The surface friction of an asphalt pavement is critical for ensuring adequate skid resistance and driver safety.
As virgin aggregates are costly and limited, recycled asphalt is often used as a base course in pavement construction. However, because the frictional properties of these recycled aggregates are unknown, it’s rarely used as a surface material.
To quickly assess the frictional properties of new and recycled aggregates and determine whether recycled aggregates could be used in cost-effective surface treatments, the Tennessee Department of Transportation conducted laboratory and field skid resistance measurement tests to identify practical devices and procedures for determining aggregate friction properties.
Read the report: Investigating the Long-term Frictional Properties and Establishing Aggregate Polishness Guidelines for Asphalt Surface Mixtures in Tennessee, April 2025.
Image source: Tennessee Department of Transportation