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 17025:201 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: Evaluates vehicle performance on steep grades, requiring a 15% grade with a 12-foot lane width.
  • SAE J229: Assesses vehicle dynamics on near-level surfaces, with a maximum 1% grade requirement.
  • SAE J266: Measures vehicle handling characteristics, necessitating a surface with less than 2% gradient in any direction.
  • SAE J293: Tests vehicle performance on steep inclines, using a 20% grade.
  • SAE J294: Evaluates braking performance on high-friction surfaces, requiring a grade of no more than 1% and a peak friction coefficient (PFC) of 0.9.
  • SAE J360: Assesses vehicle performance on steep grades, using a 20% concrete or equivalent surface.
  • SAE J366: Measures automotive radar performance, requiring a surface free of large reflecting objects.
  • SAE J377: Evaluates vehicle noise levels, using surfaces that meet ISO 10844 or specific acoustic absorption requirements.
  • SAE J986: Assesses vehicle stability, requiring a flat surface within ±0.05 m elevation.
  • SAE J1082: Measures fuel consumption, using a surface with less than 1% grade and specific elevation requirements.
  • SAE J1092: Evaluates vehicle aerodynamics, requiring a 2-mile, level, straight surface with consistent construction.
  • SAE J1096: Assesses vehicle noise levels, using non-porous surfaces free of large reflecting objects.
  • SAE J1247: Measures exhaust sound levels, requiring a surface with less than 1% grade.
  • SAE J1263: Evaluates road load force, using a surface with less than 0.5% grade.
  • SAE J1452: Tests heavy vehicle braking, requiring a grade equal to or greater than specified in J293.
  • SAE J1470: Measures vehicle noise, potentially using ISO 10844 surfaces.
  • SAE J1476: Assesses heavy vehicle braking, using surfaces specified in J293.
  • SAE J1477: Evaluates exhaust brake performance, requiring hard, smooth surfaces free of large reflecting objects.
  • SAE J1491: Measures vehicle deceleration, using surfaces with less than 0.5% grade.
  • SAE J1492: Assesses exhaust sound levels, requiring hard surfaces free from large reflecting objects.
  • SAE J1505: Evaluates brake system performance, using surfaces with less than 1% grade in all directions.
  • SAE J1578: Measures tire wet traction, requiring specific Carpet Sled Ratio measurements at select locations.
  • SAE J1626: Assesses vehicle braking, requiring a 12-foot wide lane with 0.9 PFC and less than 1% grade.
  • SAE J1729: Evaluates tire traction using the Carpet Sled Ratio test procedure.
  • SAE J1846: Measures tire wet traction, requiring a surface with less than 1% slope.
  • SAE J2014: Assesses accelerator control systems, using 20% and 30% grades with specific requirements.
  • SAE J2118: Evaluates occupant containment in bus rollovers, requiring a straight, hard-surfaced road with less than 0.5% grade.
  • SAE J2263: Measures road load and fuel consumption, requiring a surface with less than 1% grade and specific PFC values.
  • SAE J2536: Assesses vehicle dynamics, referencing FMVSS TP 135 S6.2 surface requirements.
  • SAE J2604: Evaluates brake assist systems, using dry surfaces with less than 1% grade.
  • SAE J2624: Measures tire/pavement noise, using ISO 10844:2014 surfaces.
  • SAE J2664: Measures tire/pavement noise, using ISO 10844:2014 surfaces.
  • SAE J2805: Evaluates backup alarm systems, requiring level surfaces without nearby curbs.
  • SAE J2825: Measures exhaust sound levels for motorcycles, using ISO 10844 surfaces.
  • SAE J2889: Assesses exterior sound levels of quiet vehicles, requiring surfaces with less than 0.2% longitudinal slope.
  • SAE J2945: Evaluates V2X performance, using consistent surfaces with less than 5% cross slope.
  • SAE J2978: Measures road load power, requiring surfaces with specific International Roughness Index (IRI) values.
  • SAE J3029: Evaluates forward collision warning systems, using surfaces with 0-1% slope and 0.9 PFC.
  • SAE J3069: Assesses blind spot detection systems, requiring surfaces with less than 0.5% slope.
  • SAE J3087: Evaluates automatic emergency braking, using surfaces with 0-1% slope and specific friction characteristics.
  • SAE J3240: Assesses test track road load measurement, requiring surfaces with specific slope and texture characteristics.

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: Evaluates motorcycle emissions, using surfaces with less than 1% longitudinal slope.
  • ECE GTR 8: Assesses electronic stability control systems, requiring surfaces with 0-1% slope and specific friction characteristics.
  • ECE GTR 15: Measures worldwide harmonized light vehicle test procedures, using ISO 10844 surfaces.
  • ECE GTR 16: Evaluates tire performance, requiring surfaces with less than 2% gradient and specific texture characteristics.
  • ECE R9: Assesses vehicle braking, using surfaces with specific adhesion properties.
  • ECE R13: Evaluates heavy vehicle braking, requiring surfaces with 0-1% slope and specific friction characteristics.
  • ECE R13-H: Assesses passenger car braking, using surfaces with 0-1% slope and specific friction properties.
  • ECE R41: Measures motorcycle noise, using ISO 10844 surfaces.
  • ECE R51: Evaluates vehicle noise, requiring ISO 10844 surfaces.
  • R63: Assesses moped noise emissions, using ISO 10844 surfaces.
  • R78: Evaluates motorcycle and moped braking, requiring surfaces with specific gradient and friction properties.
  • ECE R117: Assesses tire rolling sound emissions, wet grip, and rolling resistance, using ISO 10844 surfaces.
  • ECE R131: Evaluates advanced emergency braking systems, requiring surfaces with 0-1% slope.
  • ECE R138: Assesses quiet road transport vehicle acoustic characteristics, using ISO 10844 surfaces.
  • ECE R140: Evaluates electronic stability control systems, requiring surfaces with 0-1% slope and specific friction properties.
  • ECE R152: Assesses advanced emergency braking systems, using surfaces with 0-1% slope and specific friction characteristics.
  • ECE R154: Evaluates worldwide harmonized light vehicle test procedures, requiring surfaces with specific slope and texture properties.

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: Assesses vehicle emissions, requiring surfaces with less than 0.5% grade and minimal road crown.
  • EPA 40 CFR 1037.528 (Coastdown): Evaluates vehicle coastdown performance, allowing grades exceeding 0.5% for limited portions.
  • EPA 40 CFR 1066 (Subpart D): Assesses vehicle emissions and fuel economy, allowing grades exceeding 0.5% with specific requirements.

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): Evaluates autonomous emergency braking, requiring surfaces with 0-1% slope and specific friction properties.
  • Euro NCAP AEB C2C 3.0.3 (Apr 2021): Assesses car-to-car autonomous emergency braking, using surfaces with 0-1% slope and specific friction characteristics.
  • Euro NCAP AEB C2C 4.3.1 (Feb 2024): Updated car-to-car AEB test, requiring surfaces similar to the 3.0.3 version.
  • Euro NCAP AEB VRU 3.0.4 (Apr 2021): Evaluates AEB for vulnerable road users, using surfaces with 0-1% slope and specific friction properties.
  • Euro NCAP AEB/LSS VRU 4.0.0 (Jun 2021): Assesses AEB and lane support systems for vulnerable road users, requiring surfaces similar to AEB VRU 3.0.4.
  • Euro NCAP AEB/LSS VRU 4.5.1 (Feb 2024): Updated AEB and LSS test for vulnerable road users, using surfaces with requirements similar to previous versions.
  • Euro NCAP LSS 3.0.2 (Jul 2019): Evaluates lane support systems, requiring surfaces with specific slope and friction characteristics.
  • Euro NCAP LSS 4.3 (Dec 2023): Updated lane support system test, using surfaces with requirements similar to LSS 3.0.2.
  • Euro NCAP SAS 2.0 (Nov 2017): Assesses speed assist systems, requiring surfaces with gradients not exceeding 2%.

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: Evaluates vehicle energy efficiency, requiring surfaces with specific slope and texture characteristics similar to ECE R154.

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: Assesses hydraulic and electric brake systems, requiring surfaces with less than 1% grade and specific friction properties.
  • FMVSS TP114: Evaluates theft protection, using surfaces with 9-15% grades.
  • FMVSS TP121: Assesses air brake systems, requiring surfaces with 1% grade and 20% grade sections.
  • FMVSS TP122: Evaluates motorcycle brake systems, using surfaces with specific gradient and friction properties.
  • FMVSS TP126: Assesses electronic stability control systems, requiring surfaces with 0-1% slope and specific friction characteristics.
  • FMVSS TP135: Evaluates light vehicle brake systems, using surfaces with less than 1% grade in the testing direction.
  • FMVSS TP136: Assesses electronic stability control systems for heavy vehicles, requiring surfaces with 0-1% slope.
  • FMVSS TP141: Evaluates minimum sound requirements for hybrid and electric vehicles, using ISO 10844 surfaces.
  • FMVSS TP500: Assesses rear impact guards and protection, requiring surfaces with specific gradient and friction properties.

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: 2014 vs. 2011

ISO 10844 was last republished in 2014. This comparison by Douglas Moore shows the changes in the 2014 version compared to the 2011 version.

See the comparison →

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