Vehicle Traction Performance on Snowy and Icy Surfaces

Abstract

Snow and ice have been considered the main factors that contribute to reduced vehicle traction forces and potential traffic accidents during winter. To increase a vehicle's traction on snow and icy surfaces, studded and nonstudded winter tires have been used in cold regions. However, the use of studded tires causes significant pavement damage, such as accelerated pavement rutting and pavement marking damage. Since spring 1994, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities has asked the Transportation Research Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks to conduct a series of research studies related to vehicle traction performance on snow and icy surfaces in Alaska. One of the studies conducted in 1995 is summarized. The main objectives of the study were to evaluate (a) traction performance of used winter tires on roadways, (b) traction performance comparison of lightweight studded tires with other winter tires, (c) traction performance of vehicles with two front studded tires, and (d) effects of vehicle type on traction performance. Field tests were conducted on traveled roadways and in parking lots. The main traction performance measurements included stopping distances, maximum stopping deceleration forces, time necessary to reach a certain speed, and maximum starting acceleration forces.