Abstract

A network pavement inventory friction test program should consist of three parts: testing system calibration and performance verification, friction testing, and data management. The friction testing system must be calibrated and its performance must be verified before test seasons and whenever significant changes have occurred. Friction testing should be conducted annually on interstates. Test frequency for other routes may be reduced. Also, friction testing should be conducted consistently in the driving lane. Test intervals should be large enough for the operator to adjust test speed.

Differences exist between the friction numbers measured by smooth and ribbed tires. For grooved concrete surfaces, the difference is negligible. For others with low or medium friction, the average difference is about 17 or 12. Different surface features may result in different speed gradient curves. Seasonal variation is not significant. A minimum friction requirement of 20 to 23 was identified for the smooth tire. Friction data management is an important part for the network inventory friction test program. Geographical information system (GIS) technology can be utilized to monitor network pavement friction condition efficiently.

Issue Section:
Research Papers
Keywords:
network inventory friction testing, friction test track, test frequency, test tire, test speed, seasonal variation, friction requirement

References

1.
Skid Accident Reduction Program
,
Technical Advisory
 T5040.17,
Federal Highway Administration
,
U.S. Department of Transportation
,
1980
.
2.
Manual for Pavement Friction Test
, Revised Edition, The Research Division,
Indiana Department of Transportation
,
West Lafayette, Indiana
,
2002
.
3.
Henry
,
J. J.
,
Evaluation of Pavement Friction Characteristics, NCHRP Synthesis 291
,
Transportation Research Board, National Research Council
,
2000
.
4.
Sabir
,
H. M.
 and
Wade
,
L. G.
,
Wet-Pavement Safety Programs, NCHRP Synthesis of Highway Practice-158
,
Highway Research Board, National Research Council
,
1990
.
5.
Henry
 
J. J.
, “
Use of Blank Tire and Ribbed Test Tires for Evaluating Wet Pavement Friction
,”
Transportation Research Record
 788,
1981
, pp.
1
–
6
.
6.
Kummer
,
H. W.
 and
Meyer
,
W. E.
,
Tentative Skid-Resistance Requirements for Main Rural Highways, NCHRP-37
,
Highway Research Board, National Research Council
,
1967
.
7.
Henry
,
J. J.
,
Saito
,
K.
, and
Blackburn
,
R.
,
Prediction Model for Seasonal Variations in Skid Resistance
, Vol.
II
Comprehensive Report, FHWA/RD-83/005, Final Report,
1984
.
8.
European Tyre School
,
Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Elastomers
,
1999
.
9.
Farber
,
E.
,
Janoff
,
M. S.
,
Cristinzio
,
S.
,
Blubaugh
,
J. B.
,
Reisener
,
W.
, and
Dunning
,
W.
,
Determining Pavement Skid-Resistance Requirements at Intersections and Braking Sites, NCHRP-154
,
Transportation Research Board National Research Council
,
1974
.
10.
Ronald
,
L. R.
,
Burchett
,
J. L.
, and
Warren
,
L. A.
, “
Relation of Accidents and Pavement Friction on Rural, Two-Lane Roads
,”
Transportation Research Record
 633,
Transportation Research Board, National Research Council
,
Washington, DC
,
1977
.
11.
Stephen
,
N. R.
 and
Maphone
,
D. C.
, “
Critique of Tentative Skid-Resistance Guidelines
,”
Transportation Research Record
 633,
Transportation Research Board, National Research Council
,
Washington, DC
,
1977
, pp.
28
–
33
.
12.
Zuieback
,
J. M.
, “
Methodology for Establishing Frictional Requirements
,”
Transportation Research Record
 623,
Transportation Research Board, National Research Council
,
Washington, DC
,
1977
, pp.
51
–
61
.
This content is only available via PDF.
All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or copied, in whole or in part, in any printed, mechanical, electronic, film, or other distribution and storage media, without the written consent of ASTM International.
You do not currently have access to this content.