CURING THE CRASH RASH

The article describes how researchers are trying to develop safer and better roads by researching the development of pavements that are more durable and that resist icing. The research is being conducted by the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP). In cooperation with transnportation officials in 50 states, SHRP selected 1,000 test sites across the nation where pavement deterioration will be studied. It is an intensive effort to develop better and incident-free pavement. To help reduce polishing, low-temperature cracking, moisture susceptibility and rutting, SHRP will develop new asphalt specifications; research will attempt to relate measurable characteristics of asphalt binder to its performance in a pavement structure. The improvement of skid resistance is also being studied. Commercial products that will accomplish this are discussed. The concept of automated highways which will include wires, coded chips or nails in the pavement are also discussed.

• Corporate Authors:

  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Frisbie, T
• Publication Date: 1989-11

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 23-26
• Serial:
  • Traffic Safety (Washington)
  • Volume: 89
  • Issue Number: 6
  • Publisher: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Asphalt; Automated highway systems; Durability; Highway safety; Pavement performance; Pavements; Ruts (Pavements); Skid resistance; Specifications
• Identifier Terms: Strategic Highway Research Program
• Uncontrolled Terms: Rut
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Pavements; Safety and Human Factors; I80: Accident Studies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00490297
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Dec 31 2000 12:00AM