SKID RESISTANCE - MEASUREMENT AND INTERPRETATION

Microtexture and macrotexture are identified as the two important properties of the pavement surface for the determination of skidding resistance. Both types of texture are controlled through the specification of materials. However microtexture is polished away by passing traffic, necessitating surveillance of the road surface. Measurement principles such as friction coefficients, skid resistance, comparison of results and the development of the European Friction Index are outlined. The portable skid resistance tester, SCRIM (Sideway force Coefficient Routine Investigation Machine), the Grip Tester and high-speed devices are described. The function of skid resistance standards is to provide a framework for targeting the provision of high skid resistance within a road network. Accident risk and skid resistance are discussed in relation to wet roads. Default investigatory levels for trunk roads are tabulated. Site specific risk assessment, accident data, UK skid resistance policies, and the possibility of litigation (including the erection of slippery road warning signs) are outlined.

• Corporate Authors:

  TRL

  Crowthorne House, Nine Mile Ride
  Wokingham, Berkshire  United Kingdom  RG40 3GA
• Authors:
  • Viner, H
• Publication Date: 2002

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 20 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Conferences; Crashes; Equipment; Legislation; Maintenance; Measurement; Policy; Risk assessment; Skid resistance; Standards; Statistics; Surfacing; Traffic signs; Warning systems
• Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
• ITRD Terms: 1643: Accident; 8525: Conference; 3674: Equipment; 1556: Legislation; 3847: Maintenance; 6136: Measurement; 173: Policy; 9129: Risk assessment; 3031: Skid resistance; 187: Specification (standard); 6555: Statistics; 2972: Surfacing; 553: Traffic sign; 8119: United Kingdom; 9113: Warning
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Law; Maintenance and Preservation; Policy; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00944723
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Jul 7 2003 12:00AM