Materials used for high friction pavement

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Materials used for high friction pavement are selected for their ability to increase skid resistance, improve vehicle control, and enhance road safety in critical areas. Some of the most commonly used materials for high friction surface treatments (HFST) include:

1. Calcined Bauxite

• Calcined bauxite is the most widely used material for HFST due to its exceptional hardness and skid resistance. It offers high levels of abrasion and polish resistance, which ensures durability and effective long-term friction. It's commonly used on highways, intersections, and sharp bends.

• It provides consistent performance even under extreme weather conditions and heavy traffic.

2. Ceramic Aggregates

• Ceramic aggregates are known for their durability and skid-resistant properties. These are often used in place of natural aggregates for specific applications requiring eco-friendliness, reduced maintenance, and longevity. They offer excellent performance in anti-skid surfacing and are resistant to wear.

• They are ideal for areas with frequent vehicular traffic or in regions with heavy rainfall or snow.

3. Epoxy Resin and Polyester Binder

• Epoxy resin and polyester binders are used in combination with high-friction aggregates like calcined bauxite or ceramic particles. These binders ensure that the aggregates adhere to the road surface and provide a long-lasting skid-resistant layer.

• Epoxy-based HFST is particularly useful for high-traffic areas that require rapid curing and can be applied in both hot and cold climates.

4. Methyl Methacrylate (MMA)

MMA is another popular binder for HFST, especially in cold-applied systems. It forms a strong bond with the aggregate material and creates a durable, skid-resistant surface. It is favored for its quick setting time and minimal traffic disruption during application

5. Thermoplastic Binders

• Thermoplastic binders are often used in hot-applied HFST systems. They are heated and mixed with high-friction aggregates like calcined bauxite or ceramic materials, which are then applied to the road surface. These binders provide excellent adhesion and a long-lasting finish that can withstand extreme temperatures.

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Applications

These materials are typically applied in areas where road safety is critical, such as:

• Sharp curves

• Steep grades

• Pedestrian crosswalks

• Highway exit ramps

• Intersections

High friction surfaces made with these materials help reduce the risk of accidents by improving traction and braking performance, particularly in adverse weather conditions. They are key to enhancing the overall safety of road infrastructure, ensuring better vehicle control in hazardous zones.

High Friction Surfacing Treatments have been used worldwide for over 25 years, significantly reducing accidents on Horizontal Curves. HFST systems are designed to dramatically increase both asphalt and concrete pavement friction properties.  The current industry standard for HFST systems is comprised of an epoxy binder dressed with calcined bauxite aggregates. Although a proven system, epoxy tends to compromise asphalt pavements because of the epoxy's high coefficient of thermal expansion (COTE).  Epoxies are also prone to UV degradation as they age becoming brittle and ineffective.  These systems are problematic due to adhesion issues with concrete.

Endurablend&#;s cementitious base with UV stable polymers provides a significantly lower COTE than epoxies and improved system longevity and effectiveness. Endurablend has excellent bond strength to both asphalt and concrete surfaces and the ability to hold aggregates equally as well as epoxies.

Innovative installation techniques allow Endurablend to be applied in a patterned textured configuration that provides channels for water dispersion allowing for the use of finer aggregates. This channeling and the use of finer aggregates improve the friction numbers achieved by HFST systems. This patterned approach also mitigates conflicting COTE characteristics between the substrate and HFST coatings.

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