The American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) published the final document, which promotes a better understanding of the benefits of High Friction Surface Treatments (HFSTs). This document provides insights into the benefits and challenges involved in effectively installing HFSTs. It highlights successful applications, and provides readers with contacts and resources to consult when considering their own use of the treatment.
This document includes the following components:
• An overview of what HFSTs are, where they can be used, the different materials that are available, and other introductory materials.
• Case studies of successful applications of HFSTs made throughout the United States to address different crash issues.
• In-depth information on the aggregates, binders, and testing methods associated with HFSTs.
• National and state contacts that the reader may use to obtain more information on specific HFST installations, and useful website resources that may be consulted.
• A glossary of terms used throughout the document, past research results related to the treatment, and a list of the references cited throughout the document for reader reference.
Over 50% of fatal roadway departure crashes occur on roadways classified as Local Roads and Collectors. One contributor to vehicles leaving the roadway is insufficient pavement friction. When a vehicle’s frictional demand exceeds the frictional force between a tire and the pavement, a skid develops. Such skids are particularly a problem when the pavement is wet (especially at horizontal curves), but may also be a problem because of low friction due to polished aggregate. On local roads, approaches to address low friction can include the use of high friction surface treatments, namely in spot applications where crash experiences suggests they may be needed. These treatments can address three conditions of concern: low friction, marginal friction affected by weather, and friction values not compatible with speeds and geometrics.
ATSSA has recognized the need for a publication that can serve as a resource and reference document for local government personnel to consult when considering high friction surface treatments. The purpose of the work was the development of such a document.
The expected reference document is divided into five parts. This includes an introduction, case studies, a glossary, and a discussion of materials and resources (websites, contacts, etc.).
The objective of this project is to develop a publication that can serve as a resource and reference document for local government personnel to consult when considering high friction surface treatments.
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