Measurement method is the new standard for the future

The Netherlands' road network, with some 135,470 km of public roads, is one of the most densely branched road networks in the world. It is of great importance that this road network is safe and remains safe. And that safety is not measured after the fact, but preventively, they believe at GRiP Road Inspection.

With analyzing the road surface as its specialty, GRiP focuses on making Dutch traffic safer. "We offer road inspections, but actually we market safety," says Rogier van Diepen, co-founder and director of GRiP. The sixteen years of experience Van Diepen previously gained in road construction serve him well.

Prime

"In 2014 we already knew that the Netherlands was going to switch to a European measurement system, so we immediately started looking into that. When RWS actually made the switch to this uniform measurement system in 2015, we were able to immediately apply and implement the new way of measuring and all the knowledge already gathered about road surfaces. Thus, GRiP became the first party that could and was allowed to work according to the new way of measuring." Van Diepen continues: "This new way of measuring is the SideWay Force (SWF) method. Because you always measure the right-hand lane in the right-hand lane, you are not hindered by median barriers, curbs and verges and you measure precisely where the wear is." GRiP has developed a special SWF truck that tests the skid resistance of existing asphalt and concrete roads. The first in 2015 because it was the first approved SWF truck in the Netherlands!

SWF method

How it works. "On the right side of the SWF truck there is a fifth, treadless (empty) tire, called the measuring wheel. During a meeting, water is sprayed in front of this tire, creating a layer of water on the asphalt that this fifth wheel tries to find grip on. Using sophisticated cameras and sensors, the experts in the cab test the roughness of the road surface. Defects in asphalt and concrete are quickly identified and accurately recorded. Extensive analysis is followed by clear short- and long-term advice, often resulting in cost savings for the road authority because emergency repairs can be avoided. But above all, the prevention of accidents caused by an unsafe road surface is what we aim for!"

Visualize

"Customers are satisfied with the team's professionalism, the application of modern measurement equipment and our clear reports." To make everything even more transparent, GRiP has further developed the elaboration of the measurement data and the measurements are projected in Google Earth. The measurement results are quick and easy to view digitally online." Van Diepen concludes, "Our message to road managers is clear: measuring is knowing. That way you keep control of the quality of the road in advance."