The term "Ball Bank Indicator" refers to an inclinometer (or Accelerometer used as an inclinometer) that is used for the specific purpose of determining safe  (uniform advisory) curve speeds for horizontal curves.  It measures the overturning force (side friction), measured in degrees, on a vehicle negotiating a horizontal curve - whether it is an isolated curve, multiple "S" curve, or a ramp to/from a freeway. It is a standard operating instrument used by Federal and State Departments of Transportation Nationwide along with other advisory transportation agencies including consulting civil engineering companies.

With Federal and State MUTCD recommending a variety of angles for setting safe curve speed, we've combined several options, and more into the industry leading digital RDS7-BB - making it easy to adjust for your specific safe curve speed regulations.

The original Ball Bank Indicator - 1023W1 (shown above) - has been the industry standard for ball banking for decades - used throughout the USA by DOT, highway and traffic engineers. Precision tube manufactured to MIL specifications, ±20º range, accurate 1º increments. Simple to use, it is a fast precise visual indicator.

The RDS7-BB-09 digital ball banking unit features an audible alert, an LCD displaying angle to 0.01º, RS232 output (instant readouts right to your laptop), and programmable trip angles for MUTCD compliance. Being the most versatile and easy to use ball banking package, it does not require a second operator to record the angle, the audible alarm alerts the driver allowing him to keep his eyes on the road - more cost effective and safer to operate.

• The angle and buzzer settings reflect the operating speeds of Federal, State, and local roads and highways, based upon the “Speed Zone Theory” and “85th Percentile Speeds”, which is adapted by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO); Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) and as defined in the Federal and/or State Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, (MUTCD)

• Industry standard used by DOTs to determine safe curve speed

• Relationships between ball bank indicator readings, lateral acceleration rates, and vehicular body-roll rates

Rieker has been manufacturing 'ball-in-tube" style inclinometers, angle indicators and measuring instruments since 1917. If you have an application that requires custom specifications, please contact us today

with your requirements.  One of our engineers will be happy to speak with you.