National Concrete Pavement Technology Center

Project description

This project was a continuation of a previous study that focused on the effects of pavement macrotexture on bicycle ride quality using input from bicycle club members and their bicycles on state highways, and considered changes to Caltrans chip seal specifications that resulted in seals with larger maximum size stones being typically used. This second project included a wider range of bicycle riders and bicycle types, considered pavement roughness and distresses in addition to macrotexture, and included measurements on urban preservation treatments and city streets as well as on treatments on state highways and county roads. This study also examined preservation treatment aggregate gradations and the mechanistic responses of bicycles to pavement macrotexture and roughness. The results of both projects were used to prepare recommended guidelines for the selection of preservation treatments that are best suited to bicycle routes on California’s state highways and local streets. Macrotexture, roughness, and pavement distresses were measured for different preservation treatments on 67 road sections distributed in five northern California and Nevada cities (Davis, Richmond, Sacramento, Reno, and Chico) and on a number of Caltrans highway sections and county roads. Bicycle ride quality surveys were conducted with a total of 155 participants. Correlations of the measurements and ride surveys were preliminarily explored. Models for bicycle ride quality and physical rolling resistance were also developed. Long-term monitoring of pavement macrotexture for larger stone seals on highway LA-2, SLO-1, and Mon-198.