Established Since 1994
RT3 Grip Brochure

If you are looking for a device to measure road friction continuously on curved, cambered or straight roads under all weather conditions, then the RT3 Curve is the solution. Ideal applications include friction measurement on freeway on/off ramps and mountainous curved roads.

The RT3 Curve is a unique self contained pivot hitched system for simple straight forward attachment. It is a cost effective, high tech, precision CFME (Continuous Friction Measurement Equipment) device.


It has been specifically designed for year round, all weather use on all types of road configurations at all times using full size treaded or smooth tires. Additionally its design allows very rapid tire development testing. It uses NEW patented technology originally developed in auto racing and is now being used to measure road surface friction in the USA, Japan, Sweden and Canada. (See “Reports”) Highly sensitive to changes in roadway surface friction values, it has a repeatability of above 98%.



Request a Quote Technical Specifications Request a Quote RT3 Flight Technical Specifications

RT3 Grip
DESCRIPTION USES WHY CHOOSE THE RT3 CURVE? SPECIFICATIONS RT3 CURVE WITH WATER
RT3 Curve
The RT3 Curve is a 3 wheel system with two measuring wheels and one supporting center wheel which acts as ballast weight to each side wheel when raised. The RT3 Curve can be attached to a vehicle capable of accepting a tow hitch weight of 600lb (273kg) – in the USA considered a class III tow hitch.
RT3 Curve
The data is relayed continuously to an in cab control panel for immediate operator surface friction awareness and can be simultaneously fed to a laptop which gathers the friction and distance traveled. The data can also be directed to a remote web site, via a mobile device (PDA or laptop) if desired. Unique to the RT3 design, friction is measured at a very low slip angle of 1.5 degrees – this results in a very low energy loss at the contact patch. As a result of this design the tire life is in excess of 2500 miles (4022kms) when used on a high friction surface without the addition of water, for example in winter conditions. The RT3 is therefore uniquely equipped for summer and winter use.
RT3 Curve
GENERAL ROAD USE
  • Measurement of winter maintenance processes & contractor performance
  • All weather road friction Mu determination
  • Accident reconstruction surface friction measurement
  • Any two tires can be used in the outboard measurement position to compare surface and/or tire interaction with that surface
  • The RT3 Curve is specifically designed for year round, all weather use on straight, curved or cambered road surfaces using full size treaded or smooth tires.
    • Tire Development
  • Tire company product development testing for tire tread, compound and construction design
  • Tire contact load at road surface can be altered by changing the number of ballast plates at each test wheel
  • Toe alignment (slip) angle is readily & accurately changeable at each test wheel bearing
  • Max. test tire diameter = 965mm (38.0”)
    Max Test tire sidewall width = 279mm (11.0”)
RT3 Curve
  1. Friction can be measured on any road type curved or straight, in all weather conditions
  2. An economic alternative to older technologies.
  3. Highly sensitive Mu value readings give a clearer picture of road surface friction levels
  4. Repeatability above 98% with sensitivity of measurement
  5. Ruggedly designed for all season use including stainless steel construction
  6. Single high resolution load cell is mechanically protected from overload
  7. Unique design allows effective non water, continuous winter use on high & low friction surfaces
  8. Uncomplicated design with minimal moving parts requires low maintenance
  9. Hard wired electronics for reliable performance.
  10. Can use a variety of tire sizes for testing purposes
  11. Data can be collected on an in cab lap top and can be directed to another location simultaneously
  12. Additionally, if required, can be supplied with a precision designed & manufactured HTI water system
  13. Simple calibration requirement
  14. 12 month warranty
  15. Designed and manufactured in the USA
  16. QUALITY – RELIABILITY - ACCURACY !!!
  • Approximate length behind vehicle 65.6” (1666mm)
  • Maximum width 57.6” (1463mm)
  • Maximum height 42.74” (1086mm)
  • RT3 measurement wheel size 15” dia x 6.0” width (381mm x 152mm)
  • Trailer wheel size 14.0” dia x 5.5” width (356mm x 138mm)
RT3 Curve
The RT3 Curve can be fitted with any tire type as well as any smooth tire like the ASTM 524 tire used on the RT3 Flight and additionally a precision water system using two E274 hydraulically retractable nozzles. The pumps are electrically driven and flow rates are monitored by very accurate in line flow sensors. All water flow rate control is achieved using the solid state control module which allows the user to choose a variety of flow rates. The large primary tank feeds two 15 gallon collector tanks housing the electrical pumps. All water system fittings are stainless steel.