road load measurement using onboard anemometry and coastdown techniques
  • SAE J2536: Anti-lock brake system (abs) road test evaluation procedure for trucks, truck-tractors and buses
  • SAE J2604: Recommended test procedure for powered gas brake control systems
  • SAE J2624: Comprehensive lining evaluation – vehicle
  • SAE J2664: Trailer sway response test procedure
  • SAE J2805: Measurement of noise emitted by accelerating road vehicles
  • SAE J2825: Measurement of exhaust sound pressure levels of stationary on-highway motorcycles
  • SAE J2889: Measurement of minimum noise emitted by road vehicles
  • SAE J2945: Requirements for road weather applications
  • SAE J2978: Truck and bus coastdown procedure
  • SAE J3029: Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking test procedure and minimum performance requirements – truck and bus
  • SAE J3069: Adaptive driving beam
  • SAE J3087: Automatic emergency braking (aeb) system performance testing
  • SAE J3240: Passenger vehicle lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, and lane centering assistance systems test procedure

Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) regulations are internationally recognized standards for vehicle safety and environmental protection.

ECE tests include:

  • Braking system evaluation
  • Noise emission measurement
  • Tire performance assessment
  • Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) testing

Many ECE tests specify the use of ISO 10844 surfaces, which have strict requirements for texture, sound absorption, and flatness.

We offer testing to certify test surfaces for:

  • ECE GTR 2: WMTC
  • ECE GTR 8: Electronic stability control systems
  • ECE GTR 15: Worldwide harmonized light vehicles test procedures (WLTP)
  • ECE GTR 16: Tyres
  • ECE R9: Noise of three-wheeled vehicles
  • ECE R13: Heavy vehicle braking
  • ECE R13-H: Braking of passenger cars
  • ECE R41: Noise emissions of motorcycles
  • ECE R51: Noise of M and N categories of vehicles
  • ECE R63: Noise emissions of mopeds
  • ECE R78: Braking (category L vehicles)
  • ECE R117: Tyres, rolling resistance, rolling noise and wet grip
  • ECE R131: Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS)
  • ECE R138: Quiet Road Transport Vehicles (QRTV)
  • ECE R140: Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Systems
  • ECE R152: Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS)
  • ECE R154: Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP)

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tests are crucial for evaluating vehicle emissions, fuel economy, and performance under various conditions. These tests are designed to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and assess the overall environmental impact of vehicles.

Key aspects of EPA tests include:

  • Vehicle emissions assessment
  • Fuel economy measurement
  • Coastdown performance evaluation

We offer testing to certify test surfaces for:

  • EPA CD-15-04: Vehicle road-load force and dynamometer settings.
  • EPA 40 CFR 1037.528 (Coastdown): Coastdown procedures for calculating drag area (CDA) for heavy-duty vehicles, specifically tractors
  • EPA 40 CFR 1066 (Subpart D): Coastdown procedures for determining road-load forces for vehicles

European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) tests focus on vehicle safety ratings. Key test categories include:

  • Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
  • Lane Support Systems (LSS)
  • Speed Assist Systems (SAS)

These tests demand consistent surface conditions with specific friction coefficients and minimal irregularities to ensure accurate sensor readings.

We offer testing to certify test surfaces for:

  • Euro NCAP AEB 1.0 (Jul 2013): Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) car-to-car test procedures
  • Euro NCAP AEB C2C 3.0.3 (Apr 2021): Autonomous Emergency Braking ( AEB) car-to-car test procedures
  • Euro NCAP AEB C2C 4.3.1 (Feb 2024): Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) systems in car-to-car scenarios
  • Euro NCAP AEB VRU 3.0.4 (Apr 2021): Autonomous emergency braking (aeb) testing protocol for vulnerable road users (VRU)
  • Euro NCAP AEB/LSS VRU 4.0.0 (Jun 2021): Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and lane support systems (LSS) testing protocol for vulnerable road users (VRU)
  • Euro NCAP AEB/LSS VRU 4.5.1 (Feb 2024): Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and lane support systems (LSS) testing protocol for vulnerable road users (VRU)
  • Euro NCAP LSS 3.0.2 (Jul 2019): Lane Support Systems (LSS) testing protocol
  • Euro NCAP LSS 4.3 (Dec 2023): Lane Support Systems (LSS) testing protocol
  • Euro NCAP SAS 2.0 (Nov 2017): Safety Assist Systems (SAS) testing protocol

Green NCAP evaluates the environmental impact of vehicles. Their tests include:

  • Driving resistance measurement
  • Energy efficiency assessment
  • Emissions testing

Green NCAP tests require precise road conditions to accurately measure vehicle performance and emissions.

We offer testing to certify test surfaces for:

  • Green NCAP Driving Resistance: Driving resistance test procedure

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) are U.S. regulations that specify performance requirements for motor vehicles. FMVSS tests cover:

  • Brake system performance
  • Electronic stability control
  • Tire pressure monitoring systems

These tests often require specific surface characteristics, including grade, friction, and uniformity.

We offer testing to certify test surfaces for:

  • FMVSS TP105: Hydraulic and electric brake systems
  • FMVSS TP114: Theft protection and rollaway prevention
  • FMVSS TP121: Air brake systems
  • FMVSS TP122: Motorcycle brake systems
  • FMVSS TP126: Electronic stability control (ESC) systems
  • FMVSS TP135: Light vehicle brake systems
  • FMVSS TP136: Electronic stability control (ESC) systems on heavy vehicles
  • FMVSS TP141: Minimum sound requirements for hybrid and electric vehicles
  • FMVSS TP500: Low-speed vehicles (LSVS)

Technical Information

Our Tracks Services

ISO10844 brochure

ISO 10844:2011 exterior noise test track standard

As the ECE and other regulations worldwide continue to evolve, the ISO 10844:2011 exterior noise test track standard will be an important component of vehicle and tire noise testing in the coming years. Tracks that had previously complied with the 1994 version of the standard are not necessarily conforming to the new standard, which has led to many owners to seek out resurfacing projects.

Read the paper →

ISO 10844:2021 changes and benefits

This document outlines the key technical changes and benefits of ISO 10844:2021, which introduces updated measurement methods and specifications for test tracks used in vehicle noise testing.

See the document →

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