FRICTIONAL PROPERTIES OF HIGHWAY SURFACES

Purpose of study was to evaluate effects of differential friction; compare experimental and standard texturing techniques of PCCP; determine if Mu-Meter is capable of measuring frictional effects of grooving and develop wet pavement accident analysis system for use in Arizona. All phases of project were successfully completed. Results of program have shown that differential friction can cause an extremely hazardous condition for a braking vehicle. As this problem can occur at high or low friction levels, and present maintenance and construction techniques can cause differential friction, it should be given major consideration in any pavement friction evaluation. Equations have been derived which will allow engineer to determine magnitude of problem. There is a strong indication that differential friction may be as important in causation of wet pavement accidents as low friction levels. If so, a major reevaluation of present friction evaluation and corrective techniques may be necessary. All burlap drag textures tested produced poor, non-uniform finishes that were significantly less durable than other textures tested. For this reason, it is suggested that burlap drag texture not be used in the future. Nylon bristle broom texture produced best overall results, while magnesium fluted float produced unusual textrue that definitely has merit. The Mu-Meter is capable of measuring side-force effects of grooving PCCP. Benefits obtained from longitudinally grooving, however, are dependent on original friction level. Through study, a viable system has been developed for predicting wet exposure accident rates and for realistically comparing wet-dry accident results. /Author/

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Sponsored by Arizona Department of Transportation.
• Corporate Authors:

  Materials Services

  1745 West Madison Street
  Phoenix, AZ  United States  85007
• Authors:
  • Burns, J C
• Publication Date: 1975-8

Media Info

• Pagination: 124 p.
• Serial:
  • Issue Number: 1H228

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Braking; Friction; Highway safety; Pavement grooving; Pavements; Portland cement concrete; Wet weather
• Uncontrolled Terms: Wet pavements
• Old TRIS Terms: Frictional properties; Mumeter
• Subject Areas: Highways; Pavements; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00149581
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Federal Highway Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-AZ-RD-75-1-146 Final Rpt., 3
• Contract Numbers: HPR 1-12(146)
• Files: NTIS, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Apr 13 1977 12:00AM