Mechatronic redesign of mechanical brushing apparatus to evaluate abrasive wear of road construction materials

Wear resistance is a fundamental mechanical property of materials. In road construction, the abrasive wear of materials leads to the deterioration of road surfaces, reducing the lifespan of civil infrastructure. Thus, materials used for road construction must resist wear caused by friction with vehicle tires and environmental factors that contribute to material degradation. Our goal was to optimize the current abrasive wear test by enhancing both the structural configuration and the performance of the existing mechanical brushing apparatus.•The brush used in the original mechanical equipment was replaced with a new wear system configuration that allows for the interchangeability of elements responsible for exerting abrasion forces. Hence, the test provides a more reliable assessment of material abrasive wear and offers repeatable and reproducible results.•By integrating mechanical design, modern control instrumentation, and user interfaces, this study presents an advanced application of mechatronics in laboratory equipment to improve user interaction, testing accuracy, and reliability.•The development of versatile laboratory equipment to measure the performance parameters of materials contributes to the standardization of tests that explain the behaviors of these materials, which are critical for both academic researchers and industry professionals involved in civil infrastructure maintenance.