Friction on a runway is governed by two things: the microtexture and macrotexture of the surface, and the contaminants sitting on top of it. Rubber deposited by landing aircraft is the most common contaminant, and it builds up fastest in the touchdown zones where braking matters most. As rubber accumulates, wet-weather friction falls and the risk of reduced braking and directional control rises.
Friction testing gives you a measured friction value across the full length of the runway, identifies the sections falling below your maintenance and minimum thresholds, and tells you when rubber removal or resurfacing is due. It replaces visual assessment with data your engineers and auditors can act on.
RETEX operates two certified SARSYS friction testing units. Each is a vehicle-towed trailer running the continuous wet-wheel method, feeding friction values in real time to a vehicle-mounted computer. Continuous measurement records friction along the entire runway rather than at sample points, so the report reflects the real condition of the surface end to end.
Because the unit is trailer-based and self-contained, testing fits into normal airfield activity without closing the runway for extended periods.
Runway friction is a core safety threshold under CASA and ICAO frameworks. RETEX measures friction and macrotexture using approved continuous and fixed-slip devices, and reports your results against the maintenance planning level and minimum friction level that apply to your aerodrome. Where a section falls below the planning threshold, the report flags it so your team can schedule remediation before it becomes a minimum-level compliance issue.
We deliver results in a clear, report-ready format, with friction values plotted against your regulated thresholds so areas of concern are obvious at a glance. For Canberra Airport, results have been emailed to the asset manager within 24 hours of testing. Reports integrate into ongoing pavement management programs and support friction audits, safety cases, post-rubber-removal verification, and maintenance planning.
Airside work lives or dies on operational continuity. Our trailer-mounted units test between aircraft movements, which keeps the runway available and avoids the safety risk of static equipment on an active surface. We coordinate with airport operations teams around movement schedules so testing causes the least possible disruption to your day.
Friction testing and runway rubber removal are two halves of the same job. Testing tells you when rubber has built up to the point of cutting friction; removal restores it; a follow-up test verifies the runway is back within specification. RETEX delivers both, so you can move from audit to remediation to verification with one contractor and one accountable chain of reporting.
Will your friction testing meet our CASA and ICAO compliance requirements?
RETEX measures friction and macrotexture with approved continuous and fixed-slip devices and reports your results against the maintenance planning level and minimum friction level that apply to your aerodrome. The data is formatted to support your compliance reporting and safety case.
What device do you use, and is it certified?
RETEX operates two certified SARSYS friction testing units. They are trailer-mounted continuous wet-wheel testers that record friction in real time across the full length of the runway, rather than at sample points.
How much runway downtime does testing require?
Very little. The units are trailer-based and test between aircraft movements, within your operational windows, so the runway stays available and no static equipment is left on an active surface. We coordinate with your operations team around the movement schedule.
How quickly do we get the report, and in what format?
RETEX delivers a report-ready document with friction values plotted against your regulated thresholds, so below-threshold sections are obvious at a glance. For Canberra Airport, the asset manager has received the report within 24 hours of testing.
What happens if a section falls below the friction threshold?
The report flags it against the planning and minimum levels so your team can act before it becomes a compliance issue. RETEX also delivers runway rubber removal and re-tests afterwards to verify the surface is back within specification, so audit, remediation and verification sit with one contractor.
Can you mobilise to regional aerodromes?
Yes. RETEX operates nationally from offices in WA, NSW and QLD and tests both major and regional airports across Australia.
Tell us your aerodrome and your testing requirement, and our team will scope a friction testing program that keeps you compliant and your runway available.
Tell us what you’re looking for, and we will be in touch.
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