Recommended Citation
Li, S., Xiong, R., Yu, D., Zhao, G., Cong, P., & Jiang, Y. Friction surface treatment selection: Aggregate properties, surface characteristics, alternative treatments, and safety effects (Joint Transportation Research Program Publication No. FHWA/IN/JTRP-2017/09). West Lafayette, IN: Purdue University. https://doi.org/10.5703/1288284316509
DOI
10.5703/1288284316509
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the long term performance of the selected surface friction treatments, including high friction surface treatment (HFST) using calcined bauxite and steel slag, and conventional friction surfacing, in particular pavement preservation treatments such as chip seal, microsurfacing, ultrathin bonded wearing course (UBWC), and diamond grinding. This study also attempted to determine the correlation between vehicle crash and pavement surface friction, which makes it possible to quantitatively establish the so-called crash modification factors (CMFs) that are extremely useful in selecting a cost-effective solution to reduce wet pavement vehicle crashes.
In-depth reviews were conducted to identify the aspects of the properties for aggregates used in HFST, including aggregate abrasion value (AAV), Los Angeles abrasion (LAA), Micro-Deval abrasion, and polished stone value (PSV). Extensive laboratory testing was conducted to examine the LAA, Micro-Deval abrasion, and PSV, and to provide first-hand data on the calcined bauxite and steel slag that may be used for HFST and friction surfacing in Indiana. Laboratory accelerating polishing was carried out to evaluate the effect of aggregate gradation and identify the HFST systems with satisfactory friction performance with respect to surface macro-texture and friction. Test strips were installed in the pavement on a real-world road to further evaluate the friction performances of the promising HFST systems under the true traffic polishing and assess the potential effect of winter and snow plough. Pull-off testing was also conducted to examine the bonding between the proposed HFST systems and the substrate surface. Field friction test data was utilized to evaluate the long-term friction performances of pavement preservation treatments, including chip seal, microsurfacing, UBWC, and diamond grinding. Statewide vehicle crash data between 2010 and 2014 was examined to determine the crash statistics associated with pavement friction. The crash data was also matched to the annual pavement inventory friction data to quantify the probabilistic association between vehicle crash and pavement friction with respect to interstate, US, and state highways, respectively.
Specification requirements were established for the properties of calcined bauxite and steel slag for HFST and friction surfacing with respect to LAA, Micro-Deval abrasion, PSV, Al2O3 content, and fine aggregate angularity (FAA). Specification requirements were also developed for HFST aggregate gradation and surface friction performance. Regression models were developed for predicting the friction numbers of chip seal, microsurfacing, UBWC, and diamond grinding over their service lives. Regression models were also provided to quantify the effectiveness of friction surfacing for interstate, US, and state highways, respectively.
Report Number
FHWA/IN/JTRP-2017/09
Keywords
friction surfacing, high friction surface treatment, calcined bauxite, steel slag, aggregate abrasion value, Los Angeles abrasion, Micro-Deval abrasion, polished stone value, Al2O3 content, fine aggregate angularity, chip seal, microsurfacing, ultrathin bonded wearing course, diamond grinding, macro-texture, mean profile depth, friction number, friction crash modification factor
SPR Number
3832
Performing Organization
Joint Transportation Research Program
Sponsoring Organization
Indiana Department of Transportation
Publisher Place
West Lafayette, Indiana
Date of this Version
2017