An experimental program to measure braking characteristics
developed under emergency braking conditions by ABS-equipped
vehicles was designed and performed. Variables examined included
initial braking speed, vehicle type, tire pressure and data
recording equipment utilized. All experiments were conducted on a
closed airport taxiway constructed of sharp, brushed and heavily
striated concrete. Tests were conducted with and without activated
ABS systems on the test vehicles.
Results showed that (1) with the ABS activated, faint roadway
markings were visible only under a very few special circumstances,
(2) tire/road μ-values and corresponding deceleration values varied
only slightly for differing speeds and ABS conditions, (3) tire
pressure made little difference in limited test results, and (4)
there were differences in recorded results depending on the
equipment used for data acquisition.