Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) Used as a High Friction Surface Treatment (HFST) on Pavements and Bridges

High Friction Surface Treatment (HFST) has been a successful strategy for the SCDOT to restore and improve the frictional properties of pavement surfaces, which subsequently helps motorists maintain better control in both dry and wet driving conditions. HFST involves the application of a thin layer of very high-quality aggregate (imported calcined bauxite) to the pavement surface using a polymerized binder. The benefits of HFST have been well documented, however, the high cost renders its use to limited situations. Research is needed to investigate and validate the use of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) for HFST applications, which has the potential to employ locally produced materials and yield the benefits of HFST at a much reduced cost. The objective of this research is to review current HFST usage practices for pavements and bridges by DOTs around the country and explore the use of UHPC produced using local materials as a potential HFST that is economical and durable. The research will investigate the laboratory and field performance of local aggregates, the UHPC produced with the local aggregates, and then compare against the performance requirements of existing specifications for traditional HFST that require the imported calcined bauxite. The field performance evaluation component will comprise of a minimum of two projects that involve restoring frictional resistance on horizontal curves on pavement surfaces as well as on a bridge deck. Maintenance concerns as well as potential additional applications will be considered in the overall evaluation.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Sponsor Organizations:

  South Carolina Department of Transportation

  955 Park Street
  P.O. Box 191
  Columbia, SC  United States  29202-0191

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Project Managers:

  Heaps, Meredith

• Performing Organizations:

  Clemson University

  Box 345702, Room 300, Brackett Hall
  Clemson, SC  United States  29634
• Principal Investigators:

  Rangaraju, P

• Start Date: 20211001
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge decks; Concrete; Friction; Pavement design; Surface friction (Geophysics); Ultra high performance concrete
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01776266
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: South Carolina Department of Transportation
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Jul 8 2021 12:27PM