Quantification of Surface Micro- and Macro-Texture

The effect of the aggregate texture (micro-texture) and the effect of the texture of the compacted hot mix asphalt (macro-texture) on the skid resistance of a highway surface are well recognized. However, there is a lack of a fundamental understanding of the individual effect that each of these two properties, micro- and macro-texture, have on the final skid properties of the road. Most research studies in this regard have been based on theory, assumptions and sound engineering judgment. The individual effects have not been quantified and their contribution to skid under different conditions of moisture, speed and highway conditions are not well understood. Recent developments in optics and computers have allowed the collection of high definition three dimensional (3-D) images of the surface of the highway pavement. In particular, it is now possible to quantify micro-texture in the field in an effective and efficient manner. This can be done with the use of laser-based technology that allows measurements below 0.5 mm. Locally, the Texas A&M Transportation Institute has conducted research using the Aggregate Imaging System (AIMS) to evaluate aggregate properties and to establish relationships with skid. The AIMS combines hardware that captures real-time digital images of paving material samples, and software that analyzes shape, texture and ratio characteristics of aggregates. The AIMS is, however, an optical instrument whose resolution does not allow the accurate quantification of micro-texture to the extent that laser does. Nevertheless, this project offers a unique opportunity to compare the findings of both studies and gain mutual benefit by evaluating the same sections and materials with both technologies and establishing meaningful comparisons. During this study, we will apply 3-D laser technology to quantify the micro-texture and macro-texture of different pavement surfaces and determine their skid characteristics. The project will use a new model Laser Texture Scanner. Through posterior panel data analyses of the information, the project will investigate the relative contribution of micro- and macro-texture to skid resistance in the field and develop guidelines for aggregate and mix selection for improved long-term skid. The project will carry out field measurements in some of the same sections as the recently completed Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) study to continue to improve on the prediction of skid based on texture measurements.

• Record URL:
  http://www.chpp.egr.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/UTC-Project-Information-Project-11.pdf
• 

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Completed
• Funding: $209570.00
• Contract Numbers:

  DTRT13-G-UTC44

  TxDOT Project 0-6822

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Research and Innovative Technology Administration

  University Transportation Centers Program
  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590

  Texas Department of Transportation

  125 E. 11th Street
  Austin, TX  United States  78701-2483
• Performing Organizations:

  University of Texas, Austin

  Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
  1 University Station
  Austin, TX  United States  78712-0278
• Principal Investigators:

  Prozzi, Jorge

• Start Date: 20141201
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 20160303
• Source Data: RiP Project 38886

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aggregates; Hot mix asphalt; Image analysis; Lasers; Macrotexture; Microtexture; Pavement performance; Skid resistance; Texture
• Subject Areas: Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01548841
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Center for Pavement Preservation
• Contract Numbers: DTRT13-G-UTC44, TxDOT Project 0-6822
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Dec 28 2014 1:00AM