A laboratory procedure for predicting skid and polishing resistance of road surfaces

Abstract

Skid resistance of road surfaces is an important safety parameter. Decreasing skid resistance correlates with increasing number of accidents. The presented study aims for a correlation between lab-based polishing simulation and skid resistance measurement and evolution of the skid resistance under traffic in the field. A prediction model for skid and polishing resistance based on the Wehner/Schulze device was developed. The lab procedure as a basis for the model works on the hypothesis that a maximum level of skid resistance exists that can be regenerated even from a highly polished state by sandblasting of the surface. This hypothesis was verified for an asphalt and concrete surface material. The prediction model was set up by correlating field data on skid resistance and traffic volume from 14 test sections to cores taken from these test sections and tested in the lab. A linear regression links the cumulated traffic volume in the field with the number of polishing passes in the Wehner/Schulze device. Thus, it is possible to simulate millions of wheel passes within a couple of hours in the lab to generate equal skid resistance level and predict the skid resistance level of a road surface after years under traffic. 1.1. Motivation and objectives The present situation in many road design guidelines, e.g. (FSV 2015), is to set requirements regarding the skid and polishing resistance of the coarse and/or fine aggregate fraction of a surface

Impact of Traffic Volume on Pavement Macrotexture and Skid Resistance Long-Term Performance

“…The initially achieved microtexture level of the asphalt mixture can also influence the long-term polishing behavior of an asphalt road surface due to traffic, and consequently affects pavement functional performance in terms of skid resistance ( 12 ). With this in mind, the input of traffic data has been utilized by researchers to integrate into predictive models for skid resistance evolution ( 13 , 14 ). However, beyond this factor, it has been noted that traffic characteristics and even the vehicle type composition of traffic have significant influences on the skid resistance level ( 15 ).…”

A Comparative Study on Skid Resistance of Concrete Pavements Differing in Texturing Technique

“…Studies on the skid resistance of concrete pavements were mainly based on the results obtained on in situ road sections [ 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 ]. The variety of dynamic devices for measuring the friction coefficient used in different countries is an issue.…”

“…A well-known device is the German FAP machine (also called Wehner/Schuzle machine). However, works on developing a relationship between the results obtained in the laboratory and for in-service pavements are still ongoing [ 13 , 36 , 37 , 41 , 42 ]. Numerous polishing stations have also been created around the world, where tires roll on samples prepared from materials intended for the wearing course.…”

Effect of the Compactness on the Texture and Friction of Asphalt Concrete Intended for Wearing Course of the Road Pavement

“…Generally, new asphalt pavement can provide enough friction, and the asphalt pavement will be polished due to traffic in its service life. The friction of the pavement will be deteriorated over time, which significantly increases the number of road accidents, especially under wet weather conditions [4,5]. In locations where traffic exerts a greater horizontal force, such as braking areas approaching roundabouts and junctions, or on bends and slopes, the polishing effect of traffic is amplified, and the friction coefficient tends to be lower.…”