SAFETY GROOVING IN LOUISIANA

Louisiana's solution to the problem of hydroplaning was to groove the pavement to produce a macrotexture capable of discharging water to neighboring voids and thus reduce the hydrodynamic forces. Specifications adopted in Louisiana called for the grooving blades to be 0.095 inches wide + or - 0.003, and spaced at 3/4 inch. The equipment included blades driven by a 270 h.p. diesel engine while a tractor provides the push. A large tank truck is pulled behind the groover and receives the water and concrete residue which is vacuumed up from the pavement. A couple of properly placed hinges allow the tractor and the bank of blades to operate independently thus permitting the blades to conform to a certain amount of pavement irregularities. The grooving projects are being evaluated in 2 areas: accident rate reduction; observation of the grooved surface. The Louisiana grooving specifications are detailed.

  • Corporate Authors:

    Federal Highway Administration

    1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
    Washington, DC  United States  20590
  • Authors:
    • Swertfager, W E
  • Publication Date: 1976-4

Media Info

  • Pagination: p. 22-28
  • Serial:

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00149790
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS, USDOT
  • Created Date: Aug 31 1977 12:00AM