EVALUATION OF PAVEMENT FRICTION CHARACTERISTICS

TLDR

The report outlines the current state of practice for evaluating pavement friction characteristics, including wet pavement friction of new and restored surfaces. The synthesis report is intended for pavement design, construction, management, and research engineers, highway safety officials, and others concerned with pavement friction characteristics. The synthesis gathered data from U.S., Canadian, and international transportation agencies and literature, covering methods for measuring and reporting friction and texture, causes of friction changes, aggregate and mix design considerations, noise and ride quality trade‑offs, and the International Friction Index. The report notes limited information on economic and legal impacts on pavement friction.

Abstract

This synthesis report will be of interest to pavement design, construction, management, and research engineers, highway safety officials, and others concerned with pavement friction characteristics. It describes the current state of the practice for evaluating pavement friction characteristics. Information for the synthesis was collected by surveying U.S., Canadian, and international transportation agencies, and by conducting a literature search to gather additional information. This report of the Transportation Research Board provides information on wet pavement friction characteristics of new and restored pavements. It includes information on the methods for measuring and reporting friction and texture, causes for friction changes over time, and on the related aspects of aggregate and mix design to provide adequate friction. A limited amount of information on the impact of economic and legal considerations is also included. In addition, considerations of noise and ride quality are discussed when compromise may be required. The International Friction Index (IFI) is included with information on the measuring and reporting of friction and texture.