T 282 METHODS OF SAMPLING AND TESTING

Standard Method of Test for

Calibrating a Wheel Force or Torque Transducer Using a Calibration Platform (User Level)

AASHTO DESIGNATION: T 282-901

1. SCOPE1 E 274 Test Method for Skid recommended by the present standard
Resistance of Paved Surfaces cannot eliminate all error sources. Its
Using a Full Scale Tire significance is in providing an accurate
1.1 This method covers the calibration of calibration of the transducer and the
the force (or torque) transducer and E 501 Specifications for Standard
Tire for Pavement Skid- associated electronics, readout, and
associated instrumentation of a mounted recording equipment.
test wheel by using a calibration Resistance Tests
platform. It is used for establishing E 524 Specification for Smooth- 4.2 Calibration result may be used to
correction factors for changes in Tread Standard Tire for either make mechanical or electronic
transducer output due to changes in Special Purpose Pavement adjustments until the readout agrees with
operating conditions. Skid-Resistance Tests the calibration input. Alternatively,
calibration curves or tables may be
1.2 This method is a static calibration, F 377 Method for Calibration of prepared to be used as corrections to
simulating the traction force between a Braking Force for Testing of measured results.
tire and the pavement. Pneumatic Tires
1.3 In the case of a force-measuring
system, the instrumentation readout is 5. DESCRIPTION OF TERMS
3. SUMMARY OF METHOD SPECIFIC TO THIS STANDARD
directly proportional to the calibration
force input.
1.4 In the case of a torque-measuring 3.1 The vertical static loads (forces) on 5.1 Wheel Force Transducer System-A
system, the instrumentation readout is a the test wheel(s) and hitch are establi- force-to-electrical signal converter sys-
measure of the calibration force input and shed. If the tester is of the trailer type, it tem including transducer(s), associated
the effective tire radius. must be connected to its tow vehicle. signal condition, zeroing, amplifying, re-
Traction forces are applied to the locked cording, and monitoring instrumentation.
1.5 This is a major calibration standard, wheel(s) at the tire-platform interface.
and only Section 9 need be performed The wheel transducer is calibrated while 5.2 Calibration Reference Signals-
routinely (see notes in Sections 8 and 10). trailer and tow vehicle displacements are Repeatable signals in the range of
1.6 This standard may involve hazardous measured from the initial position for the expected wheel-force transducer system
materials, operations, and equipment. applied traction force. The calibration loading. These signals could either be
This standard does not purport to address platform consists of a bearing that is constant voltages or produced by a
all of the safety problems associated with frictionless in all directions of the straingage calibration shunt resistor.
its use. It is the responsibility of whoever horizontal plane supporting a rigid plate 5.3 Calibration Platform-A moving
uses this standard to consult and establish with a high friction surface. The force platform for applying a force in the
appropriate safety and health practices applied to this platform is measured by a contact plane of a tire, and associated
and determine the applicability of suitable transducer. means for measuring the applied force.
regulatory limitations prior to use. 3.2 Wheel transducer linearity and The calibration platform consists of a
hysteresis are determined from an x-y rigid plate with a high friction surface, in
chart and are correlated with the tow contact with the tire footprint, supported
2. REFERENCED DOCUMENTS on a frictionless bearing. It may also be
vehicle instrumentation. Techniques are
given for establishing reference signals to instrumented to measure vertical forces
2.1 AASHTO Standards: be used as calibration points. (loads).
M 261 Standard Tire for Pavement 3.3 With calibration platforms having 5.4 Hysteresis-The maximum difference
Frictional Property Tests force-measurement capability also it the between corresponding transducer
vertical direction, test wheel lc-w (force) outputs (of the wheel force transducer
M 286 Smooth-Tread Standard Tire
is recorded as a function of ,.,e applied system) at increasing and decreasing
for Special Purpose Pavement
tractive calibration force. applied calibration force, expressed as a
Frictional Property Tests
percentage of maximum output. Proven
T 242 Frictional Properties of Paved 3.4 With a wheel transducer also having outliers are excluded.
Surfaces Using a Full-Scale normal load (force)-measuring capability,
the transducer output is compared with 5.5 Linearirv-The maximum deviation of
Tire
the corresponding vertical output (if the transducer output(s) (of the wheel
2.2 ASTM Standards: force transducer system) from the "best-
available) of the calibration platform.
E 178 Practice for Dealing with fit" linear relation to the applied
Outlying Observations calibration force, expressed as a
4. SIGNIFICANCE AND USE percentage of full scale. Proven outliers
are excluded.
1
Except for terminology and Section 7.3, this test 5.6 Test Wheel-A wheel and test tire
method is the same as ASTM E 556-89.
4.1 Wheel force or torque transducers are
used under dynamic test conditions, and assembly mounted to a test vehicle by
the measurements are subject to many means of a force or torque transducer.
error sources. The static calibration
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T 282 METHODS OF SAMPLING AND TESTING

6. APPARATUS NOTE 1-Decoupling and weighing at the 8.2.6 Movement of test tire
hitch point may be suspended if no change in suspension(s), and
the test wheel load has occurred since the
6.1 The calibration apparatus shall previous calibration. 8.2.7 Movement of tow vehicle axle as
consist of the basic components an indication tow vehicle tire horizontal
described below, and calibrated in 7.5 Wheel Transducer-With full normal deflection (footprint shift).
accordance with Section 6.3 of ASTM F load on the test wheel and the wheel free 8.3 Increase the traction force through
377. to rotate, the wheel transducer output the force plate(s) to the test tire(s) over
should read zero (see Section 9.5 for zero the full calibration range. Measure the
6.1.1 A calibration platform for
adjustment). displacements as a function of increasing
applying tractive forces at the tire-
platform interface of a test wheel, with a 7.5.1 Force Transducer-If the output is and decreasing traction force increments
calibrated internal or external reference different from zero, adjust by either of approximately 100 lbf (445 N).
force transducer to measure these forces. rotating the transducer (if provisions for 8.4 Plot the measurements of Section 8.3
Capability of measuring vertical forces rotation have been made) or by changing showing the motion characteristics of the
(wheel loads) is also desirable. initial height, that is, tilting the trailer to system versus increasing and decreasing
orient the transducer horizontal axis traction force.
6.1.2 A system for generating traction
parallel to the calibration plane.
forces applied through the calibration
platform. 7.5.2 Torque Transducer-Correct for
9. CALIBRATION
off-zero reading, since no adjustment can
6.1.3 Instrumentation for recording or
be made.
indicating transducer outputs, including
digital voltmeters and an x-y recorder. 7.5.3 Record all measures, weights, 9.1 Determine that the calibration
and dimensions, and the trailer position platform has been suitably calibrated
6.1.4 Accurate levels, scale(s) for within a reasonable period of time (see
that gives zero transducer outputs.
measuring vertical wheel load and Section 6.1).
vertical hitch load accurate within 1 7.6 Calibration Platform and Associated
percent of maximum, a thermometer for Instrumentation-Prepare the calibration 9.2 If the test vehicle is of the trailer
measuring ambient temperature, and platform and associated instrumentation type, it should be hitched and aligned
(optionally) dial gages for measuring by following established setup with the tow vehicle. The calibration may
displacements during calibration. procedures and the manufacturer's be performed with auxiliary electrical
manuals where applicable. power for the instrumentation. In this
case after completing the calibration, the
7.7 Test Tires-Set the inflation pressure
7. PREPARATION OF system should be checked when powered
under normal vertical load (force).
APPARATUS by the vehicle electrical system with the
Inflation pressure shall be 24.0 ± 0.5 psi
engine running, to determine if the
(165.0 ± 3.5 kPa) ambient temperature
output(s) are affected. The preparations
7.1 Site-Select a sheltered, level paved (cold).
described in Section 7 shall have been
area. (A hard surface, preferably under performed.
cover, is desirable.)
8. MEASUREMENT OF 9.3 Place the test wheel(s) on the
7.2 Traction Tester Instrumentation- DISPLACEMENTS (OPTIONAL) calibration platform(s) using blocks, if
Check the test vehicle instrumentation by needed, under the other wheels to
following established set-up procedures maintain a level plane of support for all
for the system with reference to the NOTE 2-It is desirable that these
measurements be performed on new testers or system tires.
recommended procedure in the
whenever modifications or repairs are made 9.4 Record the ambient temperature.
manufacturers manual, where applicable. that may affect these displacements.
Set all gains and offsets at values Avoid calibrating under extreme hot or
NOTE 3-When the measurements are cold conditions.
normally used during friction testing.
performed, the trailer and tow vehicle shall be
Record the settings. hitched together, positioned in line, leveled 9.5 Zero the output(s) of the calibration
7.3 Tow Vehicle-Standardize the tow and prepared in accordance with Sections 7.3 platform in accordance with established
vehicle by removing all cargo not and 7.4. operating procedures. Zero the wheel
normally carried during testing, adding transducer output in accordance with
weights to simulate the crew, trimming 8.1 Place the test wheel(s) on the force Section 7.5. Warning: Make sure that
the water supply to one-half capacity, plate(s) using blocks under other wheels, wheel brakes do not drag.
maintaining gas capacity at full, and if needed, to maintain a level plane of 9.6 Align the calibration platform(s) and
setting the normal tow vehicle tire cold support for all system tires. the associated force application system(s)
inflation pressure. 8.2 Position the displacement-measuring with the test tire(s).
7.4 Test Trailer-Position the trailer devices (such as dial gages) to measure 9.7 Use external meters or x-y recorders
coupled to its tow vehicle on level the following system responses to to observe the wheel-force transducer
ground and set the trailer variables such traction force: system signals at the input to the system
as tire pressure, hitch height, inflation 8.2.1 Trailer axle rotation on roll and recorder. With full vertical load (force)
pressure of air shock absorbers where yaw axes. and zero traction force applied to the test
present, etc., to the normal operating 8.2.2 Trailer body rotation on roll and wheel(s), establisl'r calibration reference
values. Measure the hitch height from yaw axes. zero levels for all applicable channels by
level ground to the center of the hitch. monitoring, or adjusting the external
Decouple the trailer and weigh it at each 8.2.3 Trailer body translation on signal indicators, or both (for example,
point of support, maintaining its relative longitudinal, lateral, and vertical axes. balance the amplifiers, adjust the
level. Correct the weights if needed to 8.2.4 Hitch point translation on mechanical zero, and record the noload
comply with Method T 242. Recouple the longitudinal, lateral, and vertical axes. signal). With no external force on the test
trailer to the towing vehicle. 8.2.5 Change in radius of test tire(s). wheel, zero the vertical-transducer output
signal, if applicable, with the controls of
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T 282 METHODS OF SAMPLING AND TESTING

the external meter indicator and system reference signals using the data of 11.1.5 Test tires identification,
recorder. Section 9.8.) 11.1.6 Static weight at wheels and hitch,
9.8 Record the wheel transducer 9.15 Perform the calibration procedure 11.1.7 Setting of the friction tester
output(s) (horizontal traction and vertical of Section 9 for the second wheel variables,
load (force)) versus the tractive- transducer, if applicable.
calibration force input on both the system 11.1.8 Measured values H (hitch height),
recorder and the external meter while L (length from hitch to wheel center) and
increasing and decreasing the traction 10. DETERMINATION OF T (track width),
force by 100 lbf (445 N) increments OPERATING CORRECTION 11.1.9 Tow vehicle standardization
through the full calibration range. FACTORS (OPTIONAL) details,
11.1.10 Instrumentation check-out details,
NOTE 4-For a two-wheeled towed test trailer, NOTE 6-In this section some procedures are
the test wheel vertical load should decrease 11.1.11 Positions of displacement
given for determining the effect of different
linearly from the zero traction value as the factors on the calibration. These are not part of
measuring devices (make sketch) (see
applied traction force increases at a slope the regular calibration procedure. Section 8.2),
proportional to the HIL ratio of the trailer
11.1.12 Orientation of the transducer-
where H is the initial hitch height and L is the 10.1 While applying a simulated
initial hitch-to-axle length (see T 242). The sensitive axis,
trailer hitch vertical load (force) to the
non-test wheel vertical load (force) should 11.1.13 Plot of the system characteristics
remain constant at the zero traction value. The tow vehicle using the results of Section
listed in Section 8.2 versus increasing
sum of the axial force on both wheels should 7.4 and with the simulated weights of the
and decreasing traction force,
increase linearly from zero as the applied tow vehicle occupants in place, measure
traction force increases linearly at a slope that the change in hitch position with changes 11.1.14 Statement of loading conditions
varies with the specific T12L ratio of the in weight of water, fuel, and occupants. under which the readouts are zeroed,
trailer, where T is the tracking width. 11.1.15 Loading conditions under which
10.2 Conduct a wheel transducer test
NOTE 5-Some calibration platforms use ball as in Section 9.8 with the following the reference calibration points are
or roller bearing (instead of air bearings). Any applicable,
side force on the wheel under calibration will
conditions:
generate additional friction forces in the 10.2.1 Hitch up from normal to the 11.1.16 Record of the on-board and
calibration platform and cause erroneous unloaded positions. external indicator outputs of each
readings and hysteresis. transducer output versus increasing and
10.2.2 Hitch down from normal to the
decreasing traction force and vertical
9.9 Measure and record the forceplate fully loaded position.
load (force),
longitudinal displacement from zero- 10.2.3 External axial force applied at the
11.1.17 Statement of calibration values,
applied traction force to the maximum- tire-force plate interface, and
linearity, and hysteresis characteristics
applied traction force. 10.2.4 Vertical wheel loads (force) for the transducer and its associated
9.10 Establish the force values of the increased by applying 600 lb (270 kg) of readout,
calibration reference signals and the mass to the trailer body which acts
11.1.18 Correlation of external meter
linearity and hysteresis characteristics for through the center of gravity of the
output with a board recorder output,
the transducer outputs, using the data in trailer.
Section 9.8. Account for and record any 11.1.19 Report section for a second
10.3 Monitor the output of all
differences between the external meter transducer, if applicable, and
instrumentation power supplied with the
values and the system recorder values. tow vehicle engine idling and racing. 11.1.20 Remainder of operating
9.11 Determine data reduction coefficients established in Sections 9 and
10.4 Remove the wheel transducer
correction factors using the data in 10; ambient temperature range during the
from the trailer. Place it in a temperature
Section 9.8. Account for and record any calibration; and notes on calibration
controlled oven and monitor the zero load
differences from the linear correction procedures.
transducer output with the calibration
factors H/L and T/2L signal generator both connected and
9.12 Confirm that the calibration disconnected over a range of 12. FREQUENCY OF CALIBRA-
platform was calibrated through a temperatures. Let the transducer TION
displacement equal to or larger than that temperature range from 40 to 120°F (4 to
measured in Section 9.9. Note any 50°C). Let the transducer temperature
stabilize for 2 hours before each reading. 12.1 It is recognized that at times the
differences for subsequent calibration
calibration will be limited to the wheel
platform calibrations (see Section 6.1).
NOTE 7-Procedure in Section 10.4 may not transducer(s). If however, the latest
9.13 Record the wheel-transducer be feasible on all equipment. calibration differs significantly from the
vertical load (force) output and, where previous calibration, or the time between
applicable, the forceplate transducer calibrations is too long, a more complete
vertical output, on both the system 11. REPORT calibration is in order. Calibration with
recorder and the external meter while data recording should be repeated three
increasing and decreasing the vertical times if the results are consistent.
11.1 The report shall contain the
force applied at the trailer center of Abnormalities should be further
following information:
gravity by at least 20 percent of the static investigated. Once the operating
wheel load value in 100 lbf (445 N) 11.1.1 Friction-measuring system
correction factors have been determined
increments. identification,
and understood with regard to the system
9.14 Establish the linearity and 11.1.2 Wheel-transducer identification, operation. Sections 8 and 10 need be
hysteresis characteristics for the vertical 11.1.3 Date, repeated only at broad time intervals or
transducer output, if applicable, using the 11.1.4 Test equipment identification in after major changes have been made to
data in Section 9.13. (Establish the force accordance with calibration report(s), the system. For routine test to indicate
values of the vertical calibration normal system operations only, the
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T 282 METHODS OF SAMPLING AND TESTING

procedure in Section 9, with subsections 13. PRECISION AND ACCURACY 13.2 To obtain satisfactory test
9.9 and 9.11 deleted, and subsections 9.7, precision, with a system so calibrated; it
9.8, 9.10, 9.13, and 9.14 abbreviated may is recommended to conduct replicate
be sufficient. 13.1 As a rule of thumb, instrumenta- tests. The preferred method for selecting
tion accuracy should be approximately 10 the number of replicates is based on the
12.2 The calibration should be times greater than the desired accuracy of
performed at the start and completion of desired precision and on the known
the measurement. This would require the performance of the test system. When
each test series. When testing calibration to be made within 0.1 FN
continuously, calibration should be replicate tests are conducted by
(friction number). To obtain this accuracy experienced test crews and equipment is
performed at least once a month. for friction testers in the midrange of in good condition, a precision of ± 2 FN
12.3 The calibration should be measurements (that is, FN = 40) and with is readily achievable. Alternatively, a
performed whenever the measured a 4450 N (1000 lbf) vertical wheel load, fixed number of replicates (such as
friction is inconsistent with expected the accuracy would have to be ± 5 N (± 1 recommended in T 242) may be used.
values for a given test site. lbf). Such an accuracy cannot be obtained
in practice, primarily because of the
uncertain tire response. The recommen-
ded accuracy is 1 percent or better.

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