ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: In this study, three different pavement surfaces were investigated to assess their friction properties in terms of traffic safety. The study was initiated after a fatal traffic accident that occurred when a motorcyclist was changing lanes in a motorway in rainy weather. The studied circumstances included longitudinal joint patching with fine asphalt mastics with and without chippings, random pavement patches, and road markings. Measurements were done using the pendulum test (PVT) and using the Portable Friction Tester (PFT). Friction was measured by obtaining the dry and wet surface friction values and a reference friction value from intact pavement adjacent to the patched areas. The study findings generally confirmed the visual assessment of surface slipperiness; and the friction values were generally lower for the wet surfaces than for the dry surfaces. In addition, the longitudinal joint strips without chippings had lower friction values compared to the sanded strips. Due to the lack of proper criteria, it was not possible to judge if the measured friction values were acceptable. However, this preliminary study is the first step in the development of friction criteria for pavement rehabilitation work to ensure the safety of road users.
