ASTM F3678-23

• Abstract:

  SCOPE; 1.1 This specification covers the general requirements for the 245/70R19.5 136/134M radial truck standard reference test tire SW. The tire covered by this specification is primarily for use as a reference tire for braking traction and snow traction but may also be used for other evaluations that require a reference tire. ; 1.1.1 Other standard reference test tires are also used for these purposes and are referenced in Section 2. ; 1.2 This specification provides a 19.5 rim diameter code standard truck tire design and construction, standard dimensions, and specifies the conditions of storage. ; 1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. ; 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. ; 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Nov-2023
• Technical Committee: F09 - Tires
• Drafting Committee: F09.20 - Vehicular Testing

Overview

ASTM F3678-23: Standard Specification for 245/70R19.5 136/134M Radial Truck Standard Reference Test Tire SW is an internationally recognized standard developed by ASTM International. This specification outlines the requirements for a specific radial truck tire primarily intended as a standard reference test tire (SRTT) for evaluating braking traction and snow traction of commercial vehicles. The 245/70R19.5 136/134M radial truck SRTT serves as a consistent benchmark in regulatory and test environments, supporting the comparability and repeatability of results across different tire testing applications.

Key Topics

• Reference Tire Purpose: This standard test tire is used as a control when conducting braking traction and snow traction tests to ensure data consistency.
• Standard Design and Construction: The specification details requirements relating to the 19.5-inch rim diameter, tread design, tread compound properties, and physical dimensions.
• Dimensional and Manufacturing Control: Manufacturers must ensure dimensional accuracy and minimize variability between tires. Specific parameters for tread width, section width, outside diameter, and construction are defined.
• Testing and Quality Control: Standardized test methods for durometer hardness, dissipation factor, and shear modulus are referenced to validate tread compound quality.
• Storage Conditions: Prescribed environmental conditions for the storage of the reference test tire maintain product integrity and consistency.
• Compliance with International Principles: The standard aligns with World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee requirements, enhancing its global relevance.

Applications

• Braking and Traction Testing: The 245/70R19.5 reference tire is a critical component in laboratory and field testing of commercial vehicle tires for braking and snow traction performance. Its use helps minimize variability in test methods.
• Regulatory Compliance: Authorities and organizations worldwide rely on this standard reference tire to assess compliance with international regulations related to wet grip and snow traction for Class C2 and C3 commercial vehicle tires.
• R&D and Benchmarking: Tire manufacturers and testing organizations use this SRTT to compare new tire designs, ensuring reliable and repeatable benchmark test results.
• Quality Assurance: The tire’s controlled design and manufacturing processes enable quality assurance in test programs that demand high consistency among sample tires.

Related Standards

The ASTM F3678-23 specification references and complements several other ASTM standards that cover both tire reference testing and characterization. These include:

• ASTM E867: Terminology Relating to Vehicle-Pavement Systems
• ASTM F538: Terminology Relating to Characteristics and Performance of Tires
• ASTM E1136: Specification for P195/75R14 Radial Standard Reference Test Tire
• ASTM F2493: Specification for P225/60R16 97S Radial Standard Reference Test Tire
• ASTM F2870: Specification for 315/70R22.5 154/150L Radial Truck Standard Reference Test Tire
• ASTM F2871: Specification for 245/70R19.5 136/134M Radial Truck Standard Reference Test Tire
• ASTM F2872: Specification for 225/75R16C 116/114S M+S Radial Light Truck Standard Reference Test Tire
• ASTM F3611: Specification for P225/60R16 97S Radial Low Tread Depth Standard Reference Test Tire
• ASTM F3675, F3676, F3677: Additional reference standards for radial test tires in various sizes

Practical Value

The use of the 245/70R19.5 136/134M SRTT within ASTM F3678-23 provides a uniform basis for testing and evaluating truck and commercial vehicle tires under controlled conditions. By standardizing baseline properties, dimensions, and storage, this specification ensures results are repeatable and comparable, supporting tire manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and safety organizations in their quality and compliance activities.

Keywords: ASTM F3678-23, standard reference test tire, SRTT, 245/70R19.5, truck tire testing, braking traction, snow traction, tire specification, commercial vehicle tire, tire standards.

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F3678 − 23
Standard Specification for
245/70R19.5 136/134M Radial Truck Standard Reference Test
Tire SW
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3678; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope and Rubber-Like Materials Using Vibratory Methods
E867 Terminology Relating to Vehicle-Pavement Systems
1.1 This specification covers the general requirements for
E1136 Specification for P195/75R14 Radial Standard Refer-
the 245/70R19.5 136/134M radial truck standard reference test
ence Test Tire
tire SW. The tire covered by this specification is primarily for
F538 Terminology Relating to Characteristics and Perfor-
use as a reference tire for braking traction and snow traction
mance of Tires
but may also be used for other evaluations that require a
F2493 Specification for P225/60R16 97S Radial Standard
reference tire.
Reference Test Tire
1.1.1 Other standard reference test tires are also used for
F2870 Specification for 315/70R22.5 154/150L Radial
these purposes and are referenced in Section 2.
Truck Standard Reference Test Tire
1.2 This specification provides a 19.5 rim diameter code
F2871 Specification for 245/70R19.5 136/134M Radial
standard truck tire design and construction, standard
Truck Standard Reference Test Tire
dimensions, and specifies the conditions of storage.
F2872 Specification for 225/75R16C 116/114S M+S Radial
Light Truck Standard Reference Test Tire
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical F3611 Specification for P225/60R16 97S Radial Low Tread
Depth Standard Reference Test Tire
conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for informa-
tion only and are not considered standard. F3675 Specification for 225/45R17 94H XL Radial Standard
Reference Test Tire
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
F3676 Specification for 225/45R17 94V XL Radial Standard
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Reference Test Tire
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
F3677 Specification for 315/70R22.5 154/150L Radial
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
Truck Standard Reference Test Tire SW
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
3. Terminology
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this specification, refer
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
to Terminology F538.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.2 Definitions:
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.2.1 pavement characteristic, n—physical feature or prop-
erty of a pavement surface such as type, roughness, texture,
2. Referenced Documents
and skid resistance. E867
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.2.2 pitch, n—unit of tread pattern elements used in various
D2240 Test Method for Rubber Property—Durometer Hard-
combinations to obtain optimum noise levels. F538
ness
3.2.3 standard reference test tire, SRTT, n—a tire that is
D5992 Guide for Dynamic Testing of Vulcanized Rubber
commonly used as a control tire or surface monitoring tire and
meets the requirements for one of the following Specifications:
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F09 on Tires
E1136, F2493, F2870, F2871, F2872, F3611, F3675, F3676,
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F09.20 on Vehicular Testing.
F3677, or F3678. F538
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2023. Published January 2024. DOI: 10.1520/
F3678-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 4. Design and Construction
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
4.1 The 245/70R19.5 136/134M standard reference test tire
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. SW shall feature the steel-belted radial technology, and a
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3678 − 23
and tolerances for cross section and overall diameter found in
the current ETRTO Standards Manual.
4.3 The tire used for this specification is produced by
Manufacture Francaise des Pneumatiques Michelin. The tire is
stamped on the sidewall with the words: “SRTT SW”, “Stan-
dard Reference Test Tire” and “F3678”.
5. Materials and Manufacture
5.1 The individual standard reference test tires shall con-
form to the manufacturer’s design standards.
5.2 Tread compound, fabric processing, and all the steps in
tire manufacturing shall be controlled to ensure minimum
variability between tires.
5.3 The standard reference test tire shall be as originally
molded without any tread grinding or repairs.
5.4 Since the formulation for tread compounds are
proprietary, they shall be controlled by means of their physical
properties given in Table 1. These physical properties are to be
FIG. 1 Front View of the 245/70R19.5 136/134M Radial Truck Stan-
dard Reference Test Tire SW
considered tread compound quality control parameters for use
by the SRTT manufacturer prior to tire production. These
parameters may vary when compared to samples taken from a
cured tire.
5.5 Dimensions, weights, and permissible variations are
given in Section 7.
5.6 The tire shall be of the following construction:
5.6.1 One-ply sidewall construction (steel).
5.6.2 A five-ply tread construction (one-ply steel and four
steel belts).
5.6.3 Black sidewall.
6. Physical Properties
6.1 The physical properties of the tread compound are listed
in Table 1.
7. Dimensions, Weights, and Permissible Variations
7.1 Details of dimensions are listed as follows and are
shown in Fig. 3. When targets and tolerances are not specified,
tire dimensions and weights are subject to manufacturer’s
FIG. 2 Side View of the 245/70R19.5 136/134M Radial Truck Stan- normal targets and tolerances.
dard Reference Test Tire SW
7.2 Inflated Dimensions and Cured Cord Angles (at 825 kPa
(120 psi)):
TABLE 1 Physical Properties of Tread Compound
7.2.1 The tread width shall be 210 mm (8.27 in.), and the
Dissipation factor tangent delta at -20°C 0.305 ± 0.014
cross-sectional tread radius shall be 650 mm 6 50.8 mm (25.59
Shear modulus G* at -10°C 3.01 ± 0.59 MPa (435 ± 86 psi)
A
Durometer hardness 66 ± 2 Type A
A
Measured on cured tire tread.
Available from the European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation, Avenue
d’Auderghem 22-28 Box 9 - B 1040 Brussels - Belgium, [e-mail].
The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time
is Manufacture Française des Pneumatiques Michelin, 23 place des Carmes
siped-ribbed tread design, see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, with technol-
Déchaux, 63040 Clermont-Ferrand Cédex 9, France (attn. compte-
ogy as described in Sections 5 – 7. [e-mail] – specify 245/70R19.5 136/134L Michelin truck SRTT
SW). If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to
4.2 The tire shall be designed to conform to the European
ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful conside
...