Early Results

• Zero Velocity Spreader Testing
• Infrared Thermometer Testing
• MEDCS Testing
• Winter Friction Testing

Evaluation of Tyler Zero Velocity Spreader for Increasing Vehicle Productivity

• Effective at spreading salt in windrow at up to 70 kph
• Dry or pre-wet material
• Operationally reliable
• Not effective at broadcasting winter sand at required application rates
• Not possible to vary spread width while underway

Infra-red Thermometers (IRT) as a Decision Support Tool

Temperatures reported by Sprague IRT were usually within 2 degrees C of actual surface temperatures once the device was equilibrated to outside air temperature.

IRT Plans for 1998-99

• Begin Province-wide implementation
• Evaluate Control Products IRT using same criteria

Mobile Electronic Data Collection System (MEDCS)

• TRAXIS and Compuspread systems were used to collect Global Position, vehicle speed and spreader operation data and displayed the collected data in map form.
• TRAXIS also collected IRT data.
• Monitoring of plow blade status was not successful.

Click to see larger image

Winter Friction Testing

• Two seasons operational experience with Norsemeter RUNAR prototype in partnership with Transport Canada and Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority.
• Three friction standard concepts for winter operation are under evaluation.
• Friction is being used to compare effectiveness of winter operations strategies.