EFFECTS OF PAVEMENT GROOVING ON FRICTION, BRAKING, AND VEHICLE CONTROL

A comprehensive literature review and laboratory and full-scale tests were performed to develop mathematical models that would predict the effects of pavement grooving on friction, braking, and vehicle control. The mathematical models predict the response of automobiles, motorcycles and articulted vehicles. Based upon the test motrcycle, rider evaluation demonstrates a perceptible difference between traffic-worn and unworn grooving and the effect becomes more pronounced at higher speeds. Also, the effect of pavement grooving on motorcycle response cannot be detected from electronic instrumentation that measures steering angle and steering torque. The various grooving geometries tested do not show any significant difference for the cases considered. In addition, for a typical small car towed-vehicle combination the effects of grooving, using electronic instrumentation could not be detected at different speeds for various trailer and tongue loads. No full-scale instrumented tests were performed for an automobile. Based upon computer simulation of a medium weight vehicle, the effect of grooving is more beneficial for lower friction than high friction pavements. Also, for the case considered, a 50 mph constant steer maneuver on a 400 ft radius curve, the grooves provide a very noticeable increase in the vehicle's directional stability. Recommendations are presented based upon automobile driver and motorcycle rider evaluation of the grooved pavements, the test data, and computer simulation.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Sponsored by Federal Highway Administration.
• Corporate Authors:

  Texas Transportation Institute

  Texas A&M University System, 1600 E Lamar Boulevard
  Arlington, TX  United States  76011
• Authors:
  • MARTINEZ, J
  • Young, R D
  • Faatz, W C
• Publication Date: 1976-3

Media Info

• Pagination: 179 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automated vehicle control; Automobiles; Braking; Forecasting; Mathematical models; Motorcycles; Pavement grooving; Pavements; Reviews; Simulation; Surface course (Pavements); Texture
• Uncontrolled Terms: Articulated vehicles
• Subject Areas: Highways; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00153881
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Federal Highway Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-RD-76-166 Final Rpt., FCP 31H2252
• Contract Numbers: DOT-FH-11-8267
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Sep 20 1977 12:00AM