US Dream Machine

April 2021

WDM USA’s first SCRIM® road survey machine is back in the UK for independent accreditation trials.

The machine, which was built by W.D.M. Limited on a US chassis to conform with emission regulations, was shipped back to Bristol for servicing prior to taking part in the trials, which confirm the reliability and reproducibility of the sideway force coefficient system and continuous data collected.

The SCRIM® recently completed its first major network survey contract in the US, collecting more than 10,000 miles of road surface friction data in Kentucky, and will return to Richmond, Virginia, in May.

For more than half a century, WDM has provided SCRIM® continuous pavement friction data collection services and equipment globally. Pavement friction management programs using SCRIM® have proven to reduce skid-related fatalities by up to 40%.

WDM USA Director Ryland Potter points out, however, that the benefits extend from there.

“Pavement friction data is an indicator of safety performance and is a critical, but often overlooked, element of systemic safety analysis. It can be used to evaluate the safety performance of roadway segments, intersections, and curves, but it can also be used to inform material selection and maintenance treatment location and prioritization. Pavement friction data can be used to define Safe Systems priorities in a way that aligns with an agency’s broader investment decisions.”

“Friction measurement,” Ryland explains, “is understanding where you are now versus where you need to be to reduce crash risk. It allows DOTs to integrate safety into asset management using a data-driven approach and to make more cost-effective decisions.”

A second, double-sided SCRIM® survey machine has also been completed and shipped to WDM USA to support the survey program.

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