In this paper, laboratory test methods reproducing phenomena affecting pavement skid resistance evolution are presented. Polishing tests are performed by Wehner/Schulze machine to simulate the polishing induced by traffic and the binder removal phase (typical for bituminous asphalt concrete). Accelerated aging tests are performed by a weatherometer, operating conditions being adjusted according to local weather conditions, to simulate the binder aging responsible for friction increase at early age. With respect to seasonal variations, a new test was developed to evaluate the effect of pollutants deposited on the road and the washing effect of rainfalls. Description of specimens and test procedures is given. Simulations are compared to observations to check their relevance. A model is developed to combine, in a physical way, laboratory test results and give place to a prediction of the friction-polishing duration curve. Conversions are done to predict actual skid resistance variation from laboratory polishing curve. Predictions are compared to road data and results are discussed.
Laboratory test methods for polishing asphalt surfaces and predicting their skid resistance