ASTM F457-04(2017)

Standard Test Method for Speed and Distance Calibration of Fifth Wheel Equipped With Either Analog or Digital Instrumentation

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method may be used for calibration of speed and distance measurement systems used on tire test vehicles and tire test trailers, or any land-based vehicle that contacts the road and that uses a trailing-wheel system for measurement of speed and distance. This test method applies only to hard, dry, smooth surfaces and is not accurate for highly curved vehicle paths. This test method does not encompass optical types of devices.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of vehicle speed and cumulative distance traveled using a device termed a fifth wheel and using appropriate associated instrumentation.  
1.2 This test method also describes the calibration technique applicable to digital or analog speed and distance measurement systems employing a fifth wheel.  
1.3 The values stated in SI (millimetre-kilogram) units are to be regarded as the 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific precautionary statements, see Section 7.  
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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2017
• ICS: 43.020 - Road vehicles in general
• Technical Committee: F09 - Tires
• Drafting Committee: F09.10 - Equipment, Facilities and Calibration

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F457-04(2010) - Standard Test Method for Speed and Distance Calibration of Fifth Wheel Equipped With Either Analog or Digital Instrumentation
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017
• Refers: ASTM F538-09 - Standard Terminology Relating to the Characteristics and Performance of Tires
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2009
• Refers: ASTM F538-03 - Standard Terminology Relating to the Characteristics and Performance of Tires
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2003
• Refers: ASTM F1082-00(2000) - Standard Practice for Tires-Determining Precision for Test Method Standards (Withdrawn 2006)
• Effective Date: 10-May-2000
• Refers: ASTM F538-99 - Standard Terminology Relating to the Characteristics and Performance of Tires
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-1999
• Referred By: ASTM F1649-20 - Standard Test Methods for Evaluating Wet Braking Traction Performance of Passenger Car Tires on Vehicles Equipped with Anti-Lock Braking Systems
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017
• Referred By: ASTM F408-21 - Standard Test Method for Tires for Wet Traction in Straight-Ahead Braking, Using a Towed Trailer
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017
• Referred By: ASTM F559-05(2017) - Standard Test Method for Measuring Length of Road Test Courses Using a Fifth Wheel
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017
• Referred By: ASTM F1572-21 - Standard Test Methods for Tire Performance Testing on Snow and Ice Surfaces
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017
• Referred By: ASTM F762/F762M-08(2020)e1 - Standard Test Method for Determining Change in Groove (or Void) Depth With Distance Traveled for Passenger Car Tires
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017

Overview

ASTM F457-04(2017) is the international standard test method for the calibration of speed and distance measurement systems that use a fifth wheel equipped with either analog or digital instrumentation. Developed by ASTM International, this standard provides a structured approach for determining vehicle speed and cumulative distance using a trailing-wheel system. It is widely used for the calibration of measurement devices on tire test vehicles, tire test trailers, and other land-based vehicles where accurate speed and distance data are essential.

This standard is applicable specifically to hard, dry, smooth surfaces and is not intended for use on highly curved vehicle paths. It does not cover optical measurement systems, focusing solely on fifth wheel-based technologies. The test method ensures measurement accuracy through rigorous calibration procedures, helping users achieve reliable results for vehicle testing and product development.

Key Topics

• Fifth Wheel Calibration: Guidance for setting up, calibrating, and verifying fifth wheel systems, including installation and operational checks.
• Measurement Systems: Distinctions between analog and digital instrumentation for fifth wheel applications, including system components like signal transducers and display devices.
• Calibration Procedures: Step-by-step instructions for calibrating both speed and distance outputs, ensuring traceability to recognized standards such as those from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
• Precision and Bias: Assessment of measurement uncertainty, repeatability, and bias at different speed ranges, providing users with important quality metrics.
• Instrumentation Requirements: Specifications for tires, pressure accuracy, readout increments, and mechanical integrity of the fifth wheel assembly to ensure consistent contact and minimal maintenance.
• Safety Guidelines: Recommendations for safe operation and maintenance, including inspection protocols and the use of safety chains.

Applications

The ASTM F457-04(2017) standard delivers significant value across a range of vehicle testing and calibration scenarios, including:

• Tire Testing: Ensures the accuracy of speed and distance data on tire test vehicles and trailers, which is critical for evaluating tire performance.
• Automotive Engineering: Supports calibration of onboard measurement systems used in vehicle prototyping, research, and development.
• Proving Grounds & Test Tracks: Used by facilities assessing vehicle dynamics, braking, and other road-based performance metrics.
• Quality Assurance: Facilitates regular verification and adjustment of speed and distance recorders, supporting compliance with regulatory and internal quality standards.
• Instrumented Vehicle Fleets: Helps in calibrating and maintaining precision of logging devices in fleets conducting roadworthiness or fuel efficiency studies.

By adhering to this standard, organizations can ensure reliable, repeatable, and traceable vehicle speed and distance measurements, reducing data variability and enhancing test confidence.

Related Standards

For comprehensive implementation and further reference, consider these related ASTM documents:

• ASTM F538: Terminology relating to the characteristics and performance of tires, providing essential definitions used throughout F457.
• Withdrawn ASTM F1082: Practice for determining precision in tire test method standards (reference for understanding test variation and terminology).

ASTM F457-04(2017) aligns with internationally recognized standardization principles as set by the World Trade Organization’s Technical Barriers to Trade Committee, supporting global consistency in test practices for speed and distance calibration using fifth wheel systems. For more information on accessing or applying this standard, visit the ASTM International website.

Standards Content (Sample)

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: F457 − 04 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Test Method for
Speed and Distance Calibration of Fifth Wheel Equipped
With Either Analog or Digital Instrumentation
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationF457;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyearoforiginal
adoptionor,inthecaseofrevision,theyearoflastrevision.Anumberinparenthesesindicatestheyearoflastreapproval.Asuperscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4. Summary of Test Method
1.1 This test method covers the determination of vehicle 4.1 Vehicle speed and distance determinations are made by
speed and cumulative distance traveled using a device termed use of a fifth wheel, signal transducer(s), and compatible
a fifth wheel and using appropriate associated instrumentation. display devices.
4.2 The fifth wheel assembly and signal transducer(s) are
1.2 Thistestmethodalsodescribesthecalibrationtechnique
applicabletodigitaloranalogspeedanddistancemeasurement attached to the vehicle or the test trailer so that the fifth wheel
remains in contact with the normal roadway surface while the
systems employing a fifth wheel.
equipment is in motion. The rotation of this wheel is detected
1.3 The values stated in SI (millimetre-kilogram) units are
in a suitable manner and is translated into measurements of
to be regarded as the standard.
vehicle speed and distance with auxiliary equipment.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.3 Thespeedistobecommunicatedtothevehicleoperator
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
at all times, and should be visible without undue distraction or
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
a requirement for physical movement on the part of the
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
operator.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific
4.4 Fifth wheel calibration is performed by operating the
precautionary statements, see Section 7.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor- device at a fixed speed over a known distance and comparing
the speed and distance readout to a known speed and distance.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5. Significance and Use
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5.1 This test method may be used for calibration of speed
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
and distance measurement systems used on tire test vehicles
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
andtiretesttrailers,oranyland-basedvehiclethatcontactsthe
2. Referenced Documents
road and that uses a trailing-wheel system for measurement of
speed and distance. This test method applies only to hard, dry,
2.1 ASTM Standards:
smooth surfaces and is not accurate for highly curved vehicle
F538Terminology Relating to the Characteristics and Per-
paths. This test method does not encompass optical types of
formance of Tires
devices.
F1082Practice for Tires—Determining Precision for Test
Method Standards (Withdrawn 2005)
6. Apparatus
3. Terminology
6.1 Fifth Wheel—The fifth-wheel assembly shall be of
sufficient mechanical integrity to withstand long periods of
3.1 Refer to Terminology F538.
sustained operation with minimal maintenance. The wheel
vertical pivot assembly shall be sufficient to permit directional
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F09 on Tires
changes without inducing lateral skidding of the fifth-wheel
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F09.10 on Equipment, Facilities
and Calibration.
tire. The fifth-wheel assembly shall be equipped with a
CurrenteditionapprovedMay1,2017.PublishedJuly2017.Originallyapproved
suspension capable of minimizing bounce and wheel hop, due
in 1976. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as F457–04 (2010). DOI:
to roadway irregularities, to the extent necessary to ensure
10.1520/F0457-04R17.
measurement accuracy. The wheel shall be equipped with a
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
suitable tire, preferably of a straight-ribbed design. The tires
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
shall have a minimum (new) size of 349–37 (16×1 ⁄8). Tire
the ASTM website.
3 and wheel shall be balanced statically each time the tire is
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
www.astm.org. replaced.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F457 − 04 (2017)
6.2 Instrumentation—Fifth-wheelsystemsshallbeequipped ambient temperature range. The distance measuring device
with either analog or digital instrumentation for determining shallhaveacapabilityofaresolutionof0.076 60.038m(0.25
6 0.125 ft).
wheel rotation. Suitable readouts shall be provided.
6.2.2.3 Speed Readout—The speed display device shall
6.2.1 Analog Instrumentation:
consist of a digital number. The use of analog integration or
6.2.1.1 Generator (tachometer)—The generator shall be
successive approximation techniques of speed determination,
coupled to the fifth wheel to produce an electrical output
or both, are not recommended unless equipment adjustments
proportional to the angular velocity (converted into linear
can be maintained within tolerances stated below, over the
velocity expressed in km/h (mph)) of the fifth wheel. The
expected temperature range of the instrumentation environ-
generator output shall be continuously proportional to the
ment.Thespeedreadoutdisplaysshallbecommunicatedtothe
rotational velocity within the required tolerance.The generator
vehicleoperatoratalltimeswithoutcausingunduedistractions
output shall be biased after engineering unit conversion by an
orrequiringphysicalmovementonthepartoftheoperator.The
amount less than or equal to 0.5% of the converted speed, or
minimum increment of the digital speed readout shall be 1
0.3 km/h (0.2 mph), whichever is greater. The generator
km/h, if the readout displays in km/h, or 1 mph, if the readout
responsetochangesinspeedshallnotexceed0.5sthroughput.
displays in mph.
Generator operation shall not be degraded by direct or con-
6.3 Tire Pressure, to be accurate to 3 kPa (0.5 psi).
densed moisture, road film, petroleum residue, dust, salt, or
6.4 Stopwatch (required only for analog instrumented fifth
other environmental contaminates and ambient temperature
wheel).
extremes.
6.2.1.2 Speed Readout—The display shall measure the gen-
7. Safety Precautions
erator output and display the output as kilometres per hour
7.1 Fifth-wheelassembliesshallbeinspectedperiodicallyto
(miles per hour). The generator output readout shall be
assure security of attachment. A safety chain is recommended
equippedwithalowpassactivefilterthatwillreducetheripple
to prevent loss under extreme operating conditions. Wheel
output of the generator to less than or equal to 1% of the
assemblies should not be subjected to undue side forces, or
measured signal or 0.8 km/h (0.5 mph) peak to peak, which-
other conditions that may either impair accuracy or present a
ever is greater. The maximum propagation delay of the
hazard to adjacent vehicles.
filter/readout combination shall not exceed 0.5 s. The readout
shall be biased to an amount less than or equal to 1.0% of the
8. Calibration Procedure
true speed, 0.5 km/h (0.3 mph), whichever is greater.
8.1 Since analog instrumentation measures fifth-wheel an-
6.2.1.3 Distance Readout—The distance measuring device
gular velocity and digital instrumentation measures angular
shall consist of a counter actuated by the fifth wheel with an
displacement, follow different calibration procedures for each
output of at least 31 counts per metre (10 counts per foot).
system. In either case, accomplish calibration by adjustments
Distance traveled is calculated by multiplying the distance per
of electronics rather than tire pressure or other mechanical
pulse by the number of pulses indicated. The count shall be
means.Adjustment of tire pressure may affect the dynamics of
restorable to zero and possess sufficient digit capacity to
the fifth-wheel suspension and may disrupt optimum tire-road
minimize the need for recycling the count during testing. The
contact. However, small tire inflation pressure changes less
analog integration of an electrical generator signal to yield a
than 5 psi may be used for small recalibration adjustments.
distance measurement is not recommended. The distance
8.2 Fifth-Wheel Preparation:
measuringdeviceshallhaveacapabilityofaresolutionof8cm
8.2.1 Install the fifth wheel according to the manufacturer’s
(3 in.).
instructionsandasnearaspossibletothemid-trackpositionof
6.2.2 Digital Instrumentation:
the vehicle.
6.2.2.1 Transducer—The digital transducer shall produce a
8.2.2 Adjust the fifth-wheel tire pressure to the manufactur-
periodic electrical signal whose period is some integer fraction
er’s specification.
of the revolution rate of the fifth wheel, and there shall be a
8.2.3 It is common practice that the fifth wheel be prepared
minimum of ten signal counts per 0.3 m (1 ft) of travel of the
for testing by running at least 8 km (5 miles) at approximately
fifth wheel along the vehicle path. The transducer shall be
64 km/h (40 mph) immediately before use. Normal travel in
capable of providing the periodic electrical signals at speeds
preparation for calibration fulfills this requirement.
from zero to the maximum speed necessary for the test being
8.3 Analog Calibration—The ultimate accuracy of speed
conducted. Transducer operation shall not be degraded by
measurements is determined principally by the accuracy to
direct or condensed moisture, road film, petroleum residue,
which the speed per volt or current calibration can be estab-
dust, salt, or other environmental co
...