National Concrete Pavement Technology Center

Project description

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.