About R3
Bringing years of academic research and knowledge from the highways laboratory at Ulster University to the wider industry.
What We Do
Roads
Specialist surface testing
for highways
Runways
Complete runway pavement testing services
Racetracks
Motorsports consultancy and track testing solutions
About R3 Ltd
R3 Ltd is an independent testing consultancy service for Roads, Runways and Racetracks. The company was established to bring years of academic research and knowledge from the highways laboratory at Ulster University to the wider industry. Our highly educated team specialise in non-standard testing for pavement surfaces. Our specialised team offer an independent, discrete, cost effective consultancy services to help you look after your pavement surface.
We provide onsite and laboratory material testing including standard testing for highways and airport runways. Specialised testing for failing pavements, new material, product development, transportation research and the transfer of knowledge across disciplines is what set R3 apart. Having worked on roads, runways and racetracks around the world we can guarantee the highest standard of service from our experienced team.
R3 utilise a method for evaluating the grip of racetrack surfaces developed by Ulster University for the benefit of motorsport. The system was developed through the transfer of knowledge from the highways industry and adapted to fit the extremes of motorsport. Our testing methodologies provide racetrack surface characteristic data to motorsport regulators, racetrack operators and motorsport teams.
A fundamental part of our organisation is the commitment to continued academic research. As academics, research and development of new testing procedures and systems is at the core of R3. We can work with industry stakeholders and legislators for the onward development of pavement surface techniques for roads, runways and racetracks.
Who we work with
Management Team
Dr Campbell Waddell
R3 position: Managing Director
Academic position: Post-Doctoral Researcher at Ulster University
Dr Campbell Waddell obtained a PhD in 2019 having completed his thesis entitled “The Grip of Motorsport Surfaces” at Ulster University. The five-year research project developed a system for testing motorsport surface characteristics using knowledge from the road and airport industries. This represents a unique research project that has never been done before. A system for quantifying and measuring surface characteristics including grip was developed. Measuring surface characteristics such as microtexture, macrotexture, surface roughness and enveloping offered an insight into the surface factors influencing the tyre/surface interface. Experience has been gained from surface testing throughout the Singapore Grand Prix since 2017 as well as at other F1 and international circuits.
The research has resulted in surface testing of racetracks around the world from major International Circuits, to localised UK tracks. Significant knowledge has been gathered from investigating surface characteristics of track surfaces and applying it to the interaction with vehicle tyres.
The outcomes have the potential to help improve simulations for the motorsport industry, as well as the wider motor and tyre industries. Techniques can be used to improve vehicle performance and as an asset management tool for racetrack operators. The findings also offer an opportunity to improve the safety of motorsport events by better understanding racetrack surface characteristics.
Dr Campbell Waddell has over fifteen years’ experience working with road and airport surfaces. While studying for his doctorate, he worked for Findlay Irvine Ltd who manufacture GripTester. Part of this role was to be the product expert and involved technical support, development of techniques, training users and representing at conferences and on technical committees.
Steven Cobb
R3 position: Head of Sales and Marketing
Steve Cobb has been working in the UK roads industry for over 15 years. He is a driven sales proffessional and business leader with a proven track record in customer relationship management. Steve is responsible for R3’s sales and marketing strategy and ensuring our customers recieve the best experience possible.
Steve joins R3 from Gaist where he was their Head of Business Develpment for four years. He played a major part in growing Gaists annual sales revenue growth while securing significant industry partnerships and developing their highly successful marketing strategies.
Having worked as a Commercial and Event Manager with Hemming Group, Steve is well known within the roads industry. Organising and growing many of the major road industry exhibitions and conference in the UK, Steve has extensive connections throughout the industry.
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